Two Months Old

Evan Patrick Smith is 2 months old!  I am behind on his statistics/doctor visits.  Here is what I remember for the record.

6/26/13 well visit: 6 lbs., 13 oz.; 20 inches long; 13 inches head circumference
7/8/13 well visit: 7 lbs, 12 oz.; 20 inches long; 14 inches head circumference.  Started Zantac 2x/day for reflux.
7/24/13 sick visit for severe spit-up/reflux & fussiness.  Dr. concerned about lack of weight gain since last visit along with other GI symptoms, ordered upper GI to rule out anatomical abnormality or obstruction.
7/25/13: Upper GI at hospital at 7:30 a.m.  Radiologist confirmed severe reflux (5/5 on severity scale).  Order called in for compounded Prevacid 1x/daily.
8/10/13 sick visit for chronic loose stools.  Stool sample normal.  Dr. not too concerned due to weight gain.
8/22/13 well child visit (2 months): 11 lbs., 7 oz. (40th percentile); 22 inches long (35th percentile); 15 inches head circumference (20th percentile).  Dr. very pleased with continued weight gain & overall exam.  Will continue current formula (Enfamil Gentlease) & medicine.  4 vaccines given (1 oral, 3 shots).  Slept all day with decreased appetite, slight fever started that night.

It's been a long 2 months!  Poor baby has had lots of stomach issues compounded by colicky symptoms which equals no sleep for anyone.  We tried at least 6 different formulas including a hypoallergenic one that cost more than $60 a can.  Oddly enough he did the worst on it & is now back to a milk-based formula that is partially broken down to ease his digestion.  We are thickening his bottle with 2 teaspoons of rice per 1 ounce of formula.  It's hard to know what variable has helped him the most, the formula, the med change, the rice, or just maturity but I think we MAY have found the perfect combination.  His days of screaming hours on end have ended (fingers crossed) & he is getting into a schedule.  He still eats every 3 hours during the day between 3-4 ounces.  He is asleep most of the morning & is awake most of the afternoon in the bouncer, play mat, & on/off in my lap.  He starts getting sleepy again around 7:00ish & naps on & off until his last night feeding (usually between 10-11:00 p.m.).  After that bottle, he lays down in his pack & play and usually sleeps a 4 hour stretch.  Another bottle, then he sleeps in the swing or back in the pack-n-play for 3 more hours.  Then we are up for the day!  My day consists of changing lots of diapers, lots of laundry due to some spit-up & diaper blow-outs, washing bottles, & still quite a bit of rocking & soothing.  He still has periods of crying which is eased by the rocking chair and/or placing him on his belly.  Of course taking care of him & the girls is a full-time job.  His sisters are such big helpers.  The only way I can take a bathroom break is to enlist their help for pacifier duty.  I have never been so tired in my life but never so in love.  We have spent so much time worrying about our little guy & pray he is through the worst days.  He is beginning to smile, coo, & laugh and gives the best snuggles in the world.  We look forward to his continued growth & I am proud to be his mommy!