I think I introduced myself when my son was born last April. It's been a long time since I've visited the site, but I must say I am lovin the redesign.

The past year has flown by and as I am sure some of you can attest, I wish I could wind time back to when he was a newborn, minus the sleepless nights.

I am 29 and a father to my first child, Eric Mathew who was born April 9, 2009. I've learned a lot from various sites, my own father and the guidance of friends who've been there, some 3 times or more.

I have a worry though, along with my "intro". I bought Eric a new video monitor (bought it for me really) and I noticed some things that have been really bugging me.

I find that in the middle of the night, when Eric wakes up, (typically for a wet diaper) I turn on the video to see whats going on. I find him on all 4's kinda hitting his head against the crib. What is this all about? It's worried me to the point where I can't sleep because I am watching the monitor soo much.

I find that he also seems to slap his head a lot.

The only thing I can attribute is that his ears are hurting (he has tubes in his ears from constant infection after infection).

Has anyone else been witness to this? Is he fighting his sleep? Is he trying to snap himself out of something?

Hey Victor, welcome back.

Off the bat, I'd ask your pediatrician about this if it persists and continues to worry you.

That said, my guess is, even though it sounds weird, your son is trying to soothe himself. When you try to calm your kid down, do you pat his back or bounce? Lots of parents do, and it's a good thing (reminds kids of a heartbeat in the womb). You kid can't really pat himself on the back. So that bumping is probably an attempt to calm himself. I actually think it's not that uncommon.

Video monitors can be a blessing and a curse.

This is why I'm not too sure about a video monitor. I would probably be up all night watching it too. I'll be sharing a room with Jack in the beginning anyway, since I'll be with my parents until Tim gets our house in Austin ready. After that just a good old fashioned audio monitor for me.

Isn't Austin a great place to raise your kids? I can't wait to raise Jack there! I grew up in Austin and I think it helped shape a lot of what I am today, in particular my love for music and my acceptance of other people. I've lived in Houston for just about three years now and I've noticed that people judge you a lot more here.

Maybe I'm just a little biased for my hometown, though

Thanks Clay!

I completely agree that video monitors can be a blessing and curse. I decided after reading my post earlier, that I could call my pediatrician and make an appointment. Perfect way to get out of work early.

I'll keep you guys posted after our appointment this afternoon. It's gotten quite worrisome the last few days.

Sidenote: I did remember reading somewhere (or maybe watching Nanny 911?) that children between 6 months and maybe 2 years may seem like they're inflicting some sort of pain, but the term "self-soothing" just made more sense.

When he's uncomfortable or in pain (teething) we usually step in when we can tell it's a bit out of hand and it does involve patting his back, or slight bouncing as we walk him around the house.

Abby,

Clay couldn't have put it any better. Blessing and a Curse. I will learn, my wife will too. I don't think I would have Eric grow up anywhere else but Austin/Round Rock (where I reside).

Our city just has too much going on, to not have my child be a part of. We're soo culturally diverse, I cannot miss an opportunity to have my son interact and be part of it.

Hey Victor,

Welcome and welcome back! Just out of curiosity, what baby monitor are you using and do you like it?