Life as we know it is over. Not to say that a better life doesn't await....I know that it does, just in the very, very distant future. Right now, with two under the age of two, it is about mere survival. Even with the multitude of multi-tasking gadgets we employ--the baby bjorn, hands-free pumping bra, double jogging stroller, and so on and so forth--it's a challenge to get anything accomplished these days. I don't know how folks did it before they had the latest and greatest must-have child-rearing gadgets that we swear by today. Actually, I do....it's called the nuclear family. They all lived together in one place and everyone helped raise the children. Hence the phrase "It takes a village". You never felt alone or isolated in your insanity because you weren't. And we're not either...not really, anyway. We're lucky to have Adam's parents and brother/sister-in-law, as well as my sister/brother-in-law who have all been amazingly generous with their time and support over the last three weeks. I worry that at some point soon, we will wear out the offer of endless support, but until then, we will gladly and promptly accept it!
Hayes was three weeks old on Thursday and is already over 7 1/2 pounds and 20.5 inches long. She was 6 lbs and 5 oz and only 20 inches long when she arrived, so clearly she is thriving and for that we are thankful. Unfortunately, she is a typical c-section baby and the sibling of another reflux baby, which means she is plagued by the same. Hers is so much worse than Gray's ever was though and it's frightening at times. What started out as spitting up a little after or during every feeding has turned into projectile vomiting almost every time. She's on Prevacid, rice starch to thicken her milk, and prescription gas drops but nothing seems to curb the vomiting. Today was the worst day yet....she was so hopelessly fussy at every feeding and after speaking to the doctor, we were told to take her to have an ultrasound done. Fortunately, no obstructions were shown. Unfortunately, we're back to square one in terms of figuring out how to stop the frequent and massive vomiting she experiences. It is so difficult to watch something so small and helpless struggle so much, so I pray that we figure out a combination of medication, food, etc. that works for her....and soon.
Gray has had a rough week too, coming down with a cold and deciding he is too big for his crib. Much to his dismay, he does not get to make the decision about when he has outgrown his crib, so Adam and I got to work researching ways to keep him contained. We came upon a nifty little contraption called a crib tent which is placed over the crib, made of mesh, and zips up just like a tent. When it arrived, we assembled it in the living room and played with him in it as if it were a new toy. We talked to him about camping and adventures and all sorts of fun things that he could do while in the tent. We then put it on his crib, put him in it, and held our breath to see what he would do. Thankfully, he loved it! He jumped up and down in it and then passed out from exhaustion (he had skipped his nap all together earlier that day). So, as it turns out, it was worth every penny....even the $38 we paid to have it overnighted. Crisis averted and toddler bed delayed for at least another 6-12 months hopefully!
I have also had an unpleasant week, dealing with mastitis and sleep deprivation. But, the antibiotics are FINALLY kicking in and we have come up with a wonderful way to get sleep: buy it. Who knew? We have hired a night nurse to come every other night to relieve us. 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is the biggest luxury I can think of right now. Some things are just worth it, you know?
Until next time...
The Pattersons (finally complete!)
