Gearing up....
for a smile!Olivia's smiles are VERY rewarding, because she has been much more of a challenge than I ever imagined. I think a part of me thought that babies just sat there and happily sucked their pacifiers and sat in a bouncy chair or rode around in their strollers in between naps and feedings, and dozed to sleep when they got tired no matter what the environment. This was my experience with Charlotte, who was an ideal infant.
But, everything having to do with Olivia has been different from the delivery on. We love her tons but ever since her one month mark she has been a tough one, demanding constant attention, in very specific ways - or we are graced with blood curdling screams. We have better days (like I mentioned in the last post) but most just leave me hoping to survive the next. I've tried diet changes, mylicon, gripe water, you name it... If anyone has had a babe like this and has advice, I welcome it!
But, everything having to do with Olivia has been different from the delivery on. We love her tons but ever since her one month mark she has been a tough one, demanding constant attention, in very specific ways - or we are graced with blood curdling screams. We have better days (like I mentioned in the last post) but most just leave me hoping to survive the next. I've tried diet changes, mylicon, gripe water, you name it... If anyone has had a babe like this and has advice, I welcome it!
7 comments:
I feel for you! It's a shock when your child isn't like their sibling in this regard.... I don't have any good advice to share so I just hope things start going better!
Colic Calm gripe water seemed to make a marked improvement for Elle, who was pretty much super colicky till the two-ish month mark. I also had help from my sister--but you'll make it!! Time flies and soon she'll be settling down and calming down a whole lot more for you. We were fortunately a little more accustomed to it, because Creed was also colicky. When Elle gets that way still, I'll often try to get her to sleep on my chest, and that helps. Do you know the leg running thing to help relieve tummy trouble and gas? Good luck!! Babies are worth all the trouble, but sometimes they are SOOOOO much trouble....:) Love you!! Hang in there!
She is a cutie pie! Sorry about the colic. I guess on the upside, you'll get really strong arms and legs from the bouncing you'll be doing. :) Hold on and keep repeating to yourself "It's worth it!" That's what I do, because they're worth it!
Charlotte was definitely the anomaly. I've never seen a baby fuss so quietly. I clearly remember her letting out tiny whimpers and Helaman was like, "Wow, calm down!" If you can just think of Olivia as normal, that might help you stress less(?) Did you read Happiest Baby on the Block? That helped me deal with my babies' fussiness more calmly.
A lot of infants are like Olivia and it's just their personality. Natalia was and is totally like that, but that constant attention-seeking translated into a lot of adult interaction and learning and as a result she is extremely verbal. So by 17 months she was talking in sentences, knew her upper and lowercase letters, knows 50+ sight words, and a ton of other stuff. I'm not bragging because as you know Sonja was not like that at all. It's nothing special we did. I've decided I'm taking none of the credit or blame for my kids. They are so different without me doing a thing.
I have no advice for you.. but I just wanted to tell you that Olivia is adorable! :) I hope things get better for you.
My Ben is very much that way and the Hyland Homeopathic Colic Tablets helped amazingly well. The Happiest Baby on the Block made a huge difference as well. He is now five months and finally calming down but good luck!!
Oh man. I'm sorry. Been there and done that with Aubrey. For me, diet changes and reflux meds helped the most, but there were still days...
Just remember that it doesn't last forever. And yes, Charlotte was an anomaly. She DEFINITELY was the happiest baby on the block back in those days.
Your babes are both cute though.
Hang in there!
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