Benjamin! One month old, and 13 pounds. We really like him.
He’s also turned out to be kind of high-maintainance. He seems to not be a very content baby. It’s not unmanageable, and I thought he was just being a normal baby until we hung out with his cuz Theo (who is SUPER chill) and at the church baby shower for 10 of us who have recently had babies, he was the one crying and needing to be bounced, rocked, with me the whole time. And that we’re more surprised when he’s just sitting calm and chilled out than if he’s fussy. (“wow, I can’t believe he’s just been sitting there and not crying!” And Jonny said this weekend while holding him while he was calm that that was the first time he can think of holding him and he’s not been crying (I don’t think that’s totally accurate, but a warning signal anyway) And that one of Amy’s favorite phrases is “Mom, Benjamins crying again.”
So, I’m starting to do a few experiments to see if they help.
Experiement #1 - change laundry soap - so far a great success!! I wish I had thought of this 6 weeks ago. Ben has always had kind of red, blotchy skin and red bumps on his cheeks. We just thought he had a bit of sensitive skin (like his dad..!! he hee hee) But we noticed that without fail as soon as we took off his clothes to diaper, or bath or whatever, he would turn instantly happy and content. Even laying on a towel in the bathroom waiting for his tub to fill, when most baby would be cold and cry, he loves life. So, we finally put this together and think he’s clothes have been irritating him. Poor guy!! I washed all his clothes in some mild detergent we use for his cloth diapers, and today is day 2 and his face is bump free, his skin isn’t as red (except when he cries) and I can’t call him my little red boy anymore b/c he’s starting to look normal!! yeah! We are hoping this was a good solution and will continue. I’ll let you all know…
Experiential #2 - I went off milk and coffee - Ben seems to get a sore tummy and is pretty gassy so I”m trying this to see if it helps. It can’t be too bad b/c he nurses usually great (and is growing tons!!) but sometimes right after he nurses he’s full but cries and cries and then sometimes lets out a huge burp and settles a bit, but still seems often a bit uncomfortable. Poor guy. So we’re trying this. So far, I haven’t noticed much, but we’re only on day 2. I sure do miss coffee though…. :(
If anyone has any other ideas or have delt with this before let me know. He’s not colicky, and sleeps great, and I know they usually grow out of being fussy, but any little advice would be welcomed.
We love our Ben, fussy-ness and all.
