Last night after talking with Tia, I decided we would try to attempt to give Ruthie a bottle. She will have to start taking them when I go back to work and Joel will be able to help me a little this way. I never in a million years thought it would be difficult. After all, most babies these days are bottle fed. I’ve never seen a breast fed baby transition to a bottle though and that is where my disillusionment started.
Our schedule was a bit off last night and I don’t quite understand why. I noticed that it was getting close to nursing time so I had Joel pull out a bottle, wash it, and start thawing the “oldest” milk. Ruthie was hungry and was ready to eat. Joel couldn’t make the milk thaw any quicker and I started to get antsy, which I’m sure didn’t help matters with Ruthie. He finally sat down to give her the bottle.
She didn’t like it, would be putting it mildly. I sat by and watched and my husband tried to get her take it, teasing every part of her little mouth and then trying to get her to calm down. I called Tia to get a bit of advice. Try again later, was music to my ears and yet frustrating at the same time. I was somewhat glad that my baby didn’t want a substitute and yet frustrated because I know that ultimately she will need to take a bottle and I wanted Joel to be able bond with her during feeding time as well. We decided to stop and try another time. I calmed her down and nursed her to sleep.
Last night was a great night in the sleep department. I managed to get about 7 1/2 hours from 11 PM – 8:30AM. We got up only twice and the crying fits before bedtime didn’t happen. Today she stayed up from 8:30 until 12 noon so I’m hoping that tonight will be another good night. Trying to keep her awake wasn’t an issue today. Trying to get her to take a nap so I could get a bite to eat was.
These were taken this morning during said wake time. I love the faces she makes.
Well. I’ve got a few other things to get done before she wakes up again. More pics will hopefully be up soon.
LOOK AT MY LITTLE NIECE!!!! Awwww…she is SO pretty. I wish I could smoosh on her cheeks! Miss her so much! I was thinking…next bottle try, make sure she’s swaddled tight and have him try a more tummy-to-tummy position. She’s used to eating more cozily. And it might help if she’s not super hungry too.
Oooh- I love these! Erin, she has just the most perfect little face and head. She looks so serious too.
Another note on the bottle thing, make sure she can’t see or hear you. She’d much rather have mommy than a bottle:-) We also ended up switching nipples with Tyler a few times before we found just the right one. I’m sure you’ve heard all this though.
Have fun!!!
Erin & Joel,
She is so pretty! Do I detect a little dimple in her chin? I am going to be in your town on February 2nd and 3rd. I would love to come by and see Ruthie.
Cathy – yes, that is a dimple in her chin. It is the trait she got from my side. By all means, you can come see her. Just let me know how your schedule will work and I’ll email directions, or maybe we could meet for lunch or something.
Oh she is adorable. What a perfect little darling. I can see both sides in her. Enjoy your time with her before you go back to work. Don’t let it all become a blur like I did. Keep sending those pictures. Love, Great Aunt Joy–boy, I keep on getting older and older and getting more Great Nieces and Nephews than I can’t count! (On my side).
Oh I might have a hint. Tell Joel to hold the bottle up by the band that goes around the nipple if you know what I mean. You hold the bottle underneath with your thumb closest to the baby and your other fingers pointing up on the outside of the bottle. Your arm is automatically cradling the baby. It is more comfortable for him too. I hope I explained it right. Great Aunt Joy.