Lactose, Anyone?

We are getting into something resembling a routine.  Although, there are some days like today when things are a little bit off.  Dad and Bubeaner continue to sleep in the nursery for two reasons.  One, it's helping Bubeaner adjust to being back home and not having aunt Lari sleeping in the same room.  He's still waking up several times during the night, but at least, he's stopped having nightmares.  He just wakes up checks to see if Dad's there and goes back to sleep.  And two, it gets Dad a little more sleep than being woken up every 3-4 hours with Bubita for her feedings.

A little dark,

but we did not want to wake her. 

We hope it makes a difference.  Momma is still trying to get into the habit (again) of the night feedings.  Some nights are easier than others.  It mainly depends on taking naps during the day. Yesterday, unfortunately, there was no time for naps.  Last night was HARD.  Thankfully, Bubita is a little more forgiving about meal times than Bubeaner.

That also explains why we were running a little late this morning for a busy day of appointments.  Bubita had her two-week check up with Dr. Z.  Her stats:  weight - 7 lbs, 14 oz (up from 7lbs 7 oz at discharge); head circumference - 14.25"; and length - 21.25" (20" at discharge).  Her billirubin levels are normal.  Bubita no longer sports the yellow/orange tinge.  No more "tanning" sessions for her.  And since she has gained so much weight so fast, we no longer have to wake her up to eat every 3-4 hours at night.  We can let her decide how long to go between feedings.  We may even get to sleep longer than 4 hours tonight!!!

Dad is discovering teenage girls can eat as much as teen boys

despite how petite they look. 

However, there was one little drawback from today's appointment.  Momma mentioned to Dr. Z Bubita's change (color/consistency) in dirty diapers and the increase in gas and reflux.  So Dr. Z tested her poop and there was blood.  So, it appears that Bubita, like Bubeaner, has a lactose intolerance.  It's back to a dairy-free diet for Momma and the expensive formula if we decide to supplement.  We are not going as drastic as taking soy out too for now.  Hopefully, just eliminating dairy will make a big difference.  But, hey, we get to sleep longer through the night! (Must look at the positives.)

Bubeaner went to his gym class with Meme'Licia while Momma and Bubita were at the doctors.  He did really well playing with the other kids and even going under the parachute and staying there during the songs; he never liked going under before.  The week at Bita's playing and interacting with all his cousins appears to have eased his concerns.  There are definite benefits to large families.

Bubeaner continues to love and dote on his Bebe.  He still runs from wherever he is to Bubita's side when she cries.  And she's the first person he searches for when he gets up.  He is getting a little more comfortable around her, which raises another set of issues: protecting Bubita from the random and sometimes uncontrolled movements of a toddler.

Holding on to her sister....

And, yes, we did actually buy him the "jean" diapers.  

Today, we had to work with Bubeaner on not swinging his sister too hard when we put her on the swing.  We may not be using the swing as much with her as with Bubeaner...at least not while Bubeaner is awake. 

And we've learned that Bubita has an interesting sense of humor/timing.  She waits until Momma changes her diaper to poop.  It does not matter if the diaper is changed before, during or after eating.  It doesn't even matter if she's just pooped.  As soon as Momma changes her diaper, she poops.  EVERY TIME!  Newborns go through diapers fast, but at this new rate we really should be investing in the diaper company stock.

Bubeaner admiring the handsome boy in the mirror

while we shopped for Dad's clothes. 

But it's not all frustrating habits with Bubita.  Today, it almost sounded like she cooed and smiled with Meme'Licia.  She was also pretty cute at the doctor's office.  She "found" her hand and was enthralled by it.  She didn't know it was hers or that she could control it; but she was fascinated by this object so close to her face that kept moving.

Our four-legged baby Sandy also had a busy day today.  She was supposed to get groomed.  Poor Sandy was in a sad state of neglect.  She's still pretty spoiled, but with Bubita, Bubeaner and the girls, well she does not get the same level of attention.  Case in point, Momma forgot to mention to the new groomer that she's terrified of the kennel and that she will injure herself if left in there too long.  Pre-human-babies Momma would NEVER have forgotten to mention such an important thing.  So, in the afternoon we received a call that Sandy was at the vets (the groomer and vet are housed in the same building) getting treatment for two broken nails and a cut paw pad.  She had freaked out in the kennel and attempted to claw her way out.  The groomer was wonderful and gave Sandy extra love and attention until she was picked up.  Thankfully, she appears to not have been traumatized by the experience.  Her files (vet and groomer) have been flagged for future visits.