Cranky Caleb

Caleb cries a lot more than I ever expected of a newborn. We've been thinking he might have some reflux problems and hoping that his crying wasn't normal because it's been really trying on both of us. We've been counting down the days to our 1 month checkup today (he's actually 5 weeks old today). The doctor had both answers and reassurance for us. He confirmed that Caleb does have acid reflux which is why he cries most of the time he's awake and why he wants to be held and comforted all the time (in the past he would have been called a colicky baby). The reflux has caused some other issues. He still only weighs 7 lbs. 14 oz. as a result of spitting up so much. He was born at 7 lbs. 8.6 oz. so he hasn't gained much since then. We're now collecting poop samples for the next few days to see if the reflux has caused any bleeding in his system. As of today he's taking reflux medication and we should start to see improvement in the next 3 or 4 days. Also, Caleb has a lot of acne that started out just on his face but now it's all over his neck and shoulders. The doctor said that for this amount of acne he would normally prescribe an antibiotic but he wants to take care of the reflux first. He did reassure us that it won't cause scarring.


This has been a hard time for all 3 of us. Kyle and I have felt so bad for Caleb since his cries and faces look like he's in pain. Caleb's crying makes the days extra long for me being at home with him. He doesn't usually nap much unless he's being held until at night when I think he is finally worn out enough to sleep awhile. When Kyle gets home from work he takes Caleb for the rest of the evening to give me a break from him and so I can get some housework done in between feedings. This has left us both tired and frustrated that we can't help him calm down. It's so good to know this isn't normal and that he should be a much different baby by this time next week. If he's less fussy it'll also mean getting out of the house will be easier!

On another note, Tim, a co-worker of mine is also a professional photographer. He did these photos of Caleb: http://tbrault.photobiz.com/cart/gallery.cfm#selectphoto

Caleb was crying most of the photoshoot and also had acne. Tim did a great job getting some peaceful looking shots and making him look acne free!