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sporting his new necklace
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chewing on everything!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Noah's first teeth!
Noah started showing teething signs around 3 months (excessive drooling, fussiness, chewing on everything) so we knew he was going to pop a tooth sooner than later. His first bottom front tooth starting showing through his gums around 4 months of age and his second bottom one joined that one about a week or two later. You can see the teeth well now although they aren't fully through. I keep trying to take a photo but Noah's tongue is always in the way! Our favorite teething remedy is Hylands teething tablets. These seem to give a little relief and calm Noah down! I also got Noah an Amber teething necklace, despite Nick's opposition to this idea :) Nick laughed when I told him about the necklace and tells Noah he looks like a hippie when he has it on. I love to try all these "natural" methods so even if it doesn't work, at least I can say we tried it! I didn't get Noah the necklace until his teeth were pretty much through the gums so we will have to see if it helps when the next tooth comes in!
39 degrees...woohoo!
Today (Jan. 19th), the temperature made it up to 39 degrees! It felt like summer...people were shoveling their driveways wearing shorts and short sleeved T-shirts...only in Minnesota! Unfortunately it is supposed to go back to negative temps and single digit temps. It was nice to enjoy at least one day of "warmth" though!
Noah and I went for short walk to get him some fresh air and give him a little 20 minute snooze since naps are long gone these days!
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Noah and I went for short walk to get him some fresh air and give him a little 20 minute snooze since naps are long gone these days!
Taking a short snooze in the Ergo
Rosy cheeks!
my little monster!
Bye, Bye nanny (&Auntie) Sari!
As I mentioned in previous posts, Sari nannied Noah over her month long Christmas break. It was so nice to have her but terribly sad to see her go. Noah was napping in Sari's arms so well and taking a few 30-60 minute naps each day. Now that she has left, it is a bit chaotic.
Noah goes to my parents twice per week and our new nanny's house three days per week. We are so thankful to have found a nanny once Sari went back to school. Noah's days are never consistent with Nick's and my crazy work schedules and then carting Noah back and forth to my parents' or the nanny's. Plus add our varying child rearing approaches and it's pure craziness! Hopefully one day down the road things will be a little better!
Noah goes to my parents twice per week and our new nanny's house three days per week. We are so thankful to have found a nanny once Sari went back to school. Noah's days are never consistent with Nick's and my crazy work schedules and then carting Noah back and forth to my parents' or the nanny's. Plus add our varying child rearing approaches and it's pure craziness! Hopefully one day down the road things will be a little better!
My fav pic of Sari & Noah
Noah's daycare sheet from his nanny...notice his long 30 minute nap ;)
Noah's 1st day with his new nanny!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Cranial Osteopathy
Since Noah was born, Nick thinks I am glued to my phone searching Google for answers...which I am! I did figure out Noah's reflux from my obsessive google searching so it's not as negative as he thinks!
While searching for sleep help, there are millions of articles but most didn't help us. When I saw some people try cranial osteopathy, I had to try it. (despite the fact it's not covered by insurance and costs a pretty penny...but desperate times call for desperate measures!)
We started taking Noah to an Osteopath (Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)) who does cranial osteopathy on Noah. He's had two sessions so far and have four scheduled total. I don't know if it will help any but I've read articles that say forceups deliveries (and other types of traumatic births) put a lot of pressure on a baby's head and causes them to be in pain/uncomfortable. The DO has felt a ton of pressure in Noah's head so he works on that each session (while Noah screams for 45 minutes). Even if these sessions do nothing to help Noah, I'm glad we are going as the DO is so much more empathetic than the pediatricians we see. He assures us it's okay to have Noah sleep with us and to do everything we can to make sure his needs are met. I so wish he could be Noah's Pediatrician!
I will keep you updated if these sessions help at all...at least they're helping mama feel better about Noah's well being!
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While searching for sleep help, there are millions of articles but most didn't help us. When I saw some people try cranial osteopathy, I had to try it. (despite the fact it's not covered by insurance and costs a pretty penny...but desperate times call for desperate measures!)
