Chug! Chug!

Babies are unpredictable. Just when you think you have things figured out and under control, they switch it all up. Case point: Earlier this summer, Elaine was sleeping so well. She went to sleep at a predictable time, woke up only once or twice, and slept until a reasonable time after the sun had risen. Now, she has been waking up 3 or 4 times, resisting going to sleep, and turning over on her stomach and being unable to turn back, keeping herself awake.

Sometimes it works the other direction. Elaine hasn't really taken to a bottle since she was a few weeks old. Her persistent refusal has been frustrating and restricting. It was difficult for her mom to be tied to her non-stop, especially as she prepared for the bar exam, but at least she was home. In two weeks, Jen starts work. We have to get this girl to eat when mom is not around.

For weeks in the beginning of the summer, we tried every trick out there to get Elaine to eat from a bottle. She steadfastly refused. I won't catalogue all the different failures we used because it's too depressing. More recently, we have attempted to feed her from a small open cup with some success. But it is a messy, slow, and frustrating method for feeder and feedee alike. At the same time we've successfully gotten Elaine to eat some solid food, but that meets only a small part of her nutritional needs.

Yesterday, we again tried the bottle (while mom was intentionally away from the home for several hours). Miraculously, Elaine actually ate from the bottle--over three ounces--with enthusiasm!

Yes, it's a small victory. (Three whole ounces!) Yes, we have no idea whether it was a fluke or she'll do the same today. But we're happy all the same. We'll take this event with cautious optimism that Elaine can now enjoy once of her favorite activities with a bottle. I can't think of anything to explain this breakthrough except her being a few weeks older, though no less strong-willed. Over the next two weeks, we'll have to think of other excuses to get Jen away from Elaine for a bit each day. (She won't take a bottle if mom is around.) Yesterday, Jen was happy to escape for some quality time at Ann Taylor in the mall. I don't think she'll be able to do that every day.

Shortly, we'll be going to Missouri for a couple days. Wish us luck as we hit the road again with the two girls. Meredith's first day of school starts next week and Jen's work starts soon after that. Before we know it, the house that's seen a lot of traffic this summer will be reduced to Elaine and myself on weekday mornings, plus Meredith in the afternoons (after her nap). It will be quieter.