Motherhood Week 4

I got the cutest picture of Kiernan smiling. It's no easy task capturing those elusive smiles on film!

Since the first week Kiernan has had issues with gas/colic. We managed to get by thus far with Mylicon infant formula and a few techniques at home, which Beosig fondly refers to as “fart calisthenics”. Being the sucker I am for a good fart joke (go figure huh?) I constantly giggle at that term.

Anyhow, said calisthenics involve peddling Kiernan’s legs as if he were riding a bike or bringing his feet up towards his head as if folding him in half to help the gas move along in his system. We have also tried gripe water, which is a natural herbal remedy containing ginger and fennel – things known to soothe an unhappy stomach. All of this was used with mixed results.

Recently, it was suggested to me by a former coworker that we try going to the chiropractor. So, this week we made an appointment with a chiropractor. Treatment for infants is basically the same as for adults but on a much gentler level. Amazingly, it seems to have made a vast difference. Kiernan is far less fussy than before and seems more comfortable. We are going to continue seeing the chiropractor for the next few weeks and see if it continues to make a difference.

Towards the end of the pregnancy I began to experience some swelling – at times it was severe. Amazingly, this week I was able to wear my wedding ring again! Woo hoo! Maybe I will start to feel the tips of the middle three fingers on my right hand soon too. Those have been numb since the swelling began originally.

Kiernan is a month old this week. It’s hard to believe it was already 4 weeks ago that we brought him into this world to join the family. That also means it is the half way mark on the time I have left at home with him before going back to work. I am so not ready for that.