We started taking Noah to an Osteopath (Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)) who does cranial osteopathy on Noah. He's had two sessions so far and have four scheduled total. I don't know if it will help any but I've read articles that say forceups deliveries (and other types of traumatic births) put a lot of pressure on a baby's head and causes them to be in pain/uncomfortable. The DO has felt a ton of pressure in Noah's head so he works on that each session (while Noah screams for 45 minutes). Even if these sessions do nothing to help Noah, I'm glad we are going as the DO is so much more empathetic than the pediatricians we see. He assures us it's okay to have Noah sleep with us and to do everything we can to make sure his needs are met. I so wish he could be Noah's Pediatrician!
I will keep you updated if these sessions help at all...at least they're helping mama feel better about Noah's well being!
Sleep (or sleepless) thoughts
Noah's only 4 months old and I get knots in my stomach everytime we have to take him to the doctor (which has been a lot with his reflux and eczema). We had Noah's 4 month appointment this week and of course we got asked "what's the longest stretch Noah sleeps at night?" And I told them the truth...one hour (If we are lucky) ! Of course then I got told we can let him cry and he needs to learn to not be fed to sleep or bounced to sleep. We even got a packet on Ferberizing. Are you kidding me?!
Now let me mention that I used to be the mom who thought crying it out was the solution to getting Noah to sleep. It didn't feel right but when the nurse we saw at Noah's 2 and 3 month appointments told us he's manipulating us and can cry for 10 minutes before we check on him. So idiot me believes her and tries this. Well our high needs baby doesn't just cry...he full on screams. His face is beet red and he can't calm down. I paid for this 10 minutes of agony in the days to follow because that 10 minute crying made Noah's reflux 20 times worse.
So of course when we got told to let him cry again, I tried explaining I won't do that because of his reflux and the fact that it just breaks my heart. I don't think the doctor cared or believed me.
I am so sick of hearing about "what's best" for my baby when they aren't with him
24/7! I understand that some people let their babies cry it out and I'm happy this method works for them but unfortunately it won't work for us with Noah's high neediness and his reflux. Noah does cry in our arms at night and I believe it's because he's uncomfortable due to his reflux or another issue we aren't aware of just yet. He tosses and turns all night while crying his poor little eyes out. We have yet to find a way to make him comfortable as he goes ballistic on a mattress and will only sleep in our arms for 30-60 minutes before becoming uncomfortable again.
We are praying everyday that Noah becomes more comfortable and can get some sleep. We started taking him to an osteopath to see if that will help...keep your fingers crossed please :)
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Now let me mention that I used to be the mom who thought crying it out was the solution to getting Noah to sleep. It didn't feel right but when the nurse we saw at Noah's 2 and 3 month appointments told us he's manipulating us and can cry for 10 minutes before we check on him. So idiot me believes her and tries this. Well our high needs baby doesn't just cry...he full on screams. His face is beet red and he can't calm down. I paid for this 10 minutes of agony in the days to follow because that 10 minute crying made Noah's reflux 20 times worse.
So of course when we got told to let him cry again, I tried explaining I won't do that because of his reflux and the fact that it just breaks my heart. I don't think the doctor cared or believed me.
I am so sick of hearing about "what's best" for my baby when they aren't with him
24/7! I understand that some people let their babies cry it out and I'm happy this method works for them but unfortunately it won't work for us with Noah's high neediness and his reflux. Noah does cry in our arms at night and I believe it's because he's uncomfortable due to his reflux or another issue we aren't aware of just yet. He tosses and turns all night while crying his poor little eyes out. We have yet to find a way to make him comfortable as he goes ballistic on a mattress and will only sleep in our arms for 30-60 minutes before becoming uncomfortable again.
We are praying everyday that Noah becomes more comfortable and can get some sleep. We started taking him to an osteopath to see if that will help...keep your fingers crossed please :)
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Our High Needs Baby
The first week of Noah's life was pure bliss. Sadly we didn't appreciate it until now. Noah slept 5 hours straight then 2, then sometimes 2-3 more that first week of his life. The second and third weeks and beyond (until we started the new meds in November) were filled with constant crying. Sometime during those weeks, I figured out Noah had silent reflux.
