Mummy's Fight with Eczema

Oh yeah, I turned 31. This year I blew the candle with a baby in my hands.

Did I feel priviledged? In a way yes. Although this was the first time where I had to celebrate my birthday, and at the same time had to coax Theodore. Hmm, I was so busy and tired that day I didn't feed him before heading out. I was so hungry when I reached Roberson Quay that I gave up my plan of feeding him in the car before heading down.

I have not been to Bellapizza for a while. Somehow the place is now rather warm, very crowd and noisy, so I say it is not that suitable for a mum who would prefer a more calming ambience for a cranky and active baby.

I fed Theodore at the restaurant twice. Due to the noise he was easily distracted. Due to the heat, he kept rubbing his neck and ears. I don't think I would go back to Bellapizza again with a baby. Bella pasta for sure!

Theodore was diagnosed with eczema since three weeks old. Right now, I am fighting a battle against it as I am not that keen to constantly use the quick fix solution of steroid. Most pds have advised that it is important to identify the allergen otherwise it is steriod. I have tried cetaphil, physiogel as recommended but none of which works. Once I stop putting the steroid, the eczema comes back. I guess it is time to get to the root of the problem.

Right now, high on the suspect list is Bobby. I read through my pd's notes and it says be careful of dog's hair. That was then I realised that Bobby has a skin condition - pink patches with red sores. I asked Irwin to bring Bobby to the vet who confirmed that his skin condition can spread to children and definitely babies due to their low resistance.

Bobby has been on antibiotics, and steroid medication too. We are even changing his food to hypoallergenic in a hope to cure him. This is Bobby's second dose of antibiotics. Once his antibiotic finishes, his skin problem comes back. Coincidentally, Theodore's eczema would flare up.

Big step big decision. I have decided to shift back to my mum's home...tomorrow! I guess this is the only way to find out if the allergen is Bobby. It feels quite sad in a way, since Bobby is also loved in the family. We have bought a dog barrier and segregated the areas where Bobby is allowed. This week my in-laws are in Japan. It is probably the best opportunity to bring Theodore to a no-dog environment to try out too.

Today, I packed my steriliser, pump, milk bottles, his bathtub, his oil, diapers, bumbo seat, toys, bottle detergent...etc etc you name it, we got it! haha..to prepare for the big move tomorrow. I feel a bit of fear - as I am not sure if this is the right approach. I will be sleeping alone with Teddy at my mum's place. I hope I will handle well. Fear is a state of the mind as Dalai Lama puts it. I know I have to try this. Good luck mummy!

Sitting for solids

Time flies, from just lying on his back, to flipping, to trying to crawl, he is now seated on his very own high chair, and about to have his first taste of solids. For a six month old, that is a big deal since he has been swallowing liquid only so far... Theodore loves to eat. However much I fed him, he will want more. The pd said only 1/2 teaspoon for a start... it has been a conflict in my mind since TD obviously can stomach more. So slowly day by day, as long as there is no sign of allergy, I give him a teaspoon more.

I have been reading the internet on how much to feed. Some say not more than a teaspoon as the main nutrition is still milk. I found a website that says 4-5 tablespoons, or feed as much as you want. I guess thats the point with baby led weaning? Anyhow, still trying to find the right balance. Will speak with pd end of the month to understand better.

At the dinning table, I am questioned by the in-laws. 1 teaspoon only? 1 teaspoon only? Feed slower, so that he can enjoy each scoop; Put in more water so he doesnt have to tilt his back so much. As I introduce water to TD, I said "Water, water" and I hear him trying to pronounce it. MIL nervously and quickly said "Drink water, drink water"... "Theodore drink water"..(hello the grammer is wrong)... My every move is being corrected. I have put in a lot of effort since TD was born..yet I feel MIL trying to show me that everything I do is wrong. She even questions if there's a hole in the teat of the cup I recently bought...Hello, didnt you see the water streaming out of his mouth yesterday?

Been thinking and pondering... is it time for Irwin and I to move out? It has been on my mind lately. Yet Irwin feels that the in-laws need us at this point. If we cannot get along, are we supposed to pretend that everything is fine, and lead on a daily life like this? Sometimes I dont take it personal. It seems like MIL just likes to talk to her own kids like that too. It seems like she has a ego and likes to put, even her own kids down sometimes. I wasn't brought up like this and I am not used to this style.

Don't get me wrong. I am not being ungrateful here. I know that every comfort here is provided for, and I lead a rather stress free life in terms of home management. But it just seems to be getting ugly. I thought of staying put because I think this is the best outcome for Theodore, as I dont want to leave TD alone with a helper at home only. But there is too much unhappiness... Will I be in luck to be guided to the right path? He is my kid, and I want to bring him up the way I want to.

MIL likes to call Teddy the RTC boy, as we have been going to RTC every weekend with Teddy. We agreed right from the beginning that we want Teddy to grow up to be humble. Irwin and I now have a bet, if MIL calls TD RTC boy again, I win a $100!..jokes aside, what do I need to do just that it is win-win for all? particulary Teddy boy...... ;(