7 Weeks

Arlo turned 7 weeks old yesterday, and I was all prepared to write a post about how, 24 hours a day, he's clingy, furious, sleeping horribly, inconsolable, apparently going through the craziest growth spurt ever, and ohmygodIcan'ttakethisanymore. But I was just too exhausted.

Instead, I'm writing a post today about how Arlo has infant reflux, and he's been screaming nonstop for 10 days—and just acting "off" for 2.5 weeks—because he's in pain. I feel so guilty for not catching this sooner, but I'm glad Danny and I reached our breaking point this morning and finally called the pediatrician.

When Arlo arched his back and wailed in the nurse practitioner's arms, she made her diagnosis. That's apparently a big sign of reflux, along with several other things Arlo's experiencing—gagging, screaming, not sleeping, spitting up all the time, and preferring to be in the upright position. We have to give him a prescription medication twice a day until his reflux goes away, which should happen around 6 months or so. My poor little boy. I'd like a redo on these last three weeks, please.

Also of note, the nurse practitioner commented that Arlo is "the perfect blend of mommy and daddy," which I loved.

Glorious bedhead / Officer Adorable / Cute smile / Perfection

Unfortunately and fortunately, I have some pretty horrendous carpal tunnel in my left wrist, and since my OB referred me to a physical therapist (an occupational therapist, to be more accurate), Danny gets to stay home with us for another week. Woo-hoo!

I've had minor pains in my wrist for a couple of years now, but since I had Arlo, it's become excruciating and much more frequent. My physical therapist gave me a giant list of things not to do. Basically, I'm supposed to wear a wrist brace all day and not move my left arm from the elbow down, except when I'm doing the list of recommended exercises. That would be fine and dandy if I didn't have a newborn to carry around. I don't see this condition improving anytime in the near future, but I'll keep doing (okay, start doing) my exercises and continue going to physical therapy.

Now, here's to brighter days ahead.

2 Weeks

Arlo is exactly two weeks old today, and I'm already wishing I could stop the clock. Danny gets eight weeks off work, and it freaks me out that 25% of this leave has already passed. Time is so precious.

My favorite photo of the week:  cuddles with Daddy.

Arlo lost a half-ounce more than the allowed 10% below birth weight, so we had to take him to the doctor for a weigh-in today. We were thrilled to learn that he gained almost a pound in one week, and he's up to a healthy 8lbs 5oz. Nice work, kid!

We've been taking this boy everywhere. We've made it out of the house most days this week for grocery shopping, lunch with friends, dinner at Grandma's... I know not everybody agrees with hauling a brand-spakin'-new baby around, but I want him to be very socialized, and we may as well start now.

Our happiest moments, though, are those spent at home, the three of us just snuggling and napping and living life according to a newborn's schedule. I'll treasure these days.