New Territory

Well, when you have a baby you are constantly entering into new territory. The trip to the grocery store isn't near as quick and easy but you now want to buy healthier food all of the sudden. You are so conscious of what you are putting in your child's body and how eating well is so important for good living. You also had no idea that you could carry an extra 20-25 pounds of stuff and kid with you all the time. The thought of getting into a car accident is beyond terrifying. You know your own threshold, but your child is dependent on you for boundaries. You notice so many new things around you because now your child is reaching out for it. You appreciate the quiet and then you are thrilled when they wake up again.
This last week and a half has been quite a bit of new territory with a little rough terrain. Charlie cut his first tooth. Being a new mother and pretty much only knowing what you have read and heard...I just knew my son was too young to be teething. They drool and chew on stuff for months and it just becomes routine. One day he was gnawing on my finger and I felt something on his gum. A TOOTH! Poor baby and his incompetent mommy! I could have been doing several things to make him more comfortable and yet I was oblivious to his pain and discomfort. Well, not totally...I knew he had been a little bit more fussy and needy but they go through stages like that. Since then, I have noticed a couple of other teeth close to the surface and I am realizing that this process will not be over soon. It does excite me to think of all of the foods he will get to eat and experience with those teeth! On top of all of the crazy teeth...he developed this horrible rash. You can imagine that babies don't like having a rash any more than you and I do...PLUS they have limited muscle control to itch and adjust for comfort. Poor things! We went to the doc and we are on our way to getting healed up. Through that process I realized that I don't really care for our pediatrician...that's a whole other entry. I know it seems like I am venting and complaining quite a bit...but I can say that Charlie is such a great baby and is really putting up with me and my own learning curve!