New Baby

Talking about Beck, not really a NEW baby. However, he has changed completely in the last week, with his new diet and seems like a new baby to us. Always happy, unless he actually needs something. Quite opposite of when he was crying with pain throughout each day, and every night.
His doctor wanted him to try a special hypoallergenic formula called Alimentum, and see if that changed anything. He figures that he is most likely allergic to something in my breast milk. I think he is on to something, as it works wonders.
The down fall is that I feel like a horrible mother for formula feeding rather than nursing. I wanted to breastfeed at least until a year old, but that didn't happen, and I just have to think that I did the best I could, 5 months is longer than some. I know I shouldn't feel horrible, and obviously this is the best thing for him so that he is not in pain, but I still do. Not only is formula way inconvenient, in my opinion, but this formula costs $26/small can. That is about $200/month in formula! We have to find a way to afford it, since it is the ONLY thing that has helped Beck, but really, with Geoff starting this new career, that is as much as we have budgeted for groceries for the entire month!!!
Along with the formula, I am giving him a natural supplement that helps with digestion. It is called Acidopholus, and it must be helping too, at least I think so.
We also started him on solids last week. His doc. wanted to wait a little longer in case of allergies to any foods, but he said we could start on veggies, and skip rice cereal. Not a bad compromise, since rice cereal seems disgusting anyway! He hasn't totally caught on to the whole food thing, but we will slowly get there. For now, we are just happy he is content with what he is eating.
Content...I haven't had that word in my vocabulary for a LONG time, and I am happy to say I can now use it, and hopefully I can use it on a regular basis.
Today we went to the Zoo, and Beck was so content, sleeping, eating, smiling, etc. All of the things that normal babies do, without crying hysterically, hallelujah!
Tonight I put him to bed, wide awake, in his crib, and he went to sleep within minutes!!! I know he will wake up in a few hours to eat, but that is ok, I can deal with that. I know that eventually he will sleep through the night. For now, we will take what we can get.
And one more thing...can you believe that Beck will be 5 months old tomorrow? Crazy, I know. I usually want to slow life down when it comes to the baby stage, but I am glad Beck is growing, and getting healthier each day. I hope it continues....