Dallin, Where is Your Owner’s Manual? September 2, 2008
Posted by Emily in : Daily Life, Family, Little Man Dallin, My Handsome Husband, Photography, Princess Hannah, Thoughts , 2commentsI would like to thank all of you who have sent suggestions to me about Dallin by e-mail or comment. My quiet time is limited, so I’m sorry I can’t respond to each of you individually. We’re still not sure why Dallin is so fussy, but everyday we come up with a new theory. David thinks he is always hungry, and I think he has a myriad of problems like acid reflux, gas pains, or being overly tired or overstimulated.
I bet if Dallin could talk, he would tell us that NONE of aforementioned things bother him. In fact, he’s probably crying because he wants more hair, or he wishes it was curly.
During this trying time, I have found a few ways to cope:
I only listen to classical music in the car. It seems to neutralize the crying sound, and I can actually think while I’m driving.
I try to focus on the fact that crying is another way of talking. Dallin is obviously trying to communicate something. I pretend he is talking incessantly all day long.
I schedule Mommy/Hannah time. She needs quality time too, and if I don’t schedule it, she gets overlooked.
I take time for myself everyday. I am grateful for a supportive husband and in-laws that make this possible.
Since I am breast feeding, I am living off food that has no taste. You know the kind, like bread and potatoes. This diet is very boring, and I am jealous of my husband who gets to drink milkshakes, but then I consciously remember the motto I now live by: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SILENCE SOUNDS. Unfortunately, I don’t think cutting out almost every good food known to man has made a difference.
There is a 99% chance that Dallin will stop crying within five minutes when he is placed in the Snuggli. Wearing him all day makes it difficult to be productive, but not wearing him makes it impossible to get anything done.
I have memorized his smiling face in my mind, and I pull up this mental picture when he is sleeping, nursing, or otherwise calm. It brings a smile to my face because he really is so cute. I also pull up pictures of him to stare at his cuteness.
I take Dallin to the doctor often. One of these days, WE ARE GOING TO FIGURE OUT HIS PROBLEM.
NOTE TO DALLIN: Before I taint your reputation, I want you to know that you are excellent sleeper during the night, and for that I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL. I’d rather you scream all day and sleep all night than the other way around. At least I’m not tired when you’re crying. This household certainly couldn’t handle two cranky people. You are a handsome boy and I LOVE that you let me KISS YOUR FACE OFF even when you’re crying. You have very kissable cheeks. 
