Sadie's 2nd Month

As we began Sadie's second month, we were quickly becoming experts in all things colic.  There are 101 different things to try to soothe your baby; but as they say, every baby is different.  To start, we began by always keeping Sadie at an angle.  She was always spitting up and continuing to have breathing scares, so we thought that the best option to help these problems were to always have her at an angle when she was on her back.  This definitely helped with potential problems and scares, but soothing her was another issue all together.

 

I decided to consult my personal doctors- Google and girlfriends. One of my girlfriends (a mother of a colicky baby herself) provided many ideas to try with Sadie.  She mentioned an angled mattress pad, baths while being held at night, and most importantly, a magic little remedy called Colic Calm.  This homeopathic remedy is essentially a charcoal-based drop that works even better than Mylicon!  This became our final option- the secret weapon when nothing would work.  If you have a colicky baby, keep these in your cabinet!  Even though they were homeopathic and harmless, we tried to only use them as a last resort.

Dr. Google gave me my other greatest salvation that I will be forever grateful for- the stability ball!!!  For anyone planning to get pregnant or if you have a friend who is pregnant- BUY THEM A BALL!  I didn't have one around when I was pregnant with Stella, but it was my favorite thing for this pregnancy.  When you just can't get comfortable or stretch in a way you normally would- this silly ball will become your best friend.  Once I had Sadie, I figured that I would probably retire the ball because I wouldn't need it anymore.  Little did I know that it would save my sanity.

 I found in a thread through Google that colicky babies can often be soothed by being bounced on a stability ball.  Take them somewhere dark and quiet, hold them tightly, and bounce.  This movement simulates the feeling of being in the womb because it's padded and secure.  After one particularly difficult evening, I figured I'd give this ridiculous remedy a try.  I kid you not- Sadie stopped crying instantly!  I don't know what about bouncing on this ball does for her, but it is her saving grace.  From this point on, I spent probably about 75% of my day bouncing on that ball!  The minute Sadie would start to go off; I would get on that ball and bounce.  No joke- I even starting eating my meals bouncing on that ball!  So, before this becomes an ode to my stability ball, I will close by saying that every pregnant woman needs one in their house.

Between that stability ball, the angled resting positions, and the Colic Calm, we tried our best to manage Sadie's outbursts.  Also at the start of the month, I had my appointment to be cleared to run by my OB/GYN.  I was thrilled to hear that I could get back to my normal routine.  Having one very active child and another who screams a lot can make a person really look forward to getting away for a bit.  For me, my runs are truly my solace where I can drop everything and just go.  It's the best way to clear my head, especially when Sadie is having a bad day.  So, even through getting away doesn't mean a vacation, I'll happily take my daily trips out for a good run! 

 

Although I can't say that we had all the answers, Steve and I felt that we finally started to get a handle on Sadie.  We started to joke that Stella was a "starter baby" because she had been so easy.  I think that having her first really gave us a chance to work out the initial parenting kinks that all new parents must overcome, and thankfully we didn't have that stiff learning curve with a baby like Sadie.  She may have been giving us a run for our money when she was awake, but at least she was giving us around five hours of sleep.  We are VERY lucky because colicky babies can tend to be light sleepers.  Can you imagine being screamed at all day, and then not getting any sleep because the screaming continues all night?  I think I would have gone insane if Sadie did this! 

Towards the end of Sadie's 2nd month, it was time to celebrate Mother's Day.  I can't say that I'm one for a big celebration on this day; I love to have time with my family to remember how lucky I am to be a mother.  If it weren't for my husband being crazy enough to say yes to having kids, I wouldn't be a mother in the first place.  He is a constant support and an amazing partner when it comes to our girls.  Then, I have my two beautiful girls.  Stella- what can I say about her?  She my gorgeous little firecracker who is smart as a whip.  I am so much in love with her little personality, and she makes every day so much fun!  Seriously, I am loving watching her grow up and knowing that I'll have her as a friend some day.  Sadie- my little mouse who found her voice.  I was worried that Sadie would overshadowed by Stella's big personality, but Sadie quickly found herself when she came home.  She is so sweet and observant, and her own little personality is starting to develop.  I cannot wait until she comes into her own and I get to see who she is starting to become. 



The biggest gift that came right after Mother's Day was from Sadie.  Sadie started smiling!  When you have a baby who always seems to be in pain or uncomfortable, it is such a blessing to see a smile come across their face.  Sadie (who had been listening to our voices and following them) started to smile when she heard us talk and saw our faces.  After worrying that she was so unhappy, it was everything to see that sweet smile on her face.  To top that- her little mouse squeaks returned!  Sadie was no longer all about screaming and crying, and we were so looking forward to turning the corner and having a happy baby.  Here is Sadie Lady smiling at two months: