hmb

High Maintenance Baby- Yes, folks, I think that is what I have. We love Coranelle infinitely, but she definitely requires a lot of attention. I took her for a walk today, and she cried the whole time. Not sure why... I changed her once and checked her twice since she cannot seem to tolerate being wet for more than a few minutes. And, we tried the pacifier... she was fed, clean, burped, etc. It is often a mystery to me what is bugging her. But, she is not one that you can just set down after feeding, and she'll remain content. She likes lots of rocking, walking, and she has to be full, burped, and totally dry. Even then, sometimes she still wants to fuss. It can also be hard to take her places. Last week at Target, she screamed the entire time we were there. I got a lot of sympathetic looks from other moms, and some unsolicited advice from others. It definitely got my blood pressure up, and we were both exhausted after a simple errand! Some days are better than others, so I am just trying to figure out what makes her happy. It was good to talk to another mom of a baby who was fussy as a little one- it is nice to have someone who can relate. And, this mom said that her little boy grew out of the hours of crying by three months. That is good for me to hear. I just want her to be happy.
Ryan and I decided last night, while listening to her cry in the car for half an hour, that this experience is making us so much stronger as a couple. A fussy baby can be very trying and hard to listen to- and it is so good to have each other to lean on and help each other out. I couldn't do this without his patience and caring words. When I get upset in the evenings because she had cried a lot during the day, he takes her and soothes her, and makes sure to take time to soothe me as well. He gives me backrubs and talks me through my feelings of defeat and cuddles with me. Challenging times bring us closer together! I am so thankful for that.
And I am so thankful for a faith that carries me through tough days alone. I know that God has been here with me- when I am joyful and when I am weeping because it hurts to hear my baby cry. I am comforted that He is with Coranelle in her sleeping and waking, and that He is in the heart of all of my emotions and during all of the changes that are brought along with motherhood.
Ryan took Friday off and we got to go up to RMNP for the day. Cora the explora! She actually did great- even with the diaper changes on the seat of the car and picnic tables. I fed her with amazing views of Longs Peak! It was a crowded day in the park- but gorgeous weather. Blue skies and everything was green and blooming. We took her in the baby bjorn for a 3 1/2 mile hike through the park and she did great. She seems to like being outside- most of the time. (So long as she hasn't peed herself! :-) We were also worried about the drive down the canyon because of the change in pressure hurting her ears. But, I sat with her and helped her hold on to her pacifier, and she did great. She is going to be our little mountain girl!
We also celebrated father's day with Bruce and Steve. We had two great dinners and a fun time with family and grandparents. The grandparents have been such a huge help and support and they love little Coranelle so much, it makes me teary eyed to think about it. Handing them their grandchild to hold (even when she is crying) tends to make their days! I love that. She does have the power to do that to you! Precious little thing.
As I write about her crying and how it affects me- please don't worry. Motherhood is hard, and hormones and all these new experiences are just a lot! But, we are doing well. I just thought I would be honest in my posts about challenges and joys we are facing. And, I have Ryan supporting us and taking care of me, and that says so much!
We're going to try to make it to the post office and the grocery store today. We'll see how she does! Thanks for reading!