Long Week

We've had a long, difficult week here in the Marks household with no signs of improvement. On Sunday evening, Ben came down with what the doctor diagnosed as hand, foot and mouth disease. I'm guessing he has a pretty severe case, as it's all over his arms and legs too and, as of today, on his face as well. He's pretty miserable and will sometimes just walk around saying, "It hurts, it hurts" and point to his "ouchies." Every day it has gotten worse and if there's no improvement by morning we're supposed to go back to the pediatrician, although we're told these things are just supposed to take their course. We're praying that none of the rest of us contracts this mildly contagious illness, especially baby Jacob. :(

And speaking of Jacob, he has proven to be more work this past week than when he was first born! We love the little boy dearly, but he's plain tiring us all out! He continues to have difficulties nursing (which means I'm having to pump and bottle-feed him after every nursing session because he is not getting enough from me). His fussiness has gotten much worse, with almost no moments of happiness. Since day one we've had no success at putting him in the bouncy seat, the swing or a blanket on the floor, except a handful of times. Now he is almost constantly fussy even when we are holding him. I am suspecting either acid reflux or a food allergy. I started a dairy-free diet a few days ago and a friend of mine with a daughter with severe allergies is giving me lots of advice, so we'll see if that improves anything (apparently, it takes TWO whole weeks for the milk to completely leave your system!). And we have Jake's one-month appointment on Monday where I'll be talking to the doctor about possible acid reflux or something of that nature.

Thank goodness for my mother! I'd be crazy by this point if it wasn't for all her help!