However, once his reflux got under control in November, I knew there was still something different with Noah. After hours of googling, I figured out Noah is a high needs baby. According to Dr. Sears, there are 12 characteristics of a high need baby and they are as followed:
However, once his reflux got under control in November, I knew there was still something different with Noah. After hours of googling, I figured out Noah is a high needs baby. According to Dr. Sears, there are 12 characteristics of a high need baby and they are as followed:
1. Intense
Everything about Noah is intense; when he cries, it's not just a whimper. It is a full on "I'm being murdered" scream. If we don't respond immediately, Noah completely falls apart.
2. Hyperactive
Noah can't just snuggle in or lie next to use. He kicks, arches his back, and seems to never be able to just be still (unless you're bouncing him on the exercise ball).
3. Draining
Poor Nick said it spot on "we don't ever get one second to ourselves." I know that most babies are very demanding but high needs babies top them all it seems from our experience and the boards/forums I read. Noah has to be constantly held and interacted with. I've learned to do many house hold chores with one hand and go to the restroom very quickly!
4. Feeds frequently
It's hard to keep up with making and cleaning bottles because Noah does want to eat so much. I believe a lot of his desire to feed so often stems from his reflux (it supposedly coats the throat and makes it feel better) and feeding him is the only way to sooth and calm him when going to bed or down for a catnap!
5. Demanding
Noah sure lets us know when something doesn't sit well with him. If he is hungry, we know. If he's sick of the swing, we know. And we know we have to be in sight of him at all times...or we will definitely hear!
6. Awakes Frequently
As you know from my previous posts, Noah usually naps for a whole 30-60 minutes. We had 3 weeks of heaven in November where Noah slept like an angel at night but for weeks now, he wakes up every 30-60 minutes at night now. This makes for some interesting nights (especially because this is the only time Nick and I see each other during the week!).
7. Unsatisfied
Many babies liked to be rocked to sleep or are content being placed down next to their parents. Not our Noah. We have to bounce him vigorously on the ball then attempt to set him down in his Rock N Play at night. This usually takes about 10 times until he is completely passed out (for 30 minutes)!
8. Unpredictable
There is no such thing as a routine with Noah. During the day with Sari babysitting, it's better but when she goes back to school, it will not be pretty! It probably doesn't help that we work somewhat opposite shifts and don't parent the same way!
9. Super Sensitive
Noah is extremely sensitive to everything; sunlight, the cold, noise, lights, etc. We literally crawl out of his room so we don't risk waking him by standing up to leave!
10. Can't Put Baby Down
This is pretty self explanatory but we can't put Noah down and if we do, we better be talking to him and interacting with him. I read that some parents of high needs babies call their babies "Velcro babies" because they're literally attached to you 24/7!
11. Not a self soother
Our doctor told us we need to start letting Noah cry for 10 minutes before picking him up because he has learned to manipulate us. At first I believed her but then I starting reflecting on this and have come to realize I will not be doing this! We let Noah cry for 15 minutes once and I will never do it again. His reflux got much worse because crying aggravates the reflux and it was obvious he would not stop crying. His cries start at a level 10 and stay there...they don't die down like many babies' do! (Sorry for the long story)
As mentioned many times before, Noah can't just soothe himself to sleep or simply relax. He needs help relaxing and falling asleep...which is why we bounce him to sleep everyday and night!
12. Separation Sensitive
So far we have not observed Noah to be sensitive about leaving us. As long as someone is holding him and interacting with him, he is content!
So there you have it...a little description of our high needs Velcro baby! He is the light of our life and even though he is exhausting and we don't get anything accomplished, we wouldn't change him for an "easy baby." It has helped me tremendously to read other mom and dad's stories about their high needs babies. My favorite high needs baby book is "The Fussy Baby Book; Parenting the high needs baby" by Dr. Sears. My favorite website and Facebook page is "The Fussy Baby Site." These two resources have helped me to understand Noah's needs and a more positive spin on having a high needs baby!
Everything about Noah is intense; when he cries, it's not just a whimper. It is a full on "I'm being murdered" scream. If we don't respond immediately, Noah completely falls apart.
2. Hyperactive
Noah can't just snuggle in or lie next to use. He kicks, arches his back, and seems to never be able to just be still (unless you're bouncing him on the exercise ball).
