She can hold her own drink. She is quite proud.
She still is not sleeping. I am getting lots and lots of exercise running up and down the stairs at 1 am. At 4 am. At 4:30 am. Finally, I just let her sleep with us. Her casts are like weapons though. She accidentally whacks us in her sleep. I may have to start wearing a helmet at night.
In Victoria news, she has learned how to drink out of a straw! The wonders of a repaired cleft palate!
I have been trying to get her to say "up". Today I said "up" and she kind of opened her mouth like I had and made sort of a sound like "up". She did it every time I said "up".
Victoria acted very strange when I first came back from Texas. She didn't seem to know who I was at all. However, she gets really excited when she sees a total strangers at the store. My mom says I am being a worrier. I am trying to carry her more in the Ergo carrier. Since her legs don't bend, I have to put her in sideways, which is not very comfortable for either of us. Anyone have any other ideas?
Glad she's feeling better! No real ideas for you...other then spending time making eye contact as much as possible. And if your up for a challenge, try co-bathing...lots of skin to skin time!
ReplyDeleteBrooke
www.TheAnnessaFamily.com
YAY for Francesca! Glad she is almost back to herself. Hopefully she will sleep more soon. Everybody needs their beauty rest. Regarding Victoria, I don't think you are overreacting. Follow your mommy gut. Sounds like she reverted back to orphange behaviors while you were gone. The suggested rememdy is to do just what you said...KEEP HER CLOSE to you until resolved. It is hard work but worth it. Would a Moby Wrap (google it) work better? Seems like you would have more options.
ReplyDeleteA sling may work better given that Victoria's legs don't bend. Try not to let other people take care of her.
ReplyDeleteI was going to recommend a sling also- we have the Baby K'tan and it is wonderful- works in several different positions. So glad Francesca is making good progress! Sending some sleep dust your way!
ReplyDeleteYeah for Francesca! Yeah for modern medical miracles!! Have you tried making a little bed for her on your bedroom floor with blankets or something?
ReplyDeleteAs for Victoria, no, you're not being a worrier or over-reacting. Trust your mommy gut as others have said. Just keeping her close may not be enough, though. Practice all kinds of good touch, rub downs with lotion, and play LOTS of games that require eye contact. Tell her over and over and over and over and over and over again that she's where she belongs, that you will always take care of her, that she is safe, wanted, loved, and part of your family.
So good to see Francesca back to herself! What a STRONG and BEAUTIFUL little girl she is!
ReplyDelete(and totally laughing at the thought of you in bed w/a helmet on!)
could you use a ring sling instead of the ergo? you could still put her in sideway but it might be more comfortable for you :)
ReplyDeleteWow, nothing keeps Francesca down! That girl makes me smile every time.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like keeping Victoria close to renew your bond is a good idea. She's still finding out what "always" means.
Can her legs go around your hip on the side? If so, a wrap (moby style, but I prefer a woven because the stretch of a moby can wreak havoc on the back and shoulders). You can wear her in a hip carry with that. You can do it with a mei tai as well, which is my personal favorite.
ReplyDeleteI'm also suggesting a ring sling. You could also get a wrap conversion mei tai that might enable you to hip carry and be floppy enough to conform around her. You could get either off of the swap board at The Baby Wearer. http://www.thebabywearer.com/ They also have a special needs board in the forums where you can post asking for advice on positioning and carrier advice. If you do go for a ring sling, be sure to look for ring slings made with sling rings which are one continuous piece of metal, don't get a sling with rings that have a weld. Also, the place where the sling is attached to the ring should have 4 rows of reinforced stitching. If you want to buy new, Sleeping Baby Productions has some great ring slings at reasonable prices: http://www.sleepingbaby.net/
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
When my daughter had similar issues I did a lot of rocking in a rocking chair with her. I used a lollipop during rocking time that only I got to hold and when she gave me eye contact, I would let her suck on it for a few seconds. When she looked away, I would remove the lollipop from her mouth and remind her to look at Mama. Victoria may be too young to understand but you could try.
ReplyDelete