The harsh reality

In the last two weeks, we've thought Grant had gastroesophageal reflux, excessive gas, colic, insomnia and a host of other ailments contributing to his fussiness and refusal to sleep. Turns out, he just has incompetent parents.

This past week, Grant went on a strict routine - eat, activity and sleep - no deviation. Now, when he cries, I don't automatically pop a boob in his mouth (you'd be gassy too if you were chronically overfed). Instead, we try to figure out what's wrong with him. Many times, he's overtired, so we're trying to put him to bed the second he yawns, so he doesn't get overly fussy. So far, a much better baby - no extreme meltdowns, better sleep at night. He still hates to nap during the day, especially in his crib, and putting him to bed is a nightmare, but he's much improved. He also takes the pacifier now, which is helping him to self-soothe before bed and gives Mommy a break from nursing.

It's amazing how much he's changed in the last two months. It just occurred to me the other day that he can turn his head from side to side. I'd forgotten that he couldn't do that before. And now when he plays in the activity gym, he actually bats at the toys. He's smiling a lot more and even laughing (sort of - it kind of sounds like a dog panting, but he's getting there).

More pictures below...

(NOTE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY: You can save any of these photos to your own computer. Just click on the image and wait for it to enlarge. Then right-click, hit "Save Picture As" and save it to your computer.)

Cheering for the Gators during the SEC Championship (not that it did much good):


Enthralled by his mobile:


Visiting with buddy Holden Thunell (3 months old):