I woke up this morning (not the 5 am feeding but the 8am-ish wake up) to a bruise on Andy's right forearm. Weird. I am pretty sure that it wasn't there when we went to bed, but maybe Parker or Caroline got to him and I didn't see. However...it was big-ish and purple-ish...so what does any mother do?
Google..."unexplained bruising in infants"
The results were devastating. Either the cops were coming in 2.5 seconds to arrest me or Andy could have any number of illnesses...I went with the latter...and therefore...was in tears. I just couldn't explain this bruise. So...next thing any mother would do? Call mom.
After talking with her I decided the best course of action would be to just watch it and if it got worse or more bruising occurred...I would take him to the doctor asap. If not, I would mention it at his 2 month appointment. Decided to hang-up with her b/c Andy was apparently ready to nurse...he was attacking that little hand of his and making the loudest possible slurp/sucking sound.
And then the light bulb turned on...
This (cute) boy had given himself an arm hickey at some point during the night.
A huge sense of relief flooded my body and then...
I laughed. It felt good.
I called my mom right back and she agreed. And she laughed.
So...the arm hickey is already fading...goodness may this be the LAST time I ever have to deal with my kids and hickeys (how do you make this word plural?). Hickeys are Grrrross.
Other general updates on the newest Baby Boy...
It really has been a smooth transition adding Baby Andy into the mix...almost like he has always been here. Parker and Caroline love him...most of the time. They kiss and love on him...sometimes a little too much. Caroline will bring burp cloths and the pillow when it is time for me to nurse him...she is so motherly to be only (almost) 16 months old. Don't get me wrong...it has been a smooth transition...but hard hard work. I told a friend it is hard work and late hours...but worth every single minute.
Andy was slow to gain weight in his first 2 weeks...only gained 2 ounces from the first pediatrician visit...9.10 to 9.12...and they wanted him back to birth weight (10 lbs) by the 2 week mark. So I was referred to an outpatient lactation appointment (waste of time) and was told to constantly feed him over the weekend...and it worked. He was at 10.1...it could also be the 2 oz of milk I gave him right before we left!
These cheeks tell a different story I think!
I really wanted to try to nurse again this time...with the twins my milk supply never came in...especially compared to this go round. I must say it has been nice to be able to provide for him in this special way, but I am not going to be the next president of my local La Leche League. It is hard to nurse and chase toddlers. Period. It is even harder to pump and chase toddlers. I had hoped to start building a supply of milk for when I return to work, but I really haven't had the time. I have two sad little bags of frozen milk in the freezer. But, whatever. No biggie...I have (I think) decided to give up the pump when I go back to work, supplement with formula while I am at work, and nurse when I am at home. Don't know how that will work out...but that is the plan.
Andy's 1 month visit went great...we saw Dr. B this time and she said he's "just perfect".
I think so too.
His stats:
H: 22 inches - 75% (which this is what he was at birth...just think it is a difference in who is measuring)
W: 10 lbs 10 oz - 75%
HC: 40.5cm - 95% (yes...I have big-headed babies)
Andy loves to be held. Loves it.
He loves to snuggle in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Loves it. (I NEVER would have allowed this with Parker and Caroline...it is funny how you do relax a little the second time around. Although...I do not allow him to sleep with us...only snuggle.)
Look at that little smirk on his face...he is so rotten!
Andy is making great eye contact and has even given me a few grins. I love it.
It really is amazing how your heart just grows and how much love it can hold.
Andy has been the perfect addition to our little family...we are so incredibly blessed.
3 comments:
We grew some big-headed babies, too. Love it.
So glad that all is well with you all!
I hope that's the last hickey you have to deal with. He's so stinkin cute, just like his siblings.
Nursing/pumping is hard. I've been doing it for 5 1/2 months and will stop at 6 months. I have about one month supply in the freezer. I'm trying not to feel guilty about quitting, but I think it's best for me, mentally.
I do hear that when you have your second (or third baby) you are much more laxed about stuff. Sounds like Andy is a cuddler!
Been wondering how the twins are with the new baby! Due in 5.5 weeks and my twins will be just shy of 16 months as well. VERY nervous!!!!!
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