Talk to the pediatrician about him crying when he eats. Have him checked to see if any unknown problems. Probably something fixable but he's not happy and something is causing this.
Hope you find the answer soon.
Lynn

I'm not sure what the problem could be, but I'm positive that it isn't that he doesn't like you!! You are his mommy, and I'm sure that you are a great mommy!! Acid Reflux could be a problem, my son cried everytime he ate too, and thats what he was diagnosed with. My pediatrician told me that it would go away by itself around 12 months and he was right. Just hang in there, and don't be so hard on yourself, it's hard to know whats wrong w/someone when they can't tell you.

"He did just get his first tooth breaking through on Friday, but I don't know if the teething pain has caused months of fussiness." Teething can last a LONG time.

Shirley

Here is a link that might be useful: Teething symptoms

I wouldn't worry about Autism. The youngest age at which babies start showing signs is at 14 months.

I think the crying could have something to do with reflux as Teresa suggested.

Hang in there. My DD was quite the crier at that age too.
(((Bearcat)))

My neighbor has been giving her 4-month-old reflux medicine three times a day for a couple of months now and it makes a huge difference. Being uncomfortable in the tummy makes anyone miserable! I would contact your pediatrician asap.

Thanks everyone. I'm trying not to get so worried that it rubs off on Brody. I wish I could get a picture of this kid smiling...it breaks my heart to have 100 pictures of my kid, but he looks miserable in all of them. If one more person who meets Brody comments on how serious my kid is, I'll cry!! I really appreciate you guys...it's hard being alone with few friends to relate to.

Here is a link that might be useful: Brody's most recent (not smiling) pics

Mike just said that Brody looks like a prisoner in all of his pictures...lol.

Oh, he's adorable! And you're gorgeous!

It looks like has no trouble at all making eye contact. I know some very serious kids, and he's probably like they are. Really, I look at their Flickr pages and go through photo after photo without seeing a smile. They're bright and beautiful . . . and serious.

I don't think Brody looks miserable at all. Just serious. He'll probably grow up to invent something very important, and he'll support his elderly parents in grand style.

I agree with all of the others. If you look at all of my pictures as a baby and toddler, I don't think any of them have me smiling. Having been a neonatal and infant nurse for many years, I can tell you that some babies just don't smile a lot. Some are just very serious little youngsters exploring the world and taking everything in. Other's smile more.

My DGS never smiled for the camera till recently. He is 22 months. He seemed intrigued with the camera itself and what his mom was doing with it.

I also want to suggest milk allergy. We had that problem with our middle child and it permeated his whole day and night. It took a long time to pinpoint and diagnose as he had been breastfed and so we did not catch it till he was 3.

Time to talk to his pediatrician about your concerns. Make an appointment today.

Thanks to you all (again), I made another appointment with the doctor for Monday. After exploring the symptoms of silent reflux, I feel that might be a path the doctor should explore with this kid. He just fusses constantly...and doesn't seem happy ever. He is very curious about his environment, which is a good thing, though.

I agree with the otheres about getting him a complete check-up for tummy problems and possible food allergies.

As for the smiling I don't think you have anything to worry about. In his picture he looks alert and interested and that is what really counts. If he were listless and looking away from the camera that might be worrisome but he's not.

As a teacher you head is filled with all sorts of things to watch for. In preschool my I was told my DD showed signs of developmental problems because she didn't hop on one foot "correctly". She became a competitive roller skater,a cheerleader and is very outdoorsy to this day. DS was put into a special needs reading group because his speech problems classified him as having "poor language and reading skills". At home he was devouring the same sci-fi novels DH was reading. He became published at 18 and has the most elaborate vocabulary of anyone I've ever met.

BTW Brody shares my DS's birthday. He's always been different. He rolled instead of crawled. He barely spoke a word for over 2 years. Once he started he wouldn't shut up for the next 16. Now he's the strong silent type once again. Unless he has an agenda then watch out. LOLYou're in for a real roller coaster ride. Hang on tight and enjoy the thrill. Don't sweat the small stuff and forget about what the other kids his age are doing. Brody is unique. That's cool. ;-)

Oh how I enjoyed watching the vidos of precious little Brody. Stop worrying he is just fine. Just check out the acid reflux situation and enjoy him. He is beautiful!!!

June

Brody's pic reminds me so much of my oldest son when he was that age. He was the soberest baby but was curious about everything. Then about age 2 he really cut loose. He was such a happy little boy and still is today. In fact he's an Attorney and he's made me happy. :)

First of all, hugs for you!! Parenting is HARD on so many levels!

Secondly, I'm sure it's not that Brody doesn't like you. You're his mommy and the one person that he knows loves him unconditionally.

I would definitely talk to the doctor about the concerns you have. Nothing you can get from a message board would substitute an evaluation by a doctor.

The crying could be a number of things, but the first thing that comes to my mind is acid reflux. He could be in pain when he's eating.

I dont have any other advice for you, just wanted to say I know how hard it is when your child isn't happy. Mine is going through a tantrum stage and I feel like sometimes I've failed because I'm not able to keep him happy enough to control these horrible crying fits. But I know that's not true, but I can't say it doesn't get to me at times. I think it's our job as parents to worry about every single little thing! Sigh!

There's a website called Ovusoft.com - they have a community of message boards, every topic imagineable. You might want to check them out, they've been very helpful for me and perhaps some of the mommies there can help you with some ideas.

Joanna, I have no advice but I wish I could just give you a big hug, because you sound so upset and worried and I hate that for you. I hope you have a good, kind pediatrician that actually listens and is good with babies, because you need a good one if you have concerns like yours.

Brody is adorable and I know you're the best mom, or you wouldn't be anguishing about this. (Is that a word, anguishing?) lol

I just watched the video of you feeding Brody. He smiled at you in that video--I don't think anything is wrong--he just looks very serious. I loved him talking to you too while you were feeding him--he seemed to enjoy the food and he seemed to enjoy you--just look at how he looks at you in that video and how he is talking to you. He loves you!!! Sheila

Also ask the doctor about checking for gluten allergies.

Joanna, I'm another one whose first thought was acid reflux. My niece has four month old twins and we kid her that she's gonna keep the little girl and send her little brother back because of it! LOL I held him and gave him his bottle Saturday and he frowned and grