#09052023

sunset shimmer literally overflowing with power and about to take you out

Derrick had his 1 month well visit today and he’s doing great. Gaining weight nicely. The doctor confirmed that yes, he’s got some baby acne going on, but it should resolve on its own. I mentioned that his poops have been green, and she shrugged and said maybe let him stay on one side longer when I’m breastfeeding — getting more foremilk than hindmilk can do that, I suppose. She didn’t seem like it was a big deal and moved right past it.

Doing all the tiny baby things over here! Derrick turned 1 month old yesterday - can’t believe a whole month has gone by already. We’re headed back to the pediatrician today for his well visit. I have no concerns other than his baby acne, which seems like it’s getting a bit worse. Otherwise it seems like he’s growing great and eating plenty. Tummy time is slow and steady - hopefully more progress there in the next month.

Today also starts the beginning of B’s real work outside the home.. as background, he owns two apartment buildings with a group of his buddies/investment partners and they just recently acquired the second building. He’s going to be doing some external renovations to the building and property over the next month or so, and a huge part of why his mom moved up here was so she can assist with childcare to free him up to be able to do that. Before her moving here at the end of July, I’ve been the full time working parent and he’s been the full time stay at home caretaker. While I’m on maternity leave, she’s helping with watching Holden while I care for Derrick and B has some time freed up to work on the investment properties. When I return to work in February, the plan is that she will help B care for both boys a few days a week so he can continue to do similar work.

That last part, ooh baby.. I’m struggling even with the idea of it. I mean, it sounds great in theory. But it’s complicated. (Isn’t it always with family?) My MIL isn’t and hasn’t been in the healthiest place mentally or emotionally for a long, long time. We hoped and still do hope that moving up here near us, quitting her toxic job and finding some new part time employment to supplement her income while helping take care of her grandsons, all of that would help improve the mental/emotional health situation. Things were going better than anticipated until Friday of last week — it’s a long story, but I suspect that she made some decisions that put holden’s safety and best interest in question. She denies it, and I don’t believe she’s being honest with us about that, so now we’re in a weird situation. B had a serious conversation with her about it and she swears she would never do anything to put Holden or Derrick in danger and we’re choosing to believe her this one time, but man, I’m having a hard time with it. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Best case: I’m wrong and everything is smooth sailing here on out. She’s well aware that my guard is VERY UP so let’s hope that’s the case. Family, right??