I’m Still Here

I’m still here. I have so many different post ideas that I have been storing up. Plus, I have a back log of baby summaries to write. The newborn phase with Haydon proved to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. It turns out Haydon has silent reflux and some food allergies. I am still breastfeeding him  (at 13 weeks) and I have been on a very limited diet, eliminating the top 8 allergens from my diet in hopes that it will help Haydon to feel better. I’ve already determined he has a nut allergy and I am pretty certain he has a milk/soy protein intolerance. But that’s all I have have figured out currently. I’ve been on this selective diet now for about 2.5 weeks and I’ve seen great improvement and I hope to have some of Haydon’s triggers figured out as I slowly add food back into my diet. I hope to get some more frequent posts up starting next week. Until then…thanks for stopping by and reading!

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Writing a blog does not make me an expert

Just because someone has a blog, does not make them an expert. Anyone can start a blog and blog about any old topic. When I started this blog, I never thought many people would ever read it to be honest with you. But I have been surprise as to how many people google and find my blog looking for information about breastfeed, babywise, and wonder weeks. I really felt like I “knew what I was doing” when it came to raising my first 3 children, especially my twins (my 2nd and 3rd babies). My twins were textbook, easy babies. They slept when they books said they should sleep, they hit all their developmental milestones when they should, and they were just easy babies. So I would write blog post about raising my 3 kids and just assume what worked for me and my family should work for everyone. But then I had my 4th child, and boy was I humbled! Haydon was like no baby I had ever experienced. He did not sleep when I expected him to sleep. He did not nurse like I hoped he would nurse. All my old “tricks” were not working. It turns out Haydon has silent reflux and a possible milk and soy protein intolerance (MSPI). But what I have learned in parenting Haydon for the past 3 months is this, what worked with one baby may not work with them all. What works in one family may not work for the next family. One baby might sleep through the night quickly while and one might just need to take longer. One baby might need to cry to go to sleep, while crying might cause another baby great distress and never go to sleep. Plus, you never know if your baby will have medical issues such a colic, reflux, or food allergies to name a few. So while I maintain a blog and write posts about helping your child to sleep, eat, play, and have a good routine, please read it in light of your own circumstances. Don’t be afraid to say to yourself, “that would never work with my child” or that method is “not going to work for my family.” Ultimately, what I’ve learned is that God is ultimately in control. God knows best- he is the ultimate authority on all matters, including our children. He (God) has humbled me for that I am very grateful. So in times of distress while blogs, books, and other resources are helpful in helping us navigate parenthood, I have realized that turning to God for help through prayer has truly been the most help.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

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