Wow, I am so far behind...here is my attempt to catch up on Quinn's monthly posts!
12 days:
Quinn had his first visit with Dr. Mishu at 12 days old where he had gained 12 ounces since being born. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. He was nursing well at this point (usually about 15 minutes total, every 2 to 3 hours), and was sleeping/eating/pooping as they all do when they are that teeny. Still in newborn diapers, I dread the day he's not! I love the teeny-ness of him! We still had family in the house around the clock (Matt's parents were here initially, then my mom was here for a week), and things were going so smoothly! Quinn was sleeping in his bassinet beside our bed, although most nights he ended up sleeping on one of our chests! Love those sweet moments, but we knew it was a bad habit to get into! :)
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| 2 weeks old |
1 month:
Quinn didn't have an "official" one month checkup, but we did visit the doctor's office where he was 9 pounds 7 ounces. We were there for, what I assumed was, acid reflux issues. It seems that the second all of our family left - Quinn decided that was the time to start screaming nonstop from 10 am to 8 pm. For a week. It was terrible, and I couldn't do anything to help him - I felt horrible. I could tell he was hungry, but didn't want to eat - and was puking like crazy (not just spit up folks, like puking so far it hits the wall in his nursery!). Poor kiddo, I just wanted him to get some relief....and some sleep wouldn't be so terrible either. With the symptoms I described, Dr. Patterson prescribed some Zantac for him which we were on for a week...and when I called back with the report that he was still screaming in pain during/after feedings, they added Prevacid to his morning routine. That finally seemed to do the trick. Thank goodness! So, after 2 weeks of not being able to comfort my sweet boy...he finally was getting some relief. Nursing got better, and we all ended up with more sleep! We didn't venture out much during this time because he was so uncomfortable, but when we did...it was cause for screaming as well. It seems that we have a car seat hater on our hands!
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| 4 weeks old |
2 months:
Quinn's 2 month checkup with Dr. Mishu went well, everything is on track and going well! Quinn weighed 12 pounds 3 ounces and was 23 inches long. He's right at about 50th percentile for both. He got his first set of shots, which was harder for his momma I'm sure. He cried for a few minutes, but with his paci and some extra cuddles he was back to normal quickly. He slept for most of the day afterwards, but overall no ill affects. He is wearing size 1 diapers, although we will soon be in size 2. His thighs are so sweet and chunky, I just want to much on them. He is still eating every 3 hours (sometimes even sooner), and has begun to eat for 10 minutes tops. He is definitely not a kiddo that will "nurse on demand"....if he is not hungry, my 'offer' is refused. And once his belly is full, he is done and there is no convincing him to keep going! Needless to say, our freezer is getting a workout....I am pumping almost after every feeding and storing up a good supply for when Q goes to school in July. On the weekends, he is getting a bottle of breast milk....giving mommy a break and daddy some good middle of the night bonding time. He takes it really well, and doesn't seem to mind transitioning back and forth from bottle to breast. In terms of sleeping, we have found the most amazing invention - the 'rock and play' sleeper by Fisher Price. We purchased this soon after Quinn's diagnosis of reflux....it's a little inclined bassinet type thing. Small enough it fits right next to my bed, but keeps him inclined to assist with the reflux. LIFE SAVER. He went from sleeping for a hour or two at a time to sleeping for at least one good 5 to 6 hour stretch each night. We feel lucky to be at this point considering the rough start we had. I have gotten a few smiles out of our sweet boy, but not so consistent that I can confidently say "that was his first smile!" - I am sure it's coming soon! He still hates his car seat....as in feverish screaming when he's put in the car. If I'm next to him and touching him, sometimes we can avoid the screaming....but every day when we go to pick up Nashman from school, he screams. There and back. It's exhausting and I feel terrible for him...but better to get where we're going than to keep stopping to comfort him when the screaming commences once I get back in the drivers seat anyway. :) Yes, we have a high maintenance little guy on our hands!
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| 9 weeks old |
3 months:
No 3 month check up, but we are guessing he is pushing 14 pounds. Maybe because it seems all we do is bounce him around all day, haha! He is definitely picky about how he is held...he likes to be facing out just like his big brother did. He is still on both Zantac and Prevacid and the reflux seems to be under control. He is starting to get squirmy in his swaddle and rock n play....not sure how much longer we'll be able to force that sleeping situation. He is sleeping for about 4 hour stretches now, so I am up twice a night to feed him. I DREAD the transition that is ahead of us...our plan is to make it through our beach trip over Memorial Day and then begin the transition (first to the crib, then out of the swaddle). Cross your fingers! Quinn is wearing size 2 diapers, and mostly 3 months, and 3-6 month clothes. Newborn sizes have been in the back of the drawer for a while now, but I just recently packed them up and put them in the attic. Quinner is much more aware of his surroundings these days...loves to watch Roscoe and his big brother. He loves to look at books with bright colors and patterns, but never sits still. He is always moving and kicking, the kid has to be exhausted! :) I got my first "intentional" smile April 12, on a morning where I really needed it. We had a rough night and I was so exhausted, and not really looking forward to the day. But, when you see that sweet smile - it changes everything. So in love with this little guy...despite all of his high maintenance quirks.
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| 3 months old! |
4 months:
Our mighty Quinn now weighs 14 pounds and 10 ounces and is 25 1/4 inches long. He is about 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. He didn't gain as much weight as Dr. Mishu wanted him to, so she's suggesting that we hold off on starting cereal until 5 or 6 months. He needs more calories, and that means my milk...not empty 'rice' calories. I can tell he's getting ready though - licking his lips and very interested in our food! But, for now, we're still nursing exclusively - still every 3 hours usually. The little stinker has totally reverted in the sleeping department. Mommy and daddy are TIRED. We made it through vacation in the swaddle/rock n play, and began the transition when we got back. Instead of the phased approach we had hoped for - we've went cold turkey on both. He is busting out of his swaddle and squirming out of the rock n play. So, he is now "learning" to sleep in his sleepsack and his crib at once. A few hours at a time, if we're lucky. Lord have mercy, it is rough. My patience is waning, but I know that this phase too will pass....and one day I will look back and wish for some more middle of the night cuddles. So, we're working through it - just with bags under our eyes and multiple cups of coffee. :) Quinner found his toes and thinks that they are particularly yummy. (If only he could get calories through his toes...Dr. Mishu would be thrilled!) He is a drool monster, and even though I thought it may be early signs of teething - Dr. Mishu says no, just lots of drool. :) In big "first" news....Quinn rolled over for the first time on June 5! He rolled from front to back, and a few days later rolled from back to front. Our strong little man! He still loves his big brother and "talks" to everyone he sees. His belly laughs are the best ever, and we've been lucky enough to catch a few of them on camera. He is sitting in his bumbo seat for a few minutes at a time, normally when the rest of the family is eating - so he can enjoy the meal with us!
