On Sunday, Reed turned one month old. Looking back on this crazy month, I’m blown away by how far we’ve all come. Early on, Reed had a lot of problems with painful gas that left him screaming most of the day and night. Adam and I were scared for him because he was only sleeping 5 or so hours per day (infants usually sleep 14 or so), and we were scared for ourselves because we weren’t sleeping at all. The constant intractable screaming was wearing on us too. I hated to see him in so much pain and know there was nothing I could do to immediately fix it.
He loves to sleep on us
A few course corrections later, and while Reed still has gas, he is passing it much better and is rarely in pain because of it. He’s eating well and sleeping brilliantly. He still needs to sleep with us (or, more accurately, on us), but we’re all getting a lot more sleep than before. I’m hoping that in the coming weeks he’ll be able to spend some time on his own, since right now he cries his lonely cry if he’s away from me or Adam for more than 3 minutes. I don’t mind that much since I love cuddling him, but it makes it difficult to get anything done. My in-laws are arriving for a week’s stay tonight and I’m just excited to have time to clean the house!
Last week, Reed started eating like an absolute pig. Turns out he was going through a growth spurt. He now is 4 inches longer than when he was born and gained 7 ounces in just 5 days. He really feels a lot heavier and his face and tummy are definitely filling out (he still has long skinny limbs). He’s also much more interested in the world around him. He loves looking at his reflection in the mirror and looking out the window on sunny days. He really enjoys
Reed's new friend Jacques the Peacock
playing with his hands and it’s awesome to watch him developing motor control. He’s even starting to become interested in toys — he’s fascinated by a colorful peacock toy, but the others don’t capture his attention yet. Best of all, he SMILED for the first time on Friday (and several times since) without gas. He’s just a very happy little guy and that thrills me to no end!
All in all, he is a dream baby, far more wonderful than I imagined he could be. He’s sweet, funny, loving, and beyond adorable. I could stare at him all day — and do. I keep saying to Adam “how did we make someone this perefct?” I wasn’t sure how I’d take to motherhood (and I especially worried in those first 10 days after having him), but I feel so bonded to him and so happy in this new role. I don’t know what challenges might come in months 2, 3, 4, etc., but I feel like we’re equipped to meet them.
May 26th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Simon needed to be held to sleep for much of his first few months, too. Reed is adorable.
May 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Happy one month! Reed is a cutie. Sorry to hear the first few weeks have been rough. I am sure you’ve heard this, but have you considered getting a sling? While my 6 foot tall husband could use our Dr. Sears’ sling, I am only 5 foot, and got a custom fit sling from Hot Slings. My younger son loved being in the sling, and it can free your hands so you can get stuff done. It also helps with reflux, since you can have him a little more upright. Kangaroo Korner pouches are also nice (I used one for the first 6 months, then switched).
May 29th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Thx David! It’s nice to know Reed’s not the only one. We’r working on getting him in his crib more.
Ayanna, good suggestion! I do have a pouch (from kangaroo corner), but I get tired really quickly when I carry him in it. I just started putting him in our Ergo carrier and I find that to be amazingly comfortable since it distributes his weight better. I even vacuumed with him sleeping in it yesterday. YAY!