*** UPDATED (end of month) ***
Rosalinde is growing. we've been dealing with some short sleep times but that's getting better.
Rosalinde has some rules to live by. Obey them or else... LOL
Day 9 - 12
We were having issues with very short sleep times, and lots of hiccups, which we realised was reflux.
asking around, we were recommended "gripe water" (watsons sell it!)
Gripe water is a herbal remedy for gas and digestion problems in infants. (also contains sodium bicarbonate). A long time ago it contained alcohol, modern gripe water does not.
This was a game-changer for her... she was finally able to get rid of the trapped wind that had caused her discomfort... there was some quite big burps and erm... farts...!
Gripe water (may produce poo-splosions)
we gave her the gripe water on the wednesday lunchtime, and wednesday night she slept for 2.75 hours and then 4.25 hours, which was great for her to catch up some sleep...and great for us to catch up some sleep also.
since then she's been sleeping very well through the night in particular, and much better in the daytime also.... she has to take the gripe water after almost all meals, but it works, so we're sticking with it.
We're getting into a routine now, taking turns to look after her or sleep.
I am very confident that Rose is ready to take over daytime duties when I go back to work next week.
Days 13 - 22
as the song goes.... "...what a difference a day makes...."
things really started to get into some sort of routine since the last update... she's sleeping at least 1.5 hours in each stretch and sometimes much longer.
We stopped the gripe water around day 14 or 15 as it was getting too much for her, and we'd done some searching about colic and found that most colic babies are missing a certain bacteria (L reuteri) which can be found in some probiotics. We ordered some and once we realised that the gripe water was working but only just we tried the probiotic for colic and it quite quickly started working... and we haven't looked back.
it's really helped her get into a normal routine without discomfort and lack of sleep. it won't work for all babies, but it's definitely working for Rosalinde.
On the back of her being able to relax and enjoy her life and sleep, our life and sleep also got more normal.
she's enjoying play time a few times every day... she particularly likes the black and white pattern boards, books and mats that we have.
She's enjoying her tummy time every day, thought she actually has plenty of additional neck exercise as she really does like straining her head backwards to look around when she's on our chest.
She's moved from flailing her arms around in an uncoordinated way to being a little more controlled... she can push the dummy away if she doesn't want it, and your hand
She can now not only grasp onto clothing, fingers, etc.. but actually hold on to them until she's ready to let go... which to me is pretty amazing actually...!
She's not very fond of getting changed... we think it's because she feels like she's floating (not held down) while she's getting changed... it's improved by using the velcro binder attached to the mat, but then she gets startled when you undo that after changing her... but she's dealing with it... she's quite calm within a few seconds after changing and we pick her up.
Rose is going to have her first dose of Vaccine on Saturday which is really good... it's good for Rose and it's good for Rosalinde also. I passed the 2nd dose + 14 days milestone last Monday so I'm fully vaccinated already.
Days 23 - 25
I think she gets more cute every day..!
she's having good days and bad days, but even the bad days aren't that bad... she's just a bit grumpy, which we all are sometimes..
Rosalinde has some rules that she lives by... below is an approximation of them :-)
When you are holding me, keep me warm and snug
When you are trying to soothe me, sway me side-to-side, don't bounce me.!
I am scared by any sudden noise please talk quietly and be quiet around me
When I am crying, try the pacifier
if I accept the pacifier, I just need soothing... keep going...
if I reject the pacifier, check to see if I've got a wet nappy...
if I don't have a wet nappy, check to see if I need feeding...
If I don't need feeding, consult the Baby User Manual (can't find this anywhere!)
When I sleep, I will go through lots of emotions and facial expressions. just go with it, OK.
what you call Breast Milk, I call "Sleep Juice".... and it works...!
I need baths every day when the weather is too hot. I love them even though I cry through half of them.
I don't like being changed, so I will scream and cry all the time I'm being changed, but don't worry... as soon as you pick me up afterwards I will stop crying and sleep again.
I am cute. Deal with it. LOL.
Days 26 - 30
things are normal. we are coping well with the changes to our lifestyles. we are getting to bed early and helping each other through the night
it's been a good journey to get to here but we are still positive and looking forward to her journey through life
she's added around 700g in just 2 and a bit weeks..!... let's see what she weighs on the 27th when she has her next health check up
She gets even more cute every day..!
