Caleb's Face

Since feeding is such a big part of Caleb's (and my) life right now, we shot some video of him before and after a feeding. He's getting so expressive with his face!

Here he is waking up hungry:



And a brief burping session afterwards:




And finally, some random pictures:

Rough Afternoon

We've been pretty lucky so far that Caleb isn't too cranky or fussy, but I think that's starting to change. He's beginning to emerge from his newborn-sleeping-all-the-time phase and making Papa Tigger and me work a little more.

I did the 5 am feeding this morning and for some reason, Caleb was pretty chatty (well, grunting is more like it) after I laid him back in his crib. At about 7 am, I gave up trying to go back to sleep and got up. Papa Tigger and I then went to church, where Caleb was very popular. By the time we got home, ate and fed Tigger again, I was exhausted. So I retreated upstairs to take a nap while Papa Tigger and Caleb watched football.

We're guessing that Caleb is going through a growth spurt, because Papa Tigger kept feeding him and feeding him and he was still hungry. I woke up from my nap and we fed him some more, finally satiating him with almost 6 ounces (he usually takes 3 - 4 ounces). Here is Caleb, finally full and asleep, with Papa Tigger who is likewise worn out.

Pre-Mother's Day

Mama Tigger and I headed to G-Ma & G-Pa T's place for Mother's Day and G-Ma T's birthday. It was a fun time. I learned that I slept through the night at 2 weeks. 2 weeks! Not gonna happen for Tigger...

The discussions with my parents fueled the debate Mama Tigger and I are having over the whole breastfeeding versus formula question. My parents chose the formula route (hence, the sleeping through the night at 2 weeks). I have been reading up on the question and have had difficulty finding a balanced, unbiased discussion. Everything is pro-breastfeeding...

There is no question there are real benefits to breastfeeding. It is nature's milk, after all. So, in the comparison of breast milk to formula themsleves, there is a clear winner. And that is where most every article I have read on the topic ends. However, what about the external realities that result from breastfeeding?

First, I can't participate, until pumping begins. And even then, Mama Tigger spends as much or more time pumping than if she just fed Tigger outright. Sucks for me, and adds stress / work on Mama Tigger.

The countless hours feeding, pumping, feeding, pumping and feeding again will certainly add up. Such effort will undoubtedly add more stress to our lives and the life of Tigger, not to mention the physical strain on Mama Tigger.

At what point does this stress add up to compete against the raw benefits of breast milk over formula? Yes, I know our "priorities are changing", but we cannot neglect the fact that Mama Tigger is a driven and ambitions person. Is it fair for her to take on such a responsibility when a perfectly acceptable alternative exists, that will allow us to share in the experience and provide a less stressful environment for Tigger?