He Keeps Growing and Growing

Well, today was another rough day for Ryder-screaming ALL morning. I couldn't do anything to soothe or calm him. He didn't want a paci, he didn't want a bottle, he needed sleep but just couldn't do it because he felt so bad. Finally, I just laid him down and, in about 15 minutes, he passed out. I called our doctor to make an appointment to see her for the second time. While I was showering off from a spit up attack, the doctor's office called back and set up another appointment for 6:40 pm. (I was supposed to have my meeting for nursing school tonight at 6 but now I am going Wednesday at 10am).
When baby bear woke up from his nap, I had a bottle ready for him and he was happy. I thought things were getting better and his teeth weren't bothering him so much. After his bottle, I put him in his stroller and we went for a walk. He was laughing and smiling so I walked into the NEX. All hell broke lose and he screamed at the top of his lungs. I tried rubbing his gums and that seemed to help and he quieted a little bit, so I bought some infant Orajel (AMAZING by the way) and as soon as it went on his gums, he calmed down and I was able to get him back home.
At home, while waiting to get ready for his appointment, we got to Skype my Aunt Pam and Nana. Whew-he got fussy all over again. I fed him and let them watch him lay under his "Space Mat" and listen to him coo. They wanted to see him roll over but he was too tired to since he hasn't been sleeping very well at night.
A little late on, right before we left for the doctor, we got to Skype with GranJan. Everytime I can videochat with a family member, it makes it seem like they are a little bit closer and makes me a little less lonesome and homesick for all of them.
Well, we left for the doctor (after a quick dose of infant tylenol and orajel) and Ryder cried the ENTIRE way to the doctor.

 It is only about 15 minutes away but it seemed like an hour. He was happy to be out of the car but fussed as soon as we got inside the building, all the way upstairs, and while we waited in the "sick child" waiting area. When I took off his clothes to weigh him he smiled (it was BLAZING HOT so I think it felt good to be almost naked) We weighed him and he was a little bit under where he should be at a 13lbs 14 oz. When I got his diaper back on, he was dussy again. I walked with him and bounced him and nothing would calm him down. I was afraid the other baby would get upset, too, by hearing Ryder cry.
Well--we waited in our room for about 10 minutes before the doctor came in (the whole time Ryder was fussing) and AS SOON as Dr. R walked in the room, Ryder got a HUGE smile on his face and started laughing----
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?  What is this magic she possesses to quiet the unquietable?
Well-he checked out all clear. No ear infection, no red throat, no congestion...Just two tiny "teefs" that are just now appearing and "shouldn't be bothering him very much yet". (I am still going to use the orajel because it DID work to help calm him down and I do think his gums are irritating him right now.)
So the verdict of the $50 doctors appointment? a GROWTH SPURT

"All the Better To Eat You With"

Well...we figured out what is making Ryder make all the fuss. He is starting to cut teeth. EARLY....WAY EARLY!!! He has just been so upset all the time and there isn't anything we can do to calm him down. I looked in his mouth and what do you know--little baby "teefs" are coming up through his bottom gums.
I've tried to get pictures for everyone to see but Ryder is so young that he is still pushing his tongue forward and I cant get him to lift it. However, I am not giving up and will be posting pictures as soon as I can get them. (It will probably be when he is crying because that his when his mouth is open.)
Pray for us PLEASE! I don't think either of us are really prepared for teething yet--or the screaming--and Ryder isn't big enough to hold on to teething rings yet. (If you have any suggestions PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave them for me)