Thu 19 Apr 2012
The kid bit me for the first time this morning during nursing. She acted like she was done, turning away, but I thought she was just distracted because she was on that side half the time she normally is, so I put her back on. A few seconds later, a sharp pain. I tried not to say “ouch” but it was too late because she caught me by surprise. I was also surprised she didn’t just bite and let go; she kept the pressure on for a few seconds. I tried to press her face into my skin to get her to let go but she was in an awkward position where it really didn’t do anything, but she let go on her own anyway and acted like nothing unusual had happened.
She may have been getting me back for putting her on when she was done eating. Or it may have been for letting her sit up by herself unsupported, which she’s able to do until she reaches to her left or right for something (and she’s ALWAYS reaching for something these days, even if it’s just the blanket she’s sitting on) and then falls over on her face in that direction. I laugh when she does that because it’s funny and she’s clearly unhurt. Maybe her little budding ego is hurt when she’s laughed at now, who knows.
Looking back, it’s interesting how insecure and incompetent I felt with the baby stuff from Allie’s birth until…last weekend. I was completely overwhelmed and feeling underprepared, and was constantly playing a game of catch-up, researching and reading everything I could, trying to be a more effective parent by trying to anticipate her growth and symptoms and how to best address potential upcoming issues. I’m finally at the point, thanks to the very successful naptraining over the weekend, of feeling like, “Hey, I’m not a totally sucky mother, after all.” It could be because I was SO freaked out at how crazy everything was going at home the first week Jayne was with Allie (I cried in the bathroom at work last Wednesday), by comparison, the weekend felt totally do-able. And also, because this week is going well and Jayne is “getting it” with Allie’s routines and stuff now, I’m feeling much more comfortable. The constant nagging nausea and anxiety hanging over me actually dissipates here and there. People at work with young grandchildren and helpless-feeling new-mom-children are coming to me, asking advice, and my advice is actually WORKING for them (especially in the areas of sleep training). There are more learning curves coming up immediately ahead such as when we have her try solids for the first time this weekend, but hopefully nothing that kicks my emotional butt like the first 4.5 months of Allie’s life. At least, until teenagerhood sets in. Ugh.
glad you are doing well and finally realizing what a kick-ass mother you are. and check you out… giving out advice. the student has become the master
you are right — there are lots more curve balls coming your way. the most trying time for me as a mom was the first week of potty training (compounded by terrible twos and newish sibling jealousy). i hope it goes more smoothly for you. but in the meantime… have fun with solids. i had a lot of fun making food for my kids. (still do, actually.) some unsolicited advice about solids: transition as gradually as possible. constipation is a byotch.
just curious — why did you change your mind about waiting til 6mo to start solids?
Eek, potty training — I’m not gonna think about that, yet. I want recipes/tips on making food for the kids!
I think Allie’s ready for solids, altho I still plan to hold out as much as I can at least on variety. We’re just going to try rice cereal this weekend, like a tablespoon of it, to get her used to the spoon-feed thing. Slowly. I wipe her teeth and gums with a disposable cotton pad twice a day and instead of the tongue-thrust reflex of pushing it out, she’s been trying to eat it, sucking on it, not releasing the pad. Once I pulled it out with a rip from her teeth. She also imitates our chewing motions with our mouths. I talked to my cousin, and she said she started her baby Alex on solids a week before her 5-month birthday. You also told me you started around this time, and Allie will be 5 months on Monday. So I figure I’m not EARLY, so I guess it’s all right. I’m also hoping to supplement her caloric intake daily because I’m worried about my milk supply being enough.
oh, we actually started both kids on oatmeal a few days before SIX months, then celebrated their 1/2 birthday (6 mos) with carrots
but 5 months is not too early — i think AAP says 4-6. but they also say that kids should not be outdoors between the hours of 10am-5pm or something crazy like that. so, you gotta use your best judgment and take everything you hear/read (even from the “experts”) with a grain of salt.
there are really no interesting recipes for solids at this age. i baked fruit and steamed veggies and used a manual hand mill to keep stringy fibers out. oh, i also introduced spices and seasonings early on, to expose the kids to different flavors (kabocha squash with cumin, pears with cinnamon, zucchini with cayenne).
and if allie has issues with constipation, call me. it was an ongoing battle with both my kids, so i know all the tricks now
My friends recommended the first two and I just found out the 3rd one…lots of information and tips…happy experimenting with Allie!
1)http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com
2)http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com
3)http://www.nurturebaby.com/index.php/recipes
flip flop – I JUST read this morning in a parenting magazine that exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months can reduce the risk of early childhood asthma by as much as 50%. I’m thinking of stalling the rice cereal another month now.
But I like your spice idea! I can’t stand picky eaters who claim anything outside of steak & potatoes is “gross.”
Jade – NICE! Thank you so much, Jade! I’m excited!