Looking forward to Quarter 2- Fiona's three months old!

I was just sharing with Jim how I was exhausted and didn't feel like blogging but then I couldn't bare to let Fiona's third month birthday go unacknowledged. Little one started her second quarter yesterday. Scrolling down the blog it's hard to believe the gangly 7 lb-er, teeny pink scrunched-up face, under the hospital knit cap is now a chubby, alert, 13 1/2 lb-er who barely fits 0-3 mos outfits. She not only speaks her mind through fits of screaming and that heartbreaking quivering lower lip, she has gained control of her personal space with two very strong legs, robust little arms, and a very dynamic full body squirm. Except for the occasional, steady-set on her forearms she still protests tummy-time but she's rolling well and I predict in no time she'll happily land tummy down on her own accord. With persistence we can occasionally break-up a tantrum by a tickle or a persuasive smile--for a few seconds shrieking pauses, the little corners of her mouth turn up, twinkling eyes squint, and we earn a sweet little song of "coos." In a tranquil moment the other day Jim even inspired a lengthy "uhh" dialogue, full of intonation and expression. I am convinced she's also become acutely aware of her fabulous wardrobe. Each morning when we sort through her armoire Fiona attentively delights in the options. She particularly enjoys a few fashions held up to her before selecting the perfect sundress or romper.

We prayed to the Gods all Monday but month 3 did not mark the magical demise of colic. In the meantime we're seeking relief with Zantac drops. I visited Fiona's doctor again last week after a pediatrician I work with (Actually, when I was showing her off at work Fiona created such a holler that the entire pediatric resident team poured into the hallway to see what patient was so upset.) suggested Fiona may have some aggravating reflux even though she doesn't spit-up like most reflux babies. She's been on a solid regimen for about 4-5 days now and the med should help between 3 days to a full week- if it helps. It's kind of a "rule out" reflux trial. Otherwise she is a very healthy little girl and true colic should be settling down within the next few weeks should the Zantac prove useless.
Over the next three months we look forward to first tastes of cereal, child proofing the house for a soon-to-be crawling Fiona, and many more little coos and giggles.

Kicking off Father's Day...12 weeks old

"Well she's not screaming as much today..." I overheard Jim reply on the phone. At this point you can't really receive a better gift than that. I even celebrated a little myself, getting a haircut and shopping for a few hours, while Jim and Fiona spent some daddy-daughter time together. And picture this, (As it's the only moment I haven't photographed, darn it!), when I returned home and heard the dryer spinning and vacuum humming upstairs I was puzzled to not find the baby in her swing, on her play mat, or in her crib. Just as I was about to open my mouth there was Jim, making his way out of our bedroom with the Dyson in hand and Fiona all snuggled up in a sling against his chest. Who says men can't multi-task?

My new skill set...11 1/2 weeks

One step forward, two steps back... 11 weeks old

Jim returned from India last Friday afternoon with the anticipated aversion to curry and bouts of gastric upset. Fiona and I greeted him at the airport where I was eager to show off a happier baby, all fresh in a cheery sun dress. I think she surprised us for about a half day before she refocused and went for a personal best screaming record. The long weekend was followed by a long week. It's taken me until Thursday at 11pm to gather my thoughts enough to catch up with the blog. During this time I followed advice from my mommy group to strictly cut out dairy products

(including chocolate :( ), caffeine, nuts, and particularly gassy vegetables that may be upsetting her tummy via breast milk. Like most advice I've received for colic my dietary changes haven't seemed to work. And without chocolate & coffee, I'm now grumpy too.

It seems like the days fly by- especially since I feel like I accomplish so little in the house- yet at the same time each hour is a lengthy, mind draining puzzle--will the swing work? Maybe if I change her diaper and put her in the swing? Maybe if I do all of the above then attach her black & white crinkle dog to the swing? If that doesn't work, perhaps putting her in the Bjorn carrier and vacuuming the house? With music playing? Then back in the swing?
I'm passing on the latest stroke of brilliance from some lady at Raley's to have Fiona see a chiropractor...I'll go out on a limb here to guess a back adjustment from some quasi professional won't cure our baby.
That all said, I'll give little Fi kudos for making some major strides. While she's been really fussy at times at other moments she's shown greater ability to occupy herself in the swing or laying in her crib with the mobile. I think I can honestly say Wednesday went fairly smooth. This afternoon while my mom was watching she even tackled a new physical challenge- holding her head up, while on her tummy, with forearms supporting her. She's wobbly, easily frustrated, and she tenses every little muscle in her body, but her head lifts at least 45 degrees and she can turn it side to side. (Don't worry we recreated the scene and videoed it later.) She's also making progress shimmying herself along on her back or belly. So no more leaving her for a sec on the couch or bed; As daddy concluded, "I guess she's no longer a sack of potatoes. "

Spit Happens...

As Fiona approaches twelve weeks her little mouth is getting ready to host teeth and process more than milk. Babies at her age feel an increase in saliva needed in upcoming months to swallow rice cereal and pureed foods. The only problem is what to do with it all now...

"I'm super cute."

Often caucasian newborns have blue eyes, which change to green, hazel, light brown or dark brown, as they grow older. Brown eyes are the predominent color worldwide and only 8% of the population have blue. It is thought that exposure to light after birth triggers the production of melanin in the iris of the eye. Color is an inherited trait influenced by more than one gene. The model learned in school about brown-eye color being dominant over blue is an over-simplification. There is no single gene for eye color. There are two major genes and other minor ones that account for the variations. Eye color is demanding, as all four genes must determine the same color for the eye color to be pure; otherwise a mixed color such as hazel will result. Eye color typically stabilizes by around 6 months of age and by three years, the eyes produce and store enough melanin to have their "final," natural shade. (Wikpedia, 2007)

So, mommy has blue-grey eyes and daddy has brown eyes...Two and half months into her life and Fiona's still pretty blue but we'll have to get back to you in September. Her hair continues to lighten with fine, blonde new growth sprouting up each day.

"I have feet..." & Grumpy Girl Returns, 10 weeks

Fiona started off her 1oth week with new interest in her lower limbs. I suppose if one never uses their feet for walking, there's little reason to take notice of them for at least a few months. After sucking on her forearm for most of Sunday morning she must have wondered if there were any other intriguing body parts. That's when I noticed her; She was sitting upright, propped up against my bed pillows when she suddenly, and most distinctly, stared directly at her two feet as though she had never seen them before. Like a cat studying a shadow on the floor she ever so slightly bobbled her ovesized head from side to side while focusing intently on ten little toes. They wiggled, she watched. After a minute she extended a hand but came just short of actually touching these fabulous new parts. She let her hand drop but apparently not in disapointment since she immediately grinned and squeaked, letting her head tuck into her chest and her eyes peer up all silly at me. To think if I had run to the bathroom when I had this rare opportunity of calm I would have missed the most momentous event of the day.

Aside from that sweet moment miss Fiona was back to her old ways. I think the immunizations must have tired her out for a bit, then colicky baby was back. Today we spent way too long in and out of the Babys 'R' Us "Mother's Room", with me trying to calm her feeding, changing, or holding, only to find her screaming two minutes outside the door. It took quite a bit shooshing, swaying, swaddling, and sucking to get her settled in bed tonight. (See grumpy Fiona above) The saving grace is, when behind the door of Mother's Room it's like being inducted into some battled-scarred, mommy club where everyone shares horror stories, advice, courteously oohs and awws over how cute the other's babies are, and for a brief time, there is, non-electronic mail, adult conversation in my day (albeit baby related).

I love bath time...

"Get in my belly..."