The Period Of PURPLE Crying

2010-02-09T22:56:00.003-05:00

The other night when I was watching TV I heard a news story that was very disturbing. A father was being charged with fracturing the ribs and leg of his 2-week-old baby. He apparently didn't like that the baby would cry so much during changing and would squeeze him to get him to stop. They took the baby to the emergency room when the baby stopped eating and found multiple rib fractures and a fractured femur. More on the story here...

Today, I read another horrible story. A 7-week-old infant was hospitalized after his father assaulted him causing a rib fracture, right-clavicle fracture, radial fracture and major cranial trauma.Read more here..

A new baby in the house can be exhausting and at times frustrating especially if you are a new parent. There is the issue of postpartum depression and skaken baby syndrome that I would like to discuss in another post but right now I would like to touch a little bit about PURPLE crying. The period of purple crying usually begins between 2 weeks and lasts to between 3 and 4 months. 2 weeks is about the time of their first growth spurt. The acronym PURPLE stands for:

P- Peak of crying: Your baby will cry most around 2 months and then less around 3-5 months.
U- Unexpected: The crying can come and go at different times of the day and you don't know why.
R- Resists Soothing: You could try everything you think of and the baby may still keep crying.
P- Pain-Like face: The baby may look like they are in pain even if they ar not.
L- Long lasting: The crying can last up to 5 hours or even longer.
E- Evening- The baby may cry more in the evening, a time when many parents are getting off work.

I tend to pick up the baby a lot at this age and everyone always says, "You are spoiling him". But it is important to remember you can't spoil them at this age. If you are concerned the baby has cried for hours and want to take him to the doctor then do it. I would too! Who knows maybe they will find a UTI but the doctor may tell you that he is perfectly healthy and when you go home he still cries like this. Remember to take breaks if you feel frustrated and remain calm. If you get upset it will just make the situation worse. If you are really having trouble ask for help! You don't want anything to happen to your baby!

You can find more info here...

A little about me...

2010-02-09T22:50:00.003-05:00

This is an interview of me conducted by Everyday Moms. I thought it would be a great start for those who want to know more about me. If you have any other questions just ask!

LaQuita Bergeron-LB

Allison Villarreal- AV

LB: Let’s start off this interview by telling us Everyday moms a little bit more about you.

AV: I am a 26 year old SAHM of three beautiful children and I’ve been married to my husband Javier, a Marine, for almost four years now. My daughter Kitana (Kiya) is my oldest at 5 years old, my son Javier (Bubba) is 2 years old, and the newest addition to our family is Jeremiah (Chunky Monkey) who is now 1 month old. My husband also has two little girls from a previous marriage that we would love to adopt someday but I have yet to meet. (Issues with his ex-wife:-() Our family is originally from San Antonio, TX but we moved up here to Havelock, NC to be with my husband because he is currently stationed at Cherry Point. I am a full-time student but I took time off to deliver the baby. We hope to be moving back to TX soon after my husband separates from the Marine Corp. Eight years in the Corps and he still wants to go into the reserves when he gets out. I support him though; he is the love of my life after all.

LB: What are your influences in life?

AV: The biggest influences in my life are my family. I live everyday for my husband and children and they make me want to better myself. I want to be stronger to get through the hard times and work harder to give them a better life than I had. I think all mothers aspire to give their children a better life then they had. Another big influence in my life is my past. I have been through a lot but I feel that those experiences have made me stronger and wiser and I try to remember, even the things I want to forget, so I can learn from them.

LB: What is your favorite thing about being a mother?

AV: My favorite thing about being a mother is the time I get to spend with my children whom never cease to amaze me. I love it when my daughter says something so random I can’t help but burst out laughing. My son drives me crazy right now getting into everything, but he never seems to get into trouble because he already knows the cutest pouty face to melt my heart and make me smile. And my one month old smiles and laughs every time he falls asleep. I wonder what he dreams about…..

LB: Being a SAHM of three now how are you handling it? Any special routines you’re doing to keep yourself and the little ones happy? How are the kids adjusting to the life of your newest addition to the family?

AV: I honestly still don’t have the hang of it. I feel like the chores keep piling up because I only get half of them done before I have to do something else. I think my kids are adjusting well to the new baby but you can tell when they are trying to get attention. My daughter tries to help out a lot with the baby and loves him up as much as she can. My son will give him kisses but he often has to sit on me or right next to me when I’m holding him. If I give my husband the baby my son will automatically jump into my arms so I can hold him and vice versa. Overall they are doing very well and I know things will get better once we get into a routine.

LB: You plan on going back to school this month, what are you going back for?

AV: I am studying for a degree in Business Administrations with an emphasis in Small Business and Entrepreneurship because I hope to one day own my own business and I thought a good education was the first step to achieving my goal. I took time off for the delivery and I wanted to return already but I am starting to reconsider that. I’m already finding it hard to just find time to read my chapters. I know when I’ve put too much on my plate and I could admit that.

LB: You’re a military wife and this was the first time in a while that your husband has been home with you and your kids for the Holidays, how was that?

AV: It was insane but I loved it. On Thanksgiving I felt like I was about to pop but I stayed in the kitchen all day long the day before so my husband could finally enjoy his first Thanksgiving home with family in 7 years. My feet, ankles, and hand became swollen but it was worth it, especially because we were able to invite two of his friends over as well. (Marines that couldn’t go home to their families for the holidays) Christmas was just as exhausting because we were still adjusting to our newborn but we pulled it off even though we never got around to putting up the outdoor decorations. When the guys left after Christmas dinner we all just fell asleep. I was so happy he was home this time.

LB: What do you like to do in your spare time?

AV: If I have any free time I am usually playing with my kids or trying to teach them new things. I enjoy watching shows like House, Dexter, and Nurse Jackie or getting online when I can to connect with other moms like the ladies here on Everydaymoms.

LB: What are you up to next? Do you plan on going back to work? Staying a SAHM?

AV: I definitely want to go back to work. I would be working now if I could find a legitimate work at home job. It is one of the reasons why I want to start my own business; so that I can spend more time with my family. With the baby being born and since I still need to finish school, I will probably be a SAHM for a little while longer. Hopefully when we move back to San Antonio, TX I can find something that will allow me to earn a little money while I’m at home. I know it will be hard though because my sister needs my help and I will probably be babysitting a lot when I get back.

LB: Any tips or thoughts you’d like to leave with the rest of us here?

AV: To be upset over what you do not have, is to waste all the things you are blessed with. If you are having a hard time right now remember it will get better and if you need someone to talk to I am here and the ladies here on Everyday Moms are a great support system. Don’t be afraid to come to one of us if you are struggling or even if you are not. Don’t forget, you are beautiful and happiness is a choice, embrace it.

Mommy's Candy Land

The Period Of PURPLE Crying

A little about me...