WEEK FIFTEEN

Well folks, it's official, Oliver has started teething. The first indication was the fact that anything that came remotely close to his mouth he would snatch up and immediately try to gnaw down on it. If it didn't fit in his mouth, it ended up on the floor. The second clue was his fussiness. In general Oliver tends to be a pretty happy-go-lucky baby, so when the crankiness started it became very apparent that something was up. His awake time also became a narrower period of time before he lost it all together and needed a nap. And of course when he was napping in his sling, he would know the minute I'd sit down or make too much noise...my poor back! The other symptom which became of some concern was the fact that he was holding and tugging at his ear, sometimes while crying out in pain. We had a couple of rough nights, as the pain was waking him up. It's so awful to see your little baby in pain. His cry sounded so sad, it made me cry! Thinking I was smart, I put all his soothers in the freezer, and he seemed to really like this. Well, after a call to TeleHealth to talk about giving him Tylenol at night, I was informed by a very polite nurse that I should stop putting his soothers in the freezer because it could cause frostbite on his gums. What a wonderful mother I am! That's probably why it felt so good too him. I was freezing his gums altogether!! So, I just want to get the word out there...teething toys in the fridge only...

I keep trying to get a look and see if something is coming through, but between his tongue sticking out and the constant wiggling, it's impossible to get a good look. I wish I would have felt his gums more when he was smaller so I'd have something to compare to. We ended up taking Oliver to the clinic just to be sure that he didn't have an ear infection, and he got a clean bill of health. This is just another side effect of the teething.

Every week my girlfriend (and her daughter) and I try to get together for a play date. Well, her daughter plays (she's 14 months) and Oliver watches her play with his toys. This weekly get-together is so important to my mental well being. I think it gives both of us a chance to reconnect with the adult realm, have a cup of coffee, compare notes, and have a few good laughs. The days can be pretty long when you are at home with a baby, so I really look forward to these get-togethers to break up the week. Highly recommended.

WEEK FOURTEEN

Oliver is becoming a seasoned traveler. This week he had his first airplane adventure, as we flew to Winnipeg to visit family. Nobody wants to be the parent of “that screaming baby on the plane,” so of course I was slightly nervous about this venture. Luckily I flew with my dad as backup and it was comforting to know that the person sitting next to me was on my team. Bravo to those of you that do this alone, because for me it was necessary, and less stressful to have four hands. I was pleasantly surprised how well Oliver did! He ended up sleeping most of the time in the sling. The incredible thing about traveling with a baby is that people jump out of everywhere to offer a helping hand. For instance, having to pick up my baggage by myself (in a secured area where no family is permitted), there I was with Oliver in the sling, carrying a car seat, diaper bag and bottle bag while trying to figure out how to get a cart. Luckily a very nice older gentleman came to my assistance and did everything for me. My confidence in humanity was renewed this week by many friendly, compassionate people.
It must be hard being a baby. They have so much pressure to perform all the time. As parents we have all been in the situation where somebody gets right up close to your baby's face and says "how about a smile?” Then, when your baby fails to deliver, you receive the questioning look. "Aww no smile?" Then we scramble..."Oh, he's teething; he has a gassy stomach today; he just woke up from a nap; he didn't sleep well last night; it's almost nap time; he's hungry. The list goes on. Sure it could be one of these reasons, or maybe he just doesn't feel like smiling right now. Why do we feel pressure to make excuses for our baby's mood? I myself am guilty of doing this, but I think I want to start a revolution on behalf of my son. The next time I feel pressured to make an excuse on behalf of Oliver, I'm going to simply shrug and say "he's a baby, what more can I say?"

WEEK THIRTEEN

I can't believe that my baby is three months old already. The time really DOES go by fast!

Feeling brave this week, I decided to go for a swim and try out the child minding program at the YMCA by my house. It's a really great program that they've got going on there. You can leave your baby while you work out, giving you some much needed down time and exercise during the day. It was really nice to have that time to let go of everything for an hour, knowing my baby was safe, and focus on having a good workout. I still enjoy our morning walks, but was finding I was putting too much pressure on myself (and Oliver) to use them as my workout. I don't like getting frustrated if Oliver decides to get fussy in his stroller one day because I'm not going to get my exercise. I'm thinking that our walks should be saved for enjoying the fresh air and sights and sounds of the day. So, I'm trying to come up with another routine to drop some of this baby weight since winter is on it's way (depressing I know...) and you all know what that means...an extra ten pounds is headed my way if I don't act now!

