Ryan was born 2 weeks early on 4/25/00. He was born screaming and did so for 20 minutes. From day one, he hated anything confining. I.E. swing..strollers..slings...baby bjorn..car seat. He didnt want to breastfeed, and it was amazing how strong he was. He almost pushed himself off my lap when we tried. I finally realized he was NOT going to have anything to do with it, and pumped breastmilk for several months.
He rarely napped..still doesnt, and when he did it was for 10 minutes once to twice a day maybe. He started holding his head up from birth, and people always remarked on how alert he was. It was strange how quickly he made eye contact with others. He wanted to stand on your lap at about one month. He had to be held outwards..never facing in, so that he could see everything. We were lucky in that he slept thru the night at about 2 1/2 months. However..he still doesnt nap. He ACCIDENTALLY falls asleep now and then during the day, but its unpredictable, and always when were out and about.
He is not a classic HN baby, he has just a few of the traits, but he is also nothing like any low needs baby that I have ever seen/known. My mother refers to him as "spoiled" since he doesnt act like a typical infant, and wants his own way or no way in all things, but Ryan isnt spoiled...we just have to parent him differently than she parented me. I KNOW I wasn't as challenging as Ryan is!
He's a very loving child...bestows a smile to EVERYONE! And he will go to everybody...but hes not a cuddly baby. If he cant see the world head on..then he'd rather be on the floor where he can explore. He will now be carried in his Bjorn, and will tolerate the stroller if he's tired, or in an exceptionally good mood. He's definitely gotten easier as hes gotten motorically stronger, but he's definitely an over alert baby!!!
Michele and Ryan 6 months