Colic or...?

A brief moment of Zen

I apologize for the lateness in this new post. I have been too busy, and too tired to walk up the stairs to the computer.

Just as we are starting to settle into a routine, the evil, elusive Colic rears its ugly head.

First, it was just a couple bouts of inconsolable crying a couple times per week. As new parents we scrambled to find the fastest way to fix it. Is she hungry? Dirty diaper? But then the crying turns into painful wails, as if she is in horrible pain. Then she has a monster poop and its all over.

Last week, it was a few hours every other night. Distressing, but manageable.

Now.....[sigh], it is an all day, exhausting ordeal. Won't sleep, isn't happy, crying, fitting...nothing works. Mia is tired. We are tired.

All the signs point to colic. But during those painful fits, I worry that it is something more. Pain when she poops. I just know there is something wrong. Doc suggested changing the formula to a lactose-free variety. It might help, but I now am resolving myself to the idea that is it just plain colic and there isn't much we can do but wait it out. Joy.

There is light at the end of this tunnel. But it is 6 weeks away. Can we last six weeks? Of course we can. Maybe some of my hair will fall out by then and Gabe will be visibly more gray around the temples. But we will endure this temporary pain. The first of many, I am sure.

So I am thankful brief quiet moment while she sleeps in her bouncy seat (the only place she will sleep), so I am stealing this moment to update the blog from my hubby's laptop in case I have to jump at the slightest stir. It's like a headache. If you catch it early, you can avoid a much worse pain later....

Easter, etc...

This weekend Gabe's parents came down to visit and be with Mia on her first Easter. Bonnie, a seasoned pro with babies, was a big help to us while we caught up on a couple of things. I was able to get my hair cut and colored and my brows cleaned up so I could feel like a woman again and not a blubbering zombie mom with bad hair.

The weekend was one for firsts:

Saturday, Mia's umbilical cord finally fell off! YEA! Just in time to wear this:

Sunday we all went to church. Mia's first time to church. After a meltdown when we put her in the car seat, once we were in the car she promptly went to sleep and slept all through the service until we got home.

Heading to Church...

After church we hosted Easter dinner with Gabe's family. Bonnie made an awesome feast, after which we all played a little Rock Band while Mia spent some quality time getting to know the family.

Gotta luv Grandma... Uncle Michael
It was a busy day for a little girl

Today, I am reveling in my first successful, albeit small, 1st outing with Mia by myself. A drive into town and back to go through Sonic for my daily Diet Coke. No meltdowns. YEA!

And that's not all.

Mia took her first nap in her crib (as opposed to the bassinet)

And, had her 1st few minutes of tummy time:

Oh, and we can't forget the 4 legged kids. They are slowly getting to know their new sister.

Could this be a little sibling rivalry? Auntie Cindy has her hands full!

Over the Hump

So THIS is how its supposed to be!
Things are finally settling down. My rash is slowly, but surely, clearing up. Itching is at a dull roar. Mia is on a good feeding routine. Eating every three hours during the day and sleeping 4-5 hours at night between feedings. So we are getting some good sleep. We even have spent a few nights relaxing in front of the tv and making up with our animals. Mia is just awesome. She is so strong! She wiggles and squirms and pushes and pulls. She holds her little head up like a pro! She coos and oohs and cackles. I am telling ya, at 2 weeks, this girl is going to town!

This week, we are working on outings. My friend Cindy is in town this week to help me ease into a couple of these hurdles that for some reason seem terrifying to me. Taking Mia out in the car on errands..etc. Today was a test of wills, nerves, and patience. We had a small outing planned. Mid morning Dr. appt for a weigh in then a quick trip to Target for some supplies. Yesterday's outing to Walmart was a success, I am feeling confident this will go smoothly. All is planned out carefully. I will feed her right before we leave, so that she is happy and full and we will be home by the next feeding time. out we go.

So far, so good. No meltdowns in the car. Love the car, they fall right to sleep.
Dr. appt went well, she is now over 8lbs. (should be with all she eats!)
Dr. then drops the doosie. Her newborn screen came back "insufficient", they couldn't get a reading. Needs to be re-done. Must go back to the medical center lab (20 miles away) and give another blood sample.
uh-oh. Ok. We could still make it home before feeding time if we hurry.
Fast forward 1.5 hours. Lab personnel are totally inept. Taking forever. Waiting...waiting....
Feeding time fast approaching. Please just let her sleep a little longer. Finally, we are called back. She sleeps through the undressing, the alcohol swab. Then THWAP! A prick in the foot.
Mia's eyes pop open! WAIL!!!!!! Getting the sample takes forever, WAIL!! WAIL!!
SCREAM!! SCREAM!!! By this time, she is in full blown freak out. Get to the car. Into the car seat. Screaming at the max. I fear she is going to choke herself.
I crawl in the back, take her out of the car seat and try to console her. Finally, she drifts off to sleep, we make it home ok.

So much for easing into outings.

Light

Our hang-out

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel?

Last night was good. We actually watched an entire movie (Twilight - awesome) while Mia slept in between feedings in the pack n play. Feeding schedule is still a challenge, but it is working out ok, without any major meltdowns, and we both got some good sleep with Mia only waking up once at 2am for a feeding.

Went to the dermatologist this morning and he gave me a monster shot of prednisone that is supposed to last 2-5 weeks. I am praying hard that it does the job. They warn me that there is the possibility it could come back after that. Please, please God, don't let it come back. Again, this is where the mind is a powerful thing. I WILL stay positive.

In the meantime, I am sending positive healing vibes through my whole body. And in the spirit of positive thinking....how can you not think positive when looking at this face?

P.S.

We decided to plant a tree to commemorate Mia's birthday. A Magnolia tree that will flower pink leaves every March that she can see from her room. Go Daddy!

Onward and upward!

A New Day

Yesterday I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with this awesome responsibility. Overwhelmed with emotions. Overwhelmed with guilt for my poor animals who have been so neglected. I miss them terribly. Overwhelmed with the urge to cry at every moment. When will my body finally heal and I can finally take a warm shower? Wear something other than loose pjs? Or even just be able to wear a bra? Will we finally get into a comfortable routine? Will we ever be able to sit in our family room and watch a movie and be a family again? Go out to dinner? Yesterday was just plain hard.

Today, I have a better outlook. The house is quiet. Just us chickens. I caught up on my favorite blogs, and gained a slightly new perspective. More positive. In love with our beautiful daughter. Excited for our new family.
I still long to get out of the house, take Mia for a walk around the property, enjoy the spring flowers. Get out of our bedroom and spend more time in the rest of the house. I am praying for warmer weather.

I thank God every day for Gabe. I would be lost without him.

Have an appt with the dermatologist in the morning. Hoping he can give me a miracle shot. Going to go by myself, get out of the house, refresh.