So Big

One day old.

And now, at 8 weeks.

Catching a smile!

Improvement

I almost don't want to say it, because typically when I do things go downhill...but, Dawson seems to be improving. I can't say that I know why- could be that I am no longer consuming dairy, could be that we have stayed home everyday this week and really worked on a routine. Who knows, but I'll take it! Thanks to all of you who wrote/called with ideas and support.

So, what is he doing now. The most amazing thing is that he can put himself to sleep at night. I feed him around 8pm and then he has a bath and goes right down. He may grunt and fidget for a few minutes, but then he is out. Now, why can't he do this during the day? My conclusion is that he has realized that there is a routine. So, now I am focusing on the routine during the day. We have launched into Babywise, which I didn't plan to do this early. We always start the order part- eat, play, then sleep early on, but not the cry it out part. With Ella it wasn't really needed. She learned to sleep on her own and was doing good naps and sleeping through the night by 9 weeks. I likely wouldn't have started with Dawson until about 8 weeks at the earliest. However, nothing else has worked for him (swing, carrying, rocking, etc.) with him so for my sanity and the chance that he may fall asleep I have started to let him cry. It seems to be working. He did put himself to sleep today after limited crying. We'll see how this continues to go!!!

That isn't gas...it is a smile. The shadow is sweet Ella trying to get a picture with her camera!

Ella sharing all of her favorite things- blanket, lovey, pillow and bunny.

Coffee Anyone?

Yes, I would love to have coffee with each of you! Especially as I hang out with one of our old playgroups and discuss why my little man doesn't sleep and watch our toddlers play together!

But, this post is more about how my ability to have a cup of coffee is an indicator of how my day is going. I had not been making coffee at home for some time. Not because I don't drink it when I am pregnant (although I couldn't stomach it for the first part of this last pregnancy), but it is hot here and I don't have much counter space for the coffee pot. Well, when my parents were here we made coffee every morning. I got hooked again. It is not caffeine, as it is only 1/2 caffeinated, but because of the yummy creamer that I have with my coffee and the thought of having a moment to relax a bit and drink it. Now that my parents are gone, a cup of coffee can tell you how my day is going. There have been many days when I don't make it at all, which is no big deal typically as we are busy doing something. The difficult days are either when I make it and the pot just sits there or when I make it, pour a cup and never drink it. The later seems to be happening most often. One day I ended up having iced coffee before dinner (thanks to Angela B. for introducing me to making this) just so I wouldn't waste the coffee.

So, why can't I get this coffee down. Dawson has 3 modes--sleeping, eating and crying.

Sleeping...no that doesn't look comfortable. I'll take whatever I can get.

Right before breaking out into a wail! Yes, the bottom lip is cute, but what comes afterwards is not!

And I can't get a picture of him eating since I am the food supply. Either Ella was a much easier baby or I just don't remember it being this hard. This little man fights sleep like he was going to war. He has been know to go up to eight hours without sleeping (4 is more typical). I have been into the pediatrician to discuss and the only advice she gave was to keep doing what I am doing as he is gaining weight and looks good. Well, she isn't living through these periods when he only cries or nurses, for HOURS. I'm looking for a new pediatrician. Not only for this reason, but because in my 3 interactions with her she always seems rushed and doesn't really listen. So, any advice you have would be appreciated. Anyone want to fly out for a visit?

Sorry for all of the complaining. This is a very honest post. We are having some wonderful moments sprinkled in with the difficult ones. And I know this will pass- hopefully soon!

Here are some more pictures...

Ella being a little mommy. We were at the lactation center to weigh Dawson and she found a baby, took off it's clothes and diapered it with one of Dawson's diapers and read to it while I nursed. What a big girl she is!

At the library with one of the puppets.

We are loving pig-tails. Although she is not cooperative with having her picture taken!