Geez, how did that happen?

Things are going really well around here lately. My midwife showed me a soothing technique for Rayney, and it's been working wonders. Dave can even do it and calm her down, so he feels good about that. Lately things have been tough because Rayn has colic, and Dave gets frustrated because he can't do anything to soothe her. We have to listen to her cry all evening, which gets a bit old after 6 weeks.
I guess my (backup) midwife got certified as an educator for the Happiest Baby on the Block techiniques, so she was able to show me exactly what to do to flip on Rayn's "comfort reflex". Basically you swaddle her really tight (she showed me a hard-core swaddle wrap that really works), turn her on her side, give her a pacifier to suck on, and bounce and make a loud shushing noise. Something about that particular combination of things, done in this certain way, just clicks something with the baby. So it's awesome. She's still colicky, but at least she's quiet and we have something to do to comfort her.

Rhiannon's been pretty good lately. She was having so many freak-outs (tantrums, whatever), so I decided to give her something to work toward. I made up a sheet, and for every day that she's good all day long, and doesn't freak out, she gets a sticker. After 5 stickers, I told her I'd get her the Cinderella dress (with gloves!) that she's been coveting. She's done great with it - a couple of times she would start up, and I'd just ask her if she wanted to get her sticker for the day, and she'd say "yes" and then calm down. Yay!

My friend Barb has been helping me with the candles. It is a HUGE relief to some of these things done. It's also nice, because then I get to have some adult conversation when she's here, and I haven't gotten out visiting much since Rayn's been born. I still need to get my butt in gear - I haven't gotten much sleep the last couple of nights, so it's hard to motivate myself when I'm so exhausted.

Ok, Rayn's up from her nap, but I just wanted to check in. :)