Hi friends,

I am still alive and not dead yet but quite close to it!!! Am severly depressed as the situation with Rishu dear hasnt improved at all..
Firstly, wanted to thank everyone for their great ideas on Rishu's sleep situation. It really felt very nice to see that you all care so much. I did try and implement most of the ideas but nothing is working yet....to top it all his doc was on vacation so couldnt speak to him as Paddoo and Jays had recco..took an appt with him today only and its due this thursday...
I cant give him formula yet as he is not taking the bottle. Am trying though with a bottle each and every day. Started rice cereal this past weekend. First day he spit it all out. Yesterday he was better but today again threw it all up on me just I as was taking him out for a walk!!
Anyways, I am just hoping this is just a phase.... Kal also he woke up every single hour, after waking up he just keeps crying and doesnt want to go to sleep. Really am at a loss of what to do and how to manage this. Shayad frustration isliye bhi hain coz I am tired of managing everything all alone. Bas thak gayi hun, kabhi koi help nahi mila na. Na to jab beemar pare the (you know what I am talking abt) na to abhi...bas himmat thori kamjhor ho rahi hain...am terribly exhausted and sleep deprived...
Hadnt even had time to read the posts so am reading them now...
Abhi Puneet is trying to put him to sleep, its 10.30 at night...
This sunday we completed 5 yrs of married life...quite a milestone na...took R for his first swim...first he cried but then in the baby pool he was fine...have taken pics..will post them tog with our trip waala snaps of course as soon as I get a chance...
Vani-the article was very very touching and I do understand what you are trying to convey to me...I know I shouldnt leave him crying and did that only that one day...kal wapas mere mein aur Pu mein jhagra hua as he saod let him cry, he needs to learn and I just couldnt..also hope you read the reply to yr post that I had posted a few days back...
Sush-thanks for calling. Had to keep the phone as R was crying non stop and Puneet was confused as to whether the burgers were done or not!!! I had also reached the limit of my patience na..
Komal-I couldnt make it to the shower as I was already committed to a first bday party for my close friends beti and then later we wanted to spend some time tog on our anniversary and Nashua is so far ki we couldnt just 'drop in' for some time na...hope you guys made it memorable for Manisha...will call her soon..
Baaki sab theek hain. Havent been able to do anything in terms of cooking, cleaning or even reading the msgs etc.
Again, before ending wanted to thank Chaya, Tweetie, Srilata, mom for two, Paddu, Naveena, Kyathi,Sandhya, Jayshree and Vidya for all your thoughtful msgs..I have printed it out for myself (and made Puneet read too)
Loadsa love Reena.
Sandhya M replied. Hi Reena

Just take it easy.I realise that this is a very physically and mentally exhausting time for you,but if you become unnerved,you son will know it and probably will trouble you more.

Does he co-sleep with you or does he have a crib in a seperate room? You can try giving him a massage and a bath before putting him to bed.Soft music should help too.The room ambiance is also very important.I keep my son's room very dark,the only light coming from the baby monitor.I don't know if you have tried letting him cry for sometime before picking him up from his bed.I think,by doing this,we don't become bad mothers and it has worked for me.

As for hubby dear helping,a lot depends on when he comes back from work on weekdays and how tired he is.You have to talk to him about it.

I would also highly recommend you(or your husband) reading the book called \";On becoming baby wise\"; by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam.It gives you training tips on making the baby sleep better.

Hope all this helps.

Sandhya

P.S: A belated happy wedding anniversary to you and hubby.I am celebrating my 6th one tomorrow. Srilalitha replied. Hi Reena
It is good to hear from you after a long time. All of us here were worried abt you. Don't worry you will get over this phase soon.

Have fresh fruits and green, when you are unable to cook. These days I have just oats porridge when I do not have time to grab a bite. Make sure you eat something or the other when you are hungry, and please don't skip meals. When we are full, are mind feels better.

Also have some multi-vitamins to give you enough strength thro the day.

If time permits take Rishu thro the mall. He will enjoys the lights and the crowd, and that might tire him too to get to sleep. And you will have a break seeing people around.

If you like the bookstore, take him there. There is music too to soothe him. Just remember to take his favorite toy.

There are days when I wander around aimlessly in the grocery store with Kaaustaaub just to while away our time together and tire him.

reg solids, keeping trying. Even if they spit. Make him real hungry and give him solids or the bottle. they have no other go, but to have that.

THis is my share of 2 cents. Love to Rishu.

Sri Vani replied. Dear Reena,

Let me tell you this first: Next time you are goingto say you alive or dead and all that, I am not going to talk to you. :(

I agree with Paddoo. Actually I tire Rishi out by carrying him while I do some work, putting him in the pram and keep talking to him while I cook and then put some toys around and allow him to play by himself(he can do that for a very little time only) and playing with him for a while.

By 9 he is hungry and I feed him after which he rubs his eyes severely and becomes cranky. I try to make him sleep, and it does take atleast 30 minutes but its worth it. He is off atleast by 10 -10.30 and I can have my dinner and sleep atleast by 11.30.

You also try this. And ask Puneet to try to give him bottle. Rishi thinks its very funny if I feed him with bottle, so he keeps playing with the nipple. He takes it ok with my mom and MIL. So try that.

At first, they spit up and it is difficult, but later they will eat, atleast little. Rishi also doesn't eat properly, but even if it is one table spoon, I make sure he eats that. Infact I don't feed him, my mom or MIL does... I feed only during weekends and I get so frustrated.

Ok, hang in there. I am sure, he is hungry and thats why he cries at night. If only he has formula at night, things will get better.

And all the best for his appt tomorrow. Rishu darling will definitely get better. Kisses to him.

Love u lots,
Vani


Hey, forgot... CONGRATS on your 5th anniversary.... great... did u take pics??? post them soon. paddoo replied. Dear Reena,

why oh why are you not getting a babysitter for an hour every day or 2 hrs every alternate???

The only way you can get R to sleep now is to tire him out in the evening.. Take him to park, sit on a swing with him. Put him on the floor in the house so that he can crawl. Put assorted stuff in front of him like spoons, some small plastic toys etc. Also play some music...Let him play on his own. Intervene and entertain only when he looks cranky..

Kepp this up.. Dont let him rest (means no rest for you too for sometime, which anyway you dont have even now). Let's see if he sleeps...

Well... It's our 'shani-infested' times i suppose..You take care of your health please. Buy some energy drinks (like red bull..) for yourself.

Love ya'
Paddooo

And if Puneet is reading this: Friend, you have no business scolding reens or trying to 'teach' rishu discipline so early on..leave mothering the baby to the mom and please get cracking on the housework.. Reens is ready to drop with exhaution and we can make out that she is not getting much help in the kitchen or on chores..Please buy take away food on your way from office and eat in disposable plates ONLY till R settles. There are a bunch of verrryy protective mother-hens around your wife and we are all going to be maha pissed off if you're going to be tough on her or Rishu...

Phew.. that felt good!