Baby Blog

An update on the baby. He’s huge. Immense. Almost 15 pounds, and he’s not even 8 weeks old. How does that happen? All he eats is breastmilk. It’s not like he’s kicking back with a 6 pack and a big bag of Cheetos. And, he has a dairy allergy, so by all rights, he should not be gaining weight like a Sumo Wrestler after a bout of Salmonella.

How did I know he has a dairy allergy? Blood in his diapers. And mucous. And foam. Yes, foam. The doctor called it effervescent. Brigid said it looks like mousse. Mustard-flavored mousse, I guess. And he had eczema on his face. Apparently, these are all good indications that the little one is sensitive to the proteins in dairy, and, most likely, soy. And where do you think he gets these proteins? That’s right! ME! So, I have to remove all dairy and soy proteins from my diet. That means no milk. Or cheese. Or cake. Or most breads. Or cookies. I can eat chips and salsa! And Cap’n Crunch cereal with Rice Dream ™ rice beverage (it’s not as bad as it sounds).

Having baby number 4 is really no different than having baby number 3. He eats, sleeps, cries, and goes to the bathroom. I have other children who require attention, so I multitask. Once you have more than one kid, I think this part is pretty easy. And he’s a good sleeper, so I am getting enough rest at night to make it through the day.

The only real challenge has been trying to keep the other three from smothering Johnny with love. They really think he’s great, and the novelty has yet to wear off. So, they are always at him. Hugging, kissing, smothering with love. It could be worse – they could be smothering him with their pillows.