Chomp chomp!!!

Those two pearly whites

I've definitely enjoyed my time as a human pacifier - breastfeeding was by far the best choice for us. It's a cure-all for the fussies, a fast-track to the groggies, and I can even catch a nap while he eats. However, I can do without my new role as human teething ring.

As cute as they are, those little teeth HURT. He doesn't bite all that often, but enough to be a problem. The first time, I understandably yelped. John laughed. I decided not to respond like that again, in case he made it a game to get that sound out of me. I've accidentally yelped since, though, but now it usually makes him cry and stop eating, which is no good either.

Switching to pumped milk in bottles crossed my mind, but we both hate bottles and I despise pumping, as anyone who's seen my sorry stash of milk can tell you. Besides, I actually enjoy breastfeeding, so calling it quits is a last resort.

To get some help, I made a pilgrimage up the mountain to see the lactation consultant. (She's been hired by Public Health to lurk around the Sears nursing room.) She had some ideas - she suggested pushing his face into me. It shocked the heck out of him, at first. Mostly it just made him really sad, so that wasn't the answer for us. I broke out my copy of "The Womanly art of Breastfeeding." Not a single mention of biting babies. Desperate for more help, I checked out the La Leche League's website, where they had LOTS of ideas. (Why on earth didn't they mention them in the book!?) I've been following the advice, and so far, so good! The biting has decreased, without having to hurt him or his feelings. There's hope for John yet!

As long as the biting stops before those top teeth show their their little heads! Things could get severed, if they're as sharp as the two he's already got.

Anyone thinking he's looking pudgy these days is right - his chins are multiplying fast, he has a little pot belly, and he's sleeping much more than normal. I think he'll be slim again in a few days, but about an inch taller.