Poor Baby Ben

Those of you who saw me this weekend probably noticed that Curtis and I looked especially tired, and pretty haggard. Here's the story.

Friday was a bad day at the Krajca house. Benjamin didn't sleep, and decided he would rather scream. I was literally at my wits end, and couldn't even think clearly enough to call friends for help. Curtis came home from work and I said, "Here's the baby, order pizza, I'm taking a shower!"

Over the weekend, Benjamin seemed to be doing a little bit better. A little more sleeping (though not as much as a normal 4 month old should sleep) and a little less screaming. He slept great at night though. By Sunday, I was dreading the week. We were blessed by several wonderful nursery workers (Hannah and Josh in the am and Hannah A. and Ashlee in the pm) who told us not to worry, they could handle screaming. Having the time to worship really set me in a better mindset for the week ahead.

Along with all the screaming and lack of sleep, I had been watching this weird patch of dry skin on Benjamin's leg. It was now not only on his leg, but his other leg, his elbows, his back, his shoulder and his scalp. It looked a lot like ring worm. Hoping that our doctor could shed some light on this rash thing (and the screaming!) I took Benjamin in to the doc today.

We found out the Benjamin has pretty severe eczema (not abnormal) that is causing discomfort, which is causing the lack of sleep and the screaming. Not to mention the fact that a lack of sleep will make anyone scream, especially a 4 month old.

I am now armed with a cream, and hopefully a solution to the screaming and lack of sleep.

But wait, there's more.

Severe eczema, like Benjamin has, is most likely caused by some kind of allergic reaction. There is a possibility that he may have some kind of food allergy. And since he is exclusively breastfed, that means Mommy might have to make some big changes in her diet (like cutting out dairy!). Right now, we wait and see if this breakout goes away on it's own. It he has more breakouts, or this one doesn't go away, we look for triggers. I learned all this while driving around College Station between the doctor's appointment and picking up Curtis from work. Amazing what a Mom will do when there is a sleeping child (or two) in the car!

Never a dull moment as a mommy. And I'm always learning something new!