Kiddos, Colic and Christmas

I want to thank everyone for their support, encouragement and suggestions. We're implementing everything :-)
Simone seems to be feeling a little better today. There hasn't been any crying and we're really hoping that we might make it through the night without any.

I haven't had any dairy or dairy derivatives, any gluten, onions, peanuts, cabbage family veggies, peppers, high pectin fruits, spices or soy in over a week. We've furthered the elimination now so that I am pretty much eating only fish, chicken, squash, rice, pear, celery, carrots and potatoes. These things are the recommended "safe foods" for colic elimination diets. Yum ;-}

Tonight we'll be raising the head of the bed so that we will be sleeping at about a 40 degree angle. Jeff and I have been taking turns with the night-time holding. Jeff sleeps propped up with Simone tummy down on his chest. I prefer to sleep with her side lying in my arms. It's tough, but we're glad when she sleeps and we don't have to be on the sofa or rocking chair for it to happen. I drink a tea of fennel seed, catnip and peppermint every day to help with her digestion, we make sure she's burped thoroughly and is kept in a semi-upright position for at least 30 minutes after nursing. We carry and hold her so that there's no pressure on her belly, and we've ordered infant probiotics and Gripe Water. I'm sure there's more, bit it's escaping me now.

The rest of our lives feel a bit chaotic this week. All energy has been going to meeting basic needs while managing Jeff's job, and caring for Simone. It feels like all we can do to keep the laundry moving... folding be damned. There is at least one load of diapers and spit-up soaked clothes every day. We can't seem to get kindling chopped until we run out and the floors haven't been mopped in two weeks. Yeah, we look like a household in the newly postpartum period and it feels like it. I went for a walk to the mailbox today after realizing that I hadn't been outside of the house in 8 days.

I keep reminding myself that we've been through this adjustment period before, that we've survived colic before, that everything changes quickly and by spring we will be in great shape again. Sometimes I remind myself several times an hour ;-)

All in all, I'm thankful that we are a well balanced family that already knows how to do all of this. I'm grateful that everyone's needs are being met and that everyone is still in good spirits.
Colic can really wreak havoc on a family, but I think we're managing well.

Now, if only eggnog were part of an elimination diet :*( I LOVE the stuff... that and the pies we froze a couple of months ago...

Ah, well...
I will take my enjoyment from the snow that comes during the -2 degree nights and then melts off in the 56 degree afternoons... the Swingin Christmas channel on Pandora, and the general happiness of my kiddos who are really looking forward to Christmas.

Keep commenting. I really love to hear from you. I enjoy hearing about who you are and what you think.
xoxo