I had to laugh when I came upon this from the Dr. Sears' website today:
"Your beautiful five-month-old baby boy, who has been the most perfect little angel since birth, has suddenly turned into a cranky, fussy, drooling, chews-on- everything-in-site little monster! He is now keeping you up half the night, and needs to be held, bounced, and nursed all day long. Welcome to the wonderful world of TEETHING!"
We are coming up on two weeks now that Henry has been running a slight fever (pediatrician's office doesn't even technically call it a fever) and being a little fussy buddy. The fever and the pain isn't all the time (thank goodness!), but even when he isn't screaming while touching his gums, the drooling and chewing speaks for itself. It seems to bother him more in the afternoon/evening for some reason and especially when he is playing by himself. The pain is making him more of a "needy" baby than he has ever been in the past, and he starts to fuss the moment I even think about leaving the room. I know that some of the extra fussiness is probably just Henry's frustration of not being able to move yet and maybe some slight seperation anxiety, but I can also tell that teething has something to do with it too. So how am I doing? I have my moments. It just makes me literally sick to see him in pain and sometimes by the end of a long day I feel very overwhelmed and inadequate as a mom. Shaun will come home and spend every little bit of energy he has left giving Henry the happiest ten minutes of his day. While I'm incredibly grateful for such a loving husband and daddy and for their precious relationship, it has (just being honest) made me question why I can't do that for Henry. But Shaun has been so sweet to remind me that he can keep that energy level up for ten to fifteen minutes, but he couldn't do it all day long. This week I'm trying not to feel guilty when Henry doesn't seem happy, and I'm instead just focusing on soothing him and being a good mommy. This too shall pass and in the end two sweet little baby teeth will pop out, and I'm sure I will cry when that happens because it will just be another sign that my sweet boy is already growing up.
8 comments:
Babies are never as happy or as good for their mommies as they are for their daddies. I think that's because they ~know~ deep down to their cores that mommies will love them no matter what so they can be a little extra difficult. I think they can sense our unconditional love and also sort of just take us for granted that we're there all the time.
Heh, that sounds silly, but that's what I think! I think you're doing a great job Courtney :0)
There is a little thing out there that saved our lives when mine were teething. Hylands teething tablets. They are all natutal herbs that help with teething pain. There is no limit to how many they can have in a day. They dissolve with saliva and work really well. I got them at Target in the pharmacy section. You might have to ask the pharmacist where they were because I couldn't find them. I also saw them at Walmart recently. A little bottle of 100 tablets was about $4. Well worth the money.
Oh hun! I totally feel your pain right now. My girls are in SERIOUS teething mode as well. Addison has two and Alexis' are on the brink of poking through. I think the fact that you want to take the pain away from Henry just proves how wonderful of a mother you actually are. I love reading your posts because you "keep it real" and I LOVE it! Big Hug!
I second the Hyland's teething tablets. I use them with Little Bug and it really does seem to help. And since they are all natural there is no limit to how many she can have per day, so I give them to her before every nap and before bed when I know her gums are bothering her. I buy them at Wal-Mart...look in either the baby section or the pharmacy area.
I also agree with Robin about the relationship babies have with their mommy! Little Bug can be fussing and my mom will take her and she stops. But the min she sees me again she is back to fussing :)
Your husband is also very wise in what he told you!! Being a stay at home mom is no walk in the park every day!!! It is TOUGH work!!!
You're doing an awesome job with Henry & and I love reading your blog too because you are always so real about parenthood.
Hope those two little teeth poke through soon you can both have relief!
Sadly we can't make our babies feel great all the time - sure wish I could. Don't feel guilty. Being a mommy is hard work. Also, these kiddos know their mommies and seek us out for comfort, so don't be alarmed if you leave Henry with a sitter or Shaun for an hour and he is a perfect angel. When you are unable to comfort them, they normally just resort to whining.
My best advice for teething - Motrin!!!! Orajel helps too. Get ready for a fun ride, but honestly, the meds really help and you will feel better because of it. Love you and hang in there!
Your hubby hit the nail on the head IMO...daddies come home and have this high energy level for 10-15 minutes..maybe even 1-2 hours. But all day? It's just impossible!
I third the hylands teething tablets...we love em! Target behind the pharmacy counter (although I just got some and their price sky rocketed...at ours at least), I've seen em at BRU (with the tooth paste, tooth brushes, meds), and I've seen them at some pharmacies and grocery stores, but I never know if it's hit or miss.
Awww, sweet angel! I hope he gets those teeth fast! It's no fun having them feel bad.
Oh I'm behind reading your blog - and why!!! didn't I read it sooner!!! (lol) That is totally my 5 month old. My baby just got his first tooth last night =(. Poor little fella.
(on to reply to more of your posts)
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