Turtle Monkey

For all the grief he gave us yesterday, Elias was a perfect angel today. We went to a birthday party for Mark’s niece, Kasey (she turned 20!) He slept for about two and a half hours before that, didn’t fuss more than a few seconds for the entire two and a half hours or so we were away from home and has been sleeping ever since he ate after we returned. He was all smiles when he woke up from his nap this morning. I hope he continues being an angel this evening!

Elias and Kathy, Mark’s sister at Kasey’s birthday party.

Elias is definitely teething. Yesterday was so hard on all three of us. Starting around 1pm, Elias was fussy and his mouth was obviously in pain. He wouldn’t stay asleep for more than 15 minutes. Finally around 9:30 or so, he fell asleep in the Moby. After he’d been there for about 20 minutes, I tried laying down with him to go to sleep for the night, but he just woke up hungry. After feeding him, he seemed way too awake to go to sleep. I tried rocking and nursing him until midnight or so, but he only slept for maybe an hour before waking up hungry again.

He had more trouble falling asleep after eating (normally he just goes straight to sleep again), but I think he finally settled down around 2am. He slept, if fitfully, until 6am when I fed him again and tried to get him back to sleep. As with yesterday, he just wouldn’t stay that way. I’m pretty sure he kept waking up in pain.

I finally got up with him around 7 or 8am (time is a blur) and tried rocking him in my arms. That seemed to do the trick and he’s been sleeping in his swing now for a couple of hours.

I think in addition to teething, he’s reverse cycling due to the drastic change in his routine from when he’s at home. I’ve tried to keep it, but it is so hard taking care of a baby in someone else’s house, no matter how hospitable the hosts.

We decided not to take him along to the New Year’s Eve party at Mark’s friend’s house; his sister Kathy is going to babysit for us. As fussy as he’s been the past couple days, I really don’t think it’s a good idea to disturb what little sense of routine he has left in life.

I love being here, but I hate being away from home, where I can easily take care of my baby and everyone is perfectly comfortable.

Elias had his first trip to a restaurant last night. I had no idea that upside down high chairs held car seats! He was doing just fine in his car seat, taking in the whole experience until he accidentally scratched his face and the world came to an end. On my lap, he quickly became distracted with something else and remained content there until I finished my meal. After Mark finished his, he took Elias for a little while.

I don’t think we were there for more than 15-20 minutes, but Elias’ first dining experience went smoothly. I think Mark and I are ready to take him out on the town when we get back to Atlanta.

In the past week, Elias has started smiling at objects and not just in response to people. His hands are open and exploring things. I think his vision is improving.

Unfortunately, he’s drooling excessively, he’s crankier than normal, he’s chomping down on fingers and teething toys… it seems he may be starting the teething process.

We got Elias’ daycare all set up this evening. His official start date is January 3rd, though Mark’s off work until the 21st.