We had another exciting first this week. I decided that Oliver was ready to try his Jolly Jumper. I think it must have been very strange for him, because he didn't really know what to make of it! He hasn't figured out the actual jumping part yet, but enjoys being upright, moving around and kicking his legs. So cute! Every week that goes by he becomes more aware of his surroundings. He watches me move around the room, following with his eyes. Getting out and about is also becoming easier as he responds more now to the sound of my voice. If he starts to freak out in public I can usually calm him down simply by talking to him, which is a refreshing change.

I think he hit another growth spurt this week, as the crazy feeding frenzies started again. It's very difficult to explain patience to a screaming three month old while you're preparing a bottle. I couldn't get it to him fast enough!

WEEK TWELVE

We've all heard the expression "it takes a village to raise a child". What I would like to know is, when did this change from reality to a saying? When did it change from a village to a mom at home all day alone with baby? This week I didn't find a village, but I found my Mom. What a difference it makes to have somebody available to tag team with all day. I think I'll be lost when it comes time to head home again. I'm getting far to used to going to the bathroom without having to tote little Oliver along with me, or taking a nap when I need one. I really think lions have it going on. The whole pack mentality and all...
Everything really got put into perspective when one of my childhood friends came to visit. She is the same age as me and has three children under the age of three. I am blown away by this. Here I am moaning and groaning about all my little tribulations and she's running a full household full time. Whew! I tip my hat off to her and all others in the same boat as I don't think I'd have the stamina and strength to pull that off. So, as I sip my chardonnay while Oliver naps in his sling, I'm thinking one is just fine thank-you! I think Oliver may be beginning to teethe. He's chomping so hard on his Sophie I'm afraid he's going to gum those little antlers right off. We'll have to see what the weeks bring. If anyone has any tips for teething babies, please feel free to send them in! So 'Lamby' saved the day once again. Oliver has started a new game called 'let's fight our naps until we scream and fall asleep. Sounds like fun doesn't it? So after a half hour of dealing with a fussy boy with red droopy eyelids, I yank Lamby out of the playpen, turn her on and tuck her in the sling with Oliver. And wouldn't you know it...he was out like a light. This is definitely something I DON'T want to turn into a habit, but, sometimes as a mom you get desperate and as a friend has told me many a time 'you do what you got to do to survive!'

WEEK ELEVEN

Oliver is experimenting with his voice. The squeals that come out of him now crack me up. He is turning out to be a very vocal littlebaby. We have full conversations him and I. None of it makes sense to me but he sure gets a kick out of it! Not only has he discovered his voice, but his mouth as well. He wants to put everything in his mouth, especially his hands. Sometimes I can hear him sucking on them from the other room. I broke down and bought a ‘Sophie the Giraffe” and he loves it! Because she is so light, it’s easy for him to hold onto. He has also started reaching towards his toys, and exploring them with his hands.

Tired of Oliver’s constant battle with a gassy tummy, my husband and I decided to switch his formula. I don’t know if it’s too early to say this…and I hope I’m not jinxing it, but I think it’s

helping! He’s been sleeping better at night, and actually slept in his crib from four in the morning until six (whereas I usually have to sleep in the glider with him because of gas pains.) When he slept for five hours in a row, and then six and a half…I nearly died of happiness and restfulness. I’m really hoping that this isn’t a fluke thing and that maybe he’s on his way to waking only twice a night. Wishful thinking? I guess we’ll see! His sleep schedule is definitely starting to develop a rhythm.

It’s not always exactly the same every day but I have a general idea of when he likes to have his long naps.

Of course, as he grows it will change, but for now it’s nice to know what the rhythm of my day looks like. For the first time since he was born, I’m actually feeling rested and not completely sleep deprived. At the end of the day, I’m not so desperate for bed anymore and can spend some time alone with my husband.

This week Oliver had his first big road trip as we drove up to Sudbury to visit both sets of grandparents. He was a very good

traveller, sleeping most of the way. We stopped half way for a diaper change and a good stretch. The poor little guy did have some tummy trouble that day from being in the car seat for so long, but overall the whole experience went a lot smoother then expected. Oliver and I are looking forward (well maybe mostly me...) to spending the week at my parents. I'm excited for them to spend some time with this busy little guy, and maybe catch up on some zzz's!