Good News, Bad News

After 7 weeks we're starting to get this kid figured out.  We made a visit to EDI (Early Developmental Intervention) where Owen had Craniosacral Therapy for Colic and Reflux.  The best way that I can describe it was a combination between a massage and chiropractic.  The therapist worked on him for an hour and by the end he was as calm as I had seen him in a long time.  The therapist confirmed that he does have acid reflux and that it might be helpful to check with his pediatrician.

We were able to get a prescription to treat the reflux from the doctor.  While we were told it would take at least 48 hours to have any effect,  though he seemed to be much better that day.  He isn't cured yet, but seems to be on the path to recovery.  The good news is that we figured out what was causing all of the screaming.  The bad news is that it has to be treated with a pricey prescription.

I've included a picture of Riggins. Boppy pillows aren't just for 2 legged babies :)  We've been referring to Riggins as Lassie today as she surprised us by doing something smart last night.  The baby monitor died so we didn't hear the baby wake up and start crying.  Riggins started barking until we woke up and went to get him.  I'm still surprised that our "little dummy" was capable of something so smart.  In the future I'll be sure to keep the monitor charged as I wouldn't bet on her doing it again.

6 Weeks and Counting...

Tonight we visited friends in the hospital who just had a baby.  It is hard to believe that it has already been 6 weeks since we were in the same place.  Seeing that new baby made me realize how much Owen has changed already. 

He weighed in at 10.5 lbs tonight.  We no longer have any concerns about his weight gain.  He sure likes to eat!  But doesn't like to take breaks to burp and tends to spit up a lot.  Unfortunately feeding him can be quite a challenge at times. He seems to have mini-temper tantrums when it is time to burp, so feeding him isn't always a pleasant experience.

We are still working on the colic issue.  Some days are good and others not so good.  He seems to be easier to calm than before, but there are still moments when we are ready to throw him out the window :)  We will be meeting with someone who specializes in early developmental issues on Tuesday.  We're hoping to get some help with the fussiness, spitting up and screaming.  He has also been to the chiropractor a few times and drinks a lot of gripe water!

Owen and Riggins watching the Cubs

Colic

Colic: Crying spells, usually beginning in late afternoon and sometimes lasting until bedtime.  Baby seems inconsolable, crying turns to screaming, and the ordeal lasts for three hours, sometimes much longer.  Colicky periods recur daily.  Few infants follow the textbook description exactly.... 

Owen is one of the few that follows the textbook description exactly. 

We made a visit to our favorite lactation consultant to talk about colic.  In the past few evenings, just as Matt is getting home from work, Owen has started screaming and appears to be in severe pain. We have found that she is very helpful for just about everything baby related--not just lactation.  She recommended a few things. 

1. Use Gripe Water instead of gas drops
2. Change to dairy and soy free formula
3. See a chiropractor
4. Craniosacral therapy

Fortunately we have seen a great improvement just from using the gripe water.  We have switched formula and Owen has an appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow.  We're hoping to get in for Craniosacral therapy tomorrow too. 

Owen Update

Last week Grandma Johnson, aka Grandma in the blue house, came to visit.  She is the baby whisperer--he slept for 3 hours right next to her on the couch and seemed to drift off to a happily dreamy state every time she held him.  She gave me a break all day and I was able to get a massage and pedicure.  It was a greatly appreciated and needed change of pace.  Thanks Mom!

In the past week Owen has become much more alert and likes to stare at faces and his toys.  He has also started lifting his head much better during tummy time. He isn't a big fan of the camera flash as you can see in some of the pictures above.

Last weekend Owen took his first big trip to Spencer.  He did a great job!  He slept most of the way there and even stayed quiet through a whole wedding.  It was nice to get to introduce him to more of the family and to get to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Beck.  Grandma Beck also has quite a way with Owen and even managed a middle of the night feeding--again, greatly appreciated!