One of Clint's co-workers got married yesterday and he specifically asked us to bring Anna Ruth to the wedding. We knew it was going to be a small affair and it wouldn't last too long so we decided to take her. If we were being totally truthful, we don't skip many opportunities to show her off, especially when her presence was requested. And we both love dressing her up!
Cannot believe my baby is already 4 months old. Didn't we just bring her home from the hospital yesterday? It certainly feels like it! This has been a fun month for us because her developmental milestones are more noticeable now. That sweet little personality is starting to show. Still fussy? Yes, but not near as much.
This year was our first Christmas as parents. And even though Anna Ruth is only 4 months old we can already see how much fun the holidays are going to be from now on with her. Getting to share traditions and make new ones with our family is what I look forward to the most. After all, Christmas to me is about family, making memories and remembering the greatest gift that was ever given to any of us, Jesus.
We started the Christmas fun in Rockwood with my mom's side a few weeks before. We then got to celebrate Clint's birthday the weekend before Christmas with all his family (more on that in another post). On Christmas Day we headed to the lake house to spend time with the Davis'. Of course, I think it's told best through pictures, so enjoy...
In October, my best friend Rachel, her mother and her two kiddos came all the way from Jackson, TN to visit us. They spent the afternoon with us and we all had a wonderful time catching up. So glad my childhood best friend could meet my daughter. We really do wish we lived closer!
If you have ever had reflux then you know the pain associated with it. If you are a parent of a baby who suffers from it then you know what a nightmare it is not only the child but for you. Anna Ruth was diagnosed with reflux when she was only a few weeks old. She has silent reflux which I have been told can be more painful for the infant because they never actually spit up, it just travels up the esophagus and back down, burning the whole time. I had reflux before I got pregnant and know what it feels like and that is why it kills me to see her suffering.
It was nice to finally figure out why she was crying all the time. If I had a dollar for every time someone said she is just suffering from colic, I would be one wealthy lady. Talking with our pediatrician and doing hours of research, I discovered that colic is not a diagnosis. It is simply a term used to describe symptoms of "fussy" babies. In fact, there really is no clear definition of colic. There are however developmental stages and times of the evening when lots of babies are not happy and seem to cry more than others (again, not colic). But, Anna Ruth was not happy for most of the day. I would find myself standing up bouncy up and down for the majority of the day just to keep her from crying. Talk about a major leg workout! Heaven forbid I put her down or even sit down while holding her. She would scream her head off.
We have been playing around with medications to see which one(s) will help her best. Currently, she is on 2 different ones. I know that they are helping some, in fact, I would hate to think how she would be if she wasn't on them. Still, they aren't making the reflux totally disappear. She still has feeding issues which, in turn, leads to sleeping issues. And while she is not near as fussy as she was in the beginning, she defiantly has her times in the day when she is hurting. And during those times, I cry along with her because I so wish I could take away her pain.
Another issues is that she seems to only be really content with me. Of course that leads to comments about how I have "spoiled" her. Well, those comments really get to me because of course I am going to pick up my child when she is hurting and comfort her. I am a Mother and that's what you do to take care of your child. I am the one that is with her most of the day and therefore she is more use to me. And the reason that she isn't content with anyone else besides myself or Clint is because everyone is so quick to give her back to me saying, "She just wants her mommy." So, how will she ever get use to others?
I realize this sounds like a venting post. And maybe it is...no sleep and long days will do that to you. But, really I wanted to explain why my child doesn't seem as happy as some babies. I don't even know why I feel compelled to justify it to anyone. I just wish people could see the sweet smiles and laughter I get during the day and the happy times. Unfortunately, most of that happens when it is just the two of us or with Clint. We know we have a happy baby underneath all the pain.
I also want to make clear that I am extremely thankful for an otherwise healthy baby. When I was pregnant and we got back the test results that showed an abnormality for Downs Syndrome, I prayed that God would make her healthy. And He did and I haven't forgotten that fact. She is such a blessing to our family! I know she will grown out of this and even if she doesn't, I wouldn't trade her for a million other non-reflux babies.
We had a great weekend this past weekend. I'm almost too scared to type this for fear I might jinx it, but Anna Ruth had a good week last week that carried over into our weekend. She went through a period of about 2-3 weeks of fussiness. We aren't sure if her new disposition is due to the absence of the thrush (finally!), new medicine for her terrible acid reflux, or just her age and maybe growing less fussy. Whatever the case, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have my happy baby back!
She is so much fun now with her smiles, coos and interactions with us. I really could just stare at her all day! Here are the things that made this weekend great:
1) On Saturday, it was a beautiful sunny day outside. I left a bottle for Clint to give to Anna Ruth and I went shopping for a few hours. It was glorious!
2) I finally got around to packing up all my maternity clothes. Thankfully, I've been back in my regular clothes for a few weeks but just haven't made time to put away the pregnancy gear. I love looking in my closet now and NOT seeing maternity wear!!
3) While some people hate the dreary fall days, sometimes I love the cold afternoons where the sky is gray and the wind is blowing the leaves across the yard. We took advantage of it this weekend and stayed inside all day. Clint built a fire and we ate breakfast at our dining table next to it. We all ended up staying in our PJs lounging around.
4) And on Monday, I finally went running for the first time post-pregnancy! It was a short run because although my legs could carry me, my poor lungs were about to explode. I may have only ran a mile which is not the 3.5 miles I was use to but I will get there. Frankly, I didn't really care how far I went because it was just nice to be outside running again! Just what my soul needed.
Anna Ruth has gotten the opportunity to meet so many of our family and friends. Below are some of her first meetings with everyone. She also visited with her Great Grandfather Papa, Great Aunt Libba and mommy's friend Lindsey. (But I don't have those pictures yet.)
