Wednesday, July 25, 2012

We Survived the 4th Trimester

I used to believe the "4th trimester" was something dreamed up by baby-wearing hippies to rationalize clingy infants.



With the raising of 4 newborns under my belt (metaphorically... and physically in the form of love-handles around my midsection), I now see the 4th trimester as a given; the first 3 months after birth are a continuation of the grueling process of growing a human life.



In the first 3 months after birth, we go from knowing nothing about this little one's likes and dislikes or physical ailments ("Mama, don't you dare eat dairy!) to maybe, hopefully, figuring a few things out. 






Tommy went from being a screaming-banshy of a newborn that left me clueless and exhausted to a 16 pound baby who prefers to be held and seems to likes routine.... with all his needs met, he's a pretty happy-go-lucky guy.



We figured out early on that he has a sensitive stomach. I don't eat anything with dairy. He is gassy for unexplained reasons too sometimes... every now and then.... don't know why. I eat a pretty clean diet, so I'm not sure what is bugging him in particular. 



I'll figure it out in the 5th trimester I guess.



It has taken me longer to figure out his sleep routine.







I won't be writing a book any time soon on "how to put your baby on a schedule" (Baby Wise is no longer on my recommended book list). Yet I also shudder in my boots when I hear the demand-feeding recommendation. For my own sanity, I can't whip out a boob every 20 minutes to give my baby snacks throughout the day. 




Full feedings, when the baby is hungry is my mode of operation these days. It's simple and still has us on a routine of sorts... 2-4 hours between feedings. I don't really care about the clock -- most the time I can't find one anyway. I used to freak out when my babies didn't follow the clock, but I've mellowed. 



He sleeps for a few hours at a time a few times a day. With child #4, I'm not entirely sure what he is up to most of the time.... it is just nice he isn't *very* mobile. Yet. He scoots himself across the floor on his belly at the speed of an inch worm. I thought I was imagining things, but he really does move on his own.






This guy is so stinkin cute!
























We kiss on him, love on him, argue about who will hold him, and eagerly anticipate his next gorgeous smile.















I'll leave you with a awesome, chubby baby leg picture.

Chunky thighs + rompers = overwhelming cuteness (on a baby). =)





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8 comments:

Jill said...

Oh my goodness, he's changed so much! Packin' on the pounds will do that to a feller, I guess. So glad he's chillin' a little better for you, and I hope the sleep routine will even out as well. Oh, blissfull sleep. Something I hope I will always remember to appreciate!

Andee said...

Swoon! So cute!

Lesley said...

I can't wait to meet him (and you, and all your kids) in person this November! He's sooooo sweet.

Joelle said...

Oh my! That smile is irrestible!

Sherri said...

Tommy's smiles are priceless, but he gives them away so freely. Sure had fun loving on him and the rest of the gang:)

Sara said...

Alysun, this is too funny - I am so totally with you on this! I could have written those comments myself about Babywise, "a routine of sorts," and former freaking about the clock! Congrats on making it past the 4th trimester! Let the more fun and less exhausting times begin! :)

Linds and Manda said...

Oh my what a cutie! Just looking at the pictures I can still smell and feel those wonderfully soft little cheeks. It was such a blessing to be able to meet him. Hugs to you little Tommy.

Stacy said...

He really is a cutie! Can I even hope mine will have those cute chunky thighs?! Probably not.