The Poo War

Tuesday, the 22nd

Tuesday was both a joyful and a sad day. It was filled with laughter but also haunted by the upcoming departure of Papa. Plus, we continued to wage our war on solid poo (which seems just a little crazy since it is sooo much easier to clean up, but it is definitely not better for our little ones).

The Poo War

Ah, the things we talk and worry about as parents. The boys are still struggling with solid poo. Alex has had only one normal poo since Saturday, and poor Dom has had a harder time of it.

1st line of attack: We gave them water in sippy cups when we started solid food; however, they were more interested in chewing on the sippy cup spout than drinking.

2nd line of attack: We gave them water in bottles. Unfortunately, they quickly refused to drink more from the water-filled bottles.

3rd line of attack: On Tuesday, we upped our game with two new strategies. We bought some prune baby food, and I mixed a little with water to make a light “prune juice” for the boys. We tried bottle-feeding it to them, and with encouragement, I got Alex to drink around an ounce though Dom was not thrilled with it. We also started the boys on prune baby food with sweet potato to thicken it.

4th line of attack: Since Dom won’t drink the water or prune juice, he’s getting watered down breastmilk to up his water intake.

What next? If we haven’t won the war on poo by tomorrow, I’ll be calling the pediatrician back and continuing with our current plans of attack plus whatever else the pediatrician recommends.

A Little Laughter

When Papa and I were in line at the register waiting to pay for groceries, I was wearing Dom in the carrier and had Alex in the cart’s seat. Our two little boys looked at each other and started to giggle and squeal and laugh. It was contagious. All the customers around us took notice. They started to smile, and a few even joined in the laughter. I’m not sure what inspired the joy, but they certainly had a great time spreading cheer.

Later that evening we had the boys in their exersaucers with some Sesame Street songs playing on YouTube. Soon, Dom and Alex were chatting away with each other, squealing and laughing. We caught a bit of it on video, so perhaps some of it will make it to our blog. I absolutely love watching our sons interacting and laughing.

Farewells to Papa

With Papa leaving in the dark, cold hours of the morning, the boys’ goodbyes were said Tuesday night. They got to share a little time on Papa’s lap in addition to all the rest of the attention they received during the day. We’ve all really enjoyed and appreciated having Papa out for a visit, and Dom and Alex have loved being teased by him as well as playing and chatting with him. Alex will especially miss untying his shoelaces, and they’ll both miss pulling clothes pins off his shirt pockets, learning to give high-fives, and hearing his rich, deep voice. Their little lives were enriched by all the new experiences he introduced them to and the additional one-on-one time.

Mom’s life was also made easier with another person to help care for the little ones and run errands. In the evenings, when Papa and I would sit in the living room with him reading a book and me working on my dissertation, it reminded me of my high school years when my dad always seemed to have something to do late into the night until I finished my homework and headed for bed – the companionship of presence. We’ll look forward to your next visit here or our next visit to Oklahoma!

Dom: Let's hide his shoes; then he has to stay!