Which is fine.

Monkey has been a very needy little boy. Which is fine considering what he's been through.

Ever since his hospital stay last week, lil' Monkey has been VERY needy. I can't put him in his crib to sleep at night unless he's completely Milk Drunk (which now takes 20 minutes instead of the usual 7-10 minutes). Which is fine since I really just want him to get a good night's sleep and for US to get a good night's sleep. He also nurses more often than he did prior to getting sick. Which is fine, since the breast milk should help with his diarrhea.

We've regressed to napping together in our bed like we did when he was 3 months old. Which is fine because at least we're napping which was hard in the hospital. I can't put him on the floor to play while I check email like I used to do and he doesn't even like sitting in his brand new exersaucer or jumper things anymore (that was short lived as they were Christmas presents). I had to take him into the bathroom with me and put him in his bouncer (which he's getting a little too big for) in order to pee or poop. This is not so fine and driving me crazy quite frankly.

At his follow up appointment today with his doctor, I asked if this could possibly be PTSD from the hospital stay. She said it could be, in combination with the teething (he's got one trying to break through currently) and possible separation anxiety since he's nearing that age.

Now I don't mind this too much and I know he'll eventually go back to his usual self, however, there are two things that worry me at this moment. One, my nipples. They are SO sore because they're not used to this much activity and because he's decided they are a good teething ring. I realized today during one nursing session that he wasn't really drinking anymore and was just sucking with a little toothiness thrown in there. Two, I'm going away this weekend and if Monkey is experiencing separation anxiety from his mommy, my poor DH will have a real tough go of it while I'm gone.

At least we found a solution for the soy formula switch -- he's supposed to avoid milk-based formula for the next few weeks because the lactose might irritate his stomach more. The doctor gave us some free samples of regular lactose-free formula today which he gobbled up at bedtime. Which is more than fine because if DH runs out of frozen breast milk this weekend he has a suitable back-up.

So my questions to the other parents out there are:

1. As they got bigger and more mobile, what did you do to keep them safe while you did your business, got dressed, checked email?
2. If you kept breastfeeding until your child got teeth, how did you prevent the biting or scraping of the nipples? I've tried the loud "Ouch" without the smile and the prompt breakaway (as prompt as I could pry him off) but he just doesn't seem to get it.
3. Has anyone had to deal with the separation anxiety when going away on a trip and what did you do to help it?

Can you tell I'm trying to remain on that positive note I had Sunday night but finding it hard?!