Schedule, I Wish!

Last Monday was our two month check-up. He weighed in at 13.5 lbs and 24 inches- 90% percentile. We got a big boy on our hands. I figured this because he wears 3-6 months in clothing. The appointment was very easy going, all the worry for nothing. Of course the night before I examined him from head to toe diagnosing him with  all sorts of crazy stuff. I had his father flipping out. We got a great report though. He does have a herniated belly button, but this should go away as he grows. He also has a hemangioma on his back, which should also go away with age. I'm sure my husband will hold our pediatrician to this! The man can and will remember everything. I think I was more upset about the shots than the baby was. I literally started tearing up and all he did was let out one good scream and went right back to sleep! Watching my baby in pain, an experience that I could live without. The feeling that comes over me, words cannot describe. I am a momma bear you know and I will without hesitation claw your face off if you hurt my young. Funny but true!

As we left the doctor my husband noticed my mood had changed and I was in attack mode. The doc was talking with us about our routine (or the lack there of). I explained how we did things: baby dictates the feedings, breast whenever baby wants, bottles when I am at work. Going to bed at 9 pm, sleeping mostly through the night with only one nighttime feeding. Sounds good and works for us...right!?! Well, wrong. Being a first time parent you should always assume you are probably wrong. Trial and error..the key to keeping your sanity. Now before I go onto explain how we were educated, please note this is our doc's opinion and you should always talk to your doc. Anyway, we learned he should be taking 6 oz bottle feedings, not the 2 that we had been giving him (this could explain some of the constant crankiness-he's still hungry dumbass, we will take note). Comfort breastfeeding before bedtime makes for a hard situation when Daddy or Grammy has him. (OK, I knew this one I just didn't care too much). Hey- I am the one with him 90 % of the time! He should be getting at least a 2-3 hour nap in the middle of the day, not the 5 or 6 twenty minutes naps we were getting. (This means I could nap too or get things done without a baby in my hands-Hallelujah!). Babies can get over tired- seriously?!? All they do is sleep, but this is true. When he is awake and not crying, let him stimulate himself. At this age you might feel the need (like I do) to constantly be making faces, or putting toys in his face. He needs to learn too, which could simply mean watching you clean. We can't have them in our arms all the time-yeah right, we can...we just shouldn't! Now your thinking duh I knew all this information, well knowing and putting into practice are two different things!

I felt crushed when we left the doctor's, here I thought we were making such progress. I was in charge and everything was flowing great (expect when I left the show to others). I internalized everything the doctor had said, I was a negligent mother for not knowing these important things! I took it out on the person closest to me (of course it was hubby). The babes and I took a long nap when we got home from the doctor's, I talked to my mother about everything we had learned and continued to have a foul attitude about it. Finally I came to the realization that I am a novice at parenting. I need to learn, I need to take information and try to apply it to our life. There is no right way to parenting-there is your way! You do things your way, your baby will be happy and taken care of no matter what. Take advice, educate yourself and then just live. 

(Until the 4 month appointment when you learn even more!)

Always remember we are all in this together!