Bottle Battle: Slip Slop Slippy Slippy Slop

In the last post I wrote how we are preparing Rosalie (and us) for my transition back to work in January by introducing a bottle once a day. 

The first night when she drank 2 ounces it was an anomaly, because she hasn't done anything close to that since. Instead, she shakes her head back and forth avoiding the bottle all together while Adam patiently tries to offer it to her. It's as if she's saying, "You fooled me once! But I won't be fooled again...."

Adam has tried the ole' slip in the bottle while she's just waking up for a nap or when she has sleepy eyes before drifting off, but she hasn't quite latched on to the imitation yet. Hence - the Bottle Battle! It is getting slightly better though. The first couple of days she would scream and cry while shaking her head back and forth. While she still won't drink from the bottle, she has at least let it in her mouth for a little bit the past few tries. We have 4 different bottle varieties and bottle nipples to try too.

Rosalie with Papa Adam

This bottle battle is reflective a slightly larger observation- I hate to say it - but at this point she prefers me (mama) to her papa Adam. And this isn't because Adam is not an active Dad. In the mornings, after work and on weekends he is all in - changing diapers, reading books, singing songs and cuddling with the little peanut. But because I'm with her all day during the week and am the one that is able to provide the nice warm and comfy milk straight from the boob source, she's pretty calm with me.

It took me a while to realize/admit this. During the week, Adam relieves me of baby duty from 5:30pm - 6:30pm and I spend time to myself - usually going for a run or getting some emails done. And usually during this time Rosalie is crying and fussy. It's a horrible sound when your child just cries and cries. I originally chalked this up to the fact that this is her witching hour - early evening. I would try and give Adam tips like - just sing to her or talk to her or "hold her like this." I would try and help him by taking Rosalie and demonstrating the tip. Of course, with me she would magically and instantly stop crying. I think Adam probably wanted to just bop me in the nose for the "helpful" tips. And it was just making him feel bad. Every parent wants to be able to comfort his/her child.

Adam changing Rosie

I finally realized (or admitted) that it really is that she prefers me...right now anyway. And I should let Adam figure his own way of comforting her. I certainly have figured out my own way by spending every minute of the day with her.

So for now, I will enjoy this time when I am able to comfort Rosie and pretty much meet all her needs. I know there will be a day when I won't be able to magically stop her from crying and when she will prefer someone else to me. And in the meantime, I'll hold my tongue as I watch Adam figure out his way of calming Rosie. Those ways include:

• Jogging around the house with her in his arms and singing Woody Guthrie's children song "I'll Eat You, I'll Drink You." This song is awesome. Thanks to Myrna and Leon for getting Rosalie the CD for her baby shower.
  
• Bouncing Rosalie on the big blue ball while talking, reading or singing to her. Usually she's crying/screaming and Adam is wearing his noise cancelling headphones so that he stays calm.

I'll end with a video and a few photos of Rosie:

Animated GIF of Rosie