Forget everything I said.

He has been crying inconsolably since I posted that last entry, with no clear reason as to why - outside of his mother's cocky assertion that she has this all figured out.

Touche.

Consuming a record number of resources on soothing.

Be back when the crying has ceased.

We are settling into a bit of a groove and it feels so good.

Everyone is a little more familiar with each other, which means better understanding what the different cries mean, and in turn handling each accordingly.

For example, this photo features the "I hate being naked" cry (or it could be "I don't want my new belly button photographed" but pretty sure it is the former). There is the "I'm hungry cry" which is unmistakably loud, overly dramatic, and usually involves a lip quiver - all in the span of about 15 seconds, it's not like I'm starving the little guy.

In total there are about five cries, which actually makes it relatively easy to get to the bottom of things. Unless of course it is the fussy cry, which has no root and usually requires a lot of walking, bouncing, and gliding to get through.

But ironically there is serenity in knowing why the crying is happening, even though it is still as loud and persistent and sometimes unstoppable.

You have to celebrate these milestones too, especially on the days when you're unbelievably tired. These victories give me the confidence to make it another day.

And of course his little face helps tremendously. Even the crying face makes me smile :)

Introductions

Many have asked how our first 'baby' has adapted to the addition of Ben - and I really couldn't have hoped for a better response.

A friend at work gave me a book about integrating dog and newborn. After reading the first 15 pages, I realized I had violated every suggestion they had (pay less attention to the dog in the weeks leading up to bring newborn home, practice walking with the stroller ahead of time, etc.), so I quit reading it and hoped for the best.

One thing we did do was bring one of Ben's blankets home from the hospital for Stella to get his smell before he arrived. She was very interested in this and sniffed the heck out of it so perhaps it really worked, hard to say...

But from the moment he came through the door, she has been fantastic. She initially welcomed him with curiosity, followed by a big lick in his ears, and has since taken a great interest in his feet. She kisses him when he sleeps and when he whimpers. She periodically peers into his cradle when he is sleeping to check on him. And she has ridden out even the worst crying spells with the rest of us.

I think the first week was the worst of it for her, when I barely had a chance to look at her twice given all that was going on. Now we're almost back to our regular routine, albeit slightly later in the day. She is still sleeping in our bed and climbing under the covers in the middle of the night. Though I detect more careful moves from her as she checks out the scene to ensure Ben isn't nearby. And I'm trying to get our morning walks back on schedule. Today we took a big, wonderful walk and everyone loved it.

I look forward to watching them get to know each other as time passes. Maybe Ben will even help Stella get over her fear of skateboards and basketball players, though that may still be down the road a bit...until then, we're grateful for the shared kisses.

Happiest Baby on the Block

Everyone talks about the lack of sleep during the first few weeks of bringing home a newborn. There is really no way to prep for it b/c you'd never subject yourself to this schedule otherwise.

You imagine the most tired you've ever felt and rationalize that you will be able to deal. The problem with this philosophy is that (I'd guess) the most tired you've ever felt was the result of one or two nights of bad or little sleep. With a baby, you're talking night after night of little sleep. Even with the perfect baby, they are feeding every couple hours for almost an hour, so you're basically just patching together a night of naps. Over time, this results in a little bit of delirium in anyone.

One thing I find curious, of all the advice you hear and receive, no one tells you how bad the first night is. Yet, after the fact, when talking about it with others, everyone agrees that is the worst ever. Take note, those who haven't been through it. I would have been comforted in knowing this in advance...

Anyway, sleep is the allusive prize parents go to bed seeking every night. Baby decides whether or not they will receive it. We had been achieving pretty average odds. Ben likes to sleep in his swing - the motion is calming to him - but whether he would get in and fall asleep was another matter.

A friend responded to our tired cries with the DVD "Happiest Baby on the Block" - basically a 'back to the womb' philosophy that involves Swaddling, laying baby's on their Side, Sucking, Swinging and Shhing - the Five S's. It recreates the atmosphere of the womb to calm the baby and I have to tell you, it really works.

Two nights does not a streak make, however it does give us confidence (and a little rest), to keep moving forward. Ben loves the swaddle - which we hadn't been using at all. And when hubby gets him in the side position he almost always immediately quiets. This allows him to go into his swing and sleep peacefully.

Of course there are still the other variables of hunger and a dirty diaper that can get in the way, but it does seem to offer a consistent solution that relaxes him. A great relief after a hysterical night earlier this week that nearly had me in tears. It is so hard to hear them upset, especially when you can't figure out how to make them happy.

Fortunately we've found the swaddle and that is a comfort to all of us...

Happy 2-week Birthday Ben!

We marked the day with a trip to the pediatrician to see how we're growing. Good news - he has gained almost a pound, up to 8.1 lbs from his discharge weight of 7.4. And he has grown 1.5 inches in length! All normal and good. And the weight gain means the breastfeeding is going as nature intended.

I found pictures tonight of hubby as a baby, they are twins.

Thank you!

A big thank you to grandma and grandpa for all their help last week. They loved the skin right off of Ben, did a record number of loads of laundry, cooked meals, ran errands, you name it. We loved that they could spend so much time with Ben while he was still tiny and fresh, and appreciated all the support around the house!

Thank you!!

An Outie!

Marking a major milestone - Ben lost his umbilical cord this morning! Hubby was holding him in bed after a feeding, I looked over and his little belly button was staring back at me (an outie). Sure enough, the little dried up cord was wrapped up in his swaddle blanket.

I find myself thrilled (we can take baths now), proud (he is growing up), and a little sad too. He is already outgrowing some of his newborn clothes. It is going by so fast already!

But with it also comes fun advancements - he is following colorful objects with his eyes and even turns his head to track them. He lays in his playgym and focuses on the dangling toys. And looks at pictures when we are reading.

Tomorrow we have our two week peds appointment where we'll confirm he is putting on weight and that all else is going well.