Just a phase? I sure hope so!

For the past two weeks or so Abby has been quite a bit fussier than normal. We thought originally she was just a bit sick or something (we think this is still a small part of the problem), but it persists. The worst is when she cries because she's tired. Basically before most naps, she cries. Sometimes it's for 10 minutes. Often it's for 30-40 minutes. Tonight it was for over an hour. And it was especially hard tonight, because Peggy didn't get a nap today. So, she was exhausted, and ready to go to bed. We were both frustrated, until finally, after an hour, Abby just stopped! So, now she is sleeping in her swing. In an hour or so (if she's still sleeping), I'll wake her up, give her a small bottle, and hopefully put her to bed with no more crying.

It wouldn't be so bad, except it's before most naps that she takes. And we're left with such a helpless feeling. There's nothing you can do for her except let her cry, until eventually she just gives in and falls asleep. You can walk around, move her positions, offer a bottle, do a little dance, sing a little song, but nothing seems to consistently work.

About a week ago, it was just too much. I grew increasingly frustrated when she just kept crying. Luckily, Peggy was there to step in like a champ. She was so wonderful that night (like she is every night) and is truly a wonderful mom and wife. She is so patient with Abby (and me). Abby is a very lucky girl (and I'm a very lucky husband).

Tonight, it was almost too much for Peggy (she was just so exhausted), and I was there to step in. We work very well together, it's nice to have such a good team. We often wonder how single parents do it (or how parents of twins do it!)

Peggy mentioned something to the doctor the other day, and that I was worried it was colic (my biggest fear in life right now). The doctor laughed and said "the dad's always think it's the beginning of colic."

Everyone tells us it's "just a phase." Daddy sure hopes so.

What did you do?

So I don't know if cloth diapers are just more absorbent or if we don't know how to put on disposable diapers but we haven't had much luck with them.... watch the video.

Exposed!

Yep, to rsv. Our daycare provider called yesterday morning, one of the three other kids has rsv... ugh.
What is rsv?
According to the CDC - Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Most otherwise healthy people recover from RSV infection in 1 to 2 weeks. However, infection can be severe in some people, such as certain infants, young children, and older adults. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in the United States. In addition, RSV is more often being recognized as an important cause of respiratory illness in older adults.
So what does that mean for Abby? I called the peditrician right away and they had me bring her in just to check her over. Right now they say she has a cold but nothing serious, we are supposed to watch her breathing to make sure she isn't getting too congested. The little boy from daycare who is sick won't be back until at least next Wednesday, one of the other kids already has the flu and the one who has been with Abby the most has a bad cold. Our peditrician told me if she's already been exposed there isn't much he can do but treat her if she does develop rsv. So its a waiting game.

In other news Abby is 8 weeks old! She weighs 12lbs 1.5oz and is starting to grab for her toys!! It makes her daddy very happy to finally see her do more than just stare at them. Yesterday we walked 5 miles at the mall it was too cold to go outside, and all of the old people her. We get there about an hour before the mall opens and just power walk, Abby usually sleeps. She does not like walking past the food court, she makes very disgusted faces when she smells the fast food.
One month until our trip to Minnesota!

Leaving for daycare

Bathtime!

I was sooooooooooo good for my bath tonight! I didn't cry at all!

Video Time

Since we use cloth diapers we do laundry every three days... well with the holidays we got off schedule and the diapers got started a little late one day. Which means Abby had to wear a disposable diaper. Something she hasn't done since she was a week old...

Abby loves her bouncy seat, there are four animals that she holds very important conversations with almost daily.

A sleeping Abby.

Back to work

Tomorrow I go back to work :(

Actually I'm looking forward to getting back into a regular routine and making money again! Abby is all set to start daycare. We found an in-home daycare center with just a few other kids and a mom we really like. Thankfully with my work schedule she'll go Monday and Tuesday and then stay home with me on Wednesday and Thursday And back to daycare for Fridays. Only working two days before the weekend will be good for me this week, it makes easing back into the workforce a little easier.
Abby is still being fussy at nap/bedtime. She fights sleep for about 20-30 minutes before she'll actually close her eyes. It's very sad to listen to her cry and not be able to make her feel better.
And now its time for more pictures of Abby, and yes they are all close-ups.
Bathtime!

Friday night Abby cried for a long time, and Dave was outside burning the Christmas tree. So I bundled Abby up and we went outside to see the fire and see if a change in scenery would settle her down... and it did! My little eskimo girl... thanks to cousin Gavin for giving us his snowsuit.

Check out that smile.

No I will not go to bed.

Finally sleeping....