3. Draining
Poor Nick said it spot on "we don't ever get one second to ourselves." I know that most babies are very demanding but high needs babies top them all it seems from our experience and the boards/forums I read. Noah has to be constantly held and interacted with. I've learned to do many house hold chores with one hand and go to the restroom very quickly!
4. Feeds frequently
It's hard to keep up with making and cleaning bottles because Noah does want to eat so much. I believe a lot of his desire to feed so often stems from his reflux (it supposedly coats the throat and makes it feel better) and feeding him is the only way to sooth and calm him when going to bed or down for a catnap!
5. Demanding
Noah sure lets us know when something doesn't sit well with him. If he is hungry, we know. If he's sick of the swing, we know. And we know we have to be in sight of him at all times...or we will definitely hear!
6. Awakes Frequently
As you know from my previous posts, Noah usually naps for a whole 30-60 minutes. We had 3 weeks of heaven in November where Noah slept like an angel at night but for weeks now, he wakes up every 30-60 minutes at night now. This makes for some interesting nights (especially because this is the only time Nick and I see each other during the week!).
7. Unsatisfied
Many babies liked to be rocked to sleep or are content being placed down next to their parents. Not our Noah. We have to bounce him vigorously on the ball then attempt to set him down in his Rock N Play at night. This usually takes about 10 times until he is completely passed out (for 30 minutes)!
8. Unpredictable
There is no such thing as a routine with Noah. During the day with Sari babysitting, it's better but when she goes back to school, it will not be pretty! It probably doesn't help that we work somewhat opposite shifts and don't parent the same way!
9. Super Sensitive
Noah is extremely sensitive to everything; sunlight, the cold, noise, lights, etc. We literally crawl out of his room so we don't risk waking him by standing up to leave!
10. Can't Put Baby Down
This is pretty self explanatory but we can't put Noah down and if we do, we better be talking to him and interacting with him. I read that some parents of high needs babies call their babies "Velcro babies" because they're literally attached to you 24/7!
11. Not a self soother
Our doctor told us we need to start letting Noah cry for 10 minutes before picking him up because he has learned to manipulate us. At first I believed her but then I starting reflecting on this and have come to realize I will not be doing this! We let Noah cry for 15 minutes once and I will never do it again. His reflux got much worse because crying aggravates the reflux and it was obvious he would not stop crying. His cries start at a level 10 and stay there...they don't die down like many babies' do! (Sorry for the long story)
As mentioned many times before, Noah can't just soothe himself to sleep or simply relax. He needs help relaxing and falling asleep...which is why we bounce him to sleep everyday and night!
12. Separation Sensitive
So far we have not observed Noah to be sensitive about leaving us. As long as someone is holding him and interacting with him, he is content!
So there you have it...a little description of our high needs Velcro baby! He is the light of our life and even though he is exhausting and we don't get anything accomplished, we wouldn't change him for an "easy baby." It has helped me tremendously to read other mom and dad's stories about their high needs babies. My favorite high needs baby book is "The Fussy Baby Book; Parenting the high needs baby" by Dr. Sears. My favorite website and Facebook page is "The Fussy Baby Site." These two resources have helped me to understand Noah's needs and a more positive spin on having a high needs baby!
Sari learning Noah's bounce to sleep routine :)
Noah napping on daddy
Noah's 1st Christmas
We celebrated Christmas at my parents' house. Noah had no idea what was going on but we were thankful for all the gifts he received!
We also decided to start Noah on solids (purees of course) for his first Christmas. We haven't asked his doctor's advice on this but feel like Noah needs more than the formula he has been getting. We have Noah some sweet potatoes and he seemed to enjoy them! We are excited to introduce more foods to him in the following weeks!
Daddy & Noah
One of Noah's gifts!
Gpa, Gma, & Noah
Mama & Noah
I love my sister & brother!
We also decided to start Noah on solids (purees of course) for his first Christmas. We haven't asked his doctor's advice on this but feel like Noah needs more than the formula he has been getting. We have Noah some sweet potatoes and he seemed to enjoy them! We are excited to introduce more foods to him in the following weeks!
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