Maddox is going through a growth spurt. I read that this is common around two weeks of age, and again at six weeks. As a result, he needs to eat more frequently and he’s also started crying more. Additionally, he still gets upset when he’s not being held – we’re not sure if it’s the increased hunger, or if he is just feeling clingy.

So today was an adventure. I was too tired to take a nap – you know, when you feel really strung out, but can’t sleep? So Maddox had a nap on top of Mom while I read. The only time I wasn’t feeding, burping, changing or holding him this morning was when I took a quick shower & then later, when I gulped down the sandwich I’d made the night before (that turned out to be a good plan).

Around 1, I was ready to drop. (We got up when Dad did, around 7am.) With low expectations, I put Mads in his sling, hoping to give my arms a break. This was risky, because lately if something upsets him, it takes longer to calm him down. Miraculously, he decided that the sling was a awesome place to be and took a nap, enabling me to get some work done for a website that Jon and I are trying to finish up for a client.

Rebecca Wood, who has kindly been offering sound Mom advice via Facebook & Twitter since we brought Maddox home, mentioned that her younger daughter Esme likes to have her feet out of the sling. I tried that today, and Mads seemed a lot happier, and a lot less squooshed.

Being a Mom is rewarding – I wouldn’t trade this time with Mads for anything. I am so into him. To give you an example – I cheerfully explained to Jon yesterday how committing homicide to protect your child seems completely rational to me. That being said, I praise the people who invented baby slings, baby swings, and all seats that allow rocking motions.

While I’m at it, let me also thank whoever invented diapers with velcro, pre-wetted wipes, and the snap (I’m talking about the little metal fasteners on baby clothes). And finally, while laundry is not my favorite activity, whoever decided there would be a washer & dryer in our apartment just off the kitchen is a wonderful person who deserves a long and fruitful life.

Tags: crying, eating, sling