Purple Rain

The thunder and lightning woke me this morning, just minutes before my alarm clock did. I knew the rain was coming, and I longed to just snuggle deeper under the quilt but I didn’t. Chuck got up first, and by the time I joined him in the kitchen, the warm aroma of coffee was already filling the air. As the storm passed through, we spent the first part of our day reading the Word and praying together.

Now the rain has stopped, and the world outside is green and dripping. My Beloved has left for work and I am enjoying the early morning quiet.  I need to do a few last minute chores, then I am picking up Emmi this morning for another overnight visit.

These are wondrous times, and every day with her is a treasure.  For the most part, her feeding issues have resolved but we are still dealing with the unexplained crying episodes every evening. Usually somewhere around 4pm, she begins the incessant wailing that can last for hours, until she is totally exhausted. I have suggested every technique that I could pull out of my own experiences, but nothing seems to help; nothing seems to comfort her or lessen her distress. Then during a casual conversation at work, Summer learned something we were unaware of.

Hmmm….  Seems as if there’s this developmental stage that babies transition through called PURPLE crying;  PURPLE, of course, being an acronym. Summer learned about it on one of her first nights back at work, when she mentioned Emmi’s evening crying episodes to one of her co-workers. This co-worker told her that UAMS (where Summer works) had just completed a study on that very thing, and she offered Summer a book and a video. What perfect timing, and what a blessing to know that this is simply a phase that she will outgrow.

My Beautiful Summer and Emmi

According to the research, all babies go through this stage to some degree, but some deal with it more than others.  Unfortunately, Emmi has taken it to heart. The phase begins around 2 weeks of age, and can last up to 5 months; the crying usually Peaks around the age of 2 months, then begins to lessen.  It is Unexplained, usually coming out of nowhere, and is Resistive to any normal soothing activities. Their little faces may show an expression of Pain, but they are not hurting. These episodes of crying can Last up to 5 hours (which Emmi has done!), and usually occur in the Evening. Hence the name, PURPLE.

Yeah. Just hanging out in my bathrobe.

Summer said as she was reading this book, it was as if they had done the study on Emmi; everything was exactly what Emmi was dealing with. What a relief, to finally be able to put a name to what she and Tay have been dealing with, and to know that it is only a normal developmental stage. And what a blessing to know that this stage has a beginning and an END!

Emmi is sleeping through the night now, and most days is happy and content. But as the afternoon wanes, and Terri’s beloved shadows creep across the floor, she usually begins her worst time of crying. Summer calls it "the witching hour." It is heartbreaking to watch, and to try all the normal "mommy" soothing techniques without any relief.  Thank You, Lord, that this too shall pass.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying my time with my grandbaby, watching her grow and take in the world around her. Every day is a new adventure as she changes and learns new skills right before our eyes.  God is so good, and life is so sweet. Even the days that are tinted purple.