I can't believe I'm writing an entire entry about poop, but that's what's going on in my world right now. It's very exciting (imagine deadpan voice here).
Baby pooping schedules are much more scientific than I thought. I imagined for every meal there would be a poop, simple as that. I was wrong. It took me at least six months to crack Evan's pooping code.
When I really stop to think about it, I have been obsessed with this kid's poop since he was born. As many of you know there is the coveted "black poop" just after birth and for a few days following. Aside from seeing his tiny face when he was given to me at birth, my second most exciting moment in the hospital was seeing the glorious, tarry, first poop! This meant things were going well and it was also a ticket out of the hopital!
When he was just a few weeks old I brought him to the doctor at least twice because I was convinced he was having trouble, if you know what I mean (I'll try not to use too many poop-related terms, in case you did not heed my warning!). I tried everything from Karo syrup in his formula to using a thermometer to help things along (don't panic - it was doctor recommended!) to changing formula brands. The lesson learned was be careful what you wish for. In the days following my obsession with his lack of poops I was rewarded, let's just say!
So after that first 4-6 weeks, things seemed to plateau. Until teething...
At around 7 months pooping once again had taken on a life of it's own and brought it's friend, diaper rash, to the party!
Now those of you without infants may not think this is a big deal; just change the stinking (no pun intended) diaper, right? I say to you, think again! Poops come at the most inopportune times, like when you want to make a quick trip to the mall or just after baby falls asleep at naptime. Then there are the changes with poop that always keep me guessing. Honestly, from poop to poop there are changes in at least three categories, but I'll spare you! Should I be keeping a poop journal? Apparently I should since I'm asked about this at every doctor's appointment but I'm never quite sure what the correct response is; is dark and pastey a good thing? And what does that really mean anyway, pastey?
I've become such an expert in the field of baby poop (at least Evan's) that I have mastered what foods best trigger or control poop. It's not good enough to know that bananas tend to "back things up", if you will. You have to also learn when to give those foods to get the best result! For example, I learned that applesauce at dinner causes wake-up poop at precisely 6am. I quickly moved to the "nothing but bananas after breakfast" routine.
So, as soon as I thought I had this poop thing all figured out, teething-round 2 happened. Actually, it's upon us now. At least I think it's teething because things are looking like they did 2 months ago. I think Evan pooped 5 times yesterday. He may not appreciate me sharing that but it helps make the point; I'll pay for his therapy in a few years. 5 TIMES??? For a routinely 2-a-day baby, 5 times is a LOT!
And at 4:00 this morning, guess where I was? Hovered over a changing table by night-light changing yet another poop! Guess who thought it was funny? Hint: it wasn't me! And at 7:00 this morning, I was there again! I just hope to see new teeth soon so that I will know it hasn't been in vain!
The learning never ends with this baby thing. Every facet of baby care is completely trial and error. I've tried to control it all since I brought the little bundle of joy home 9 months ago but I have to remind myself daily that I cannot. What I have learned is as soon as I think I have something down it will change and that if I give things a day, they usually all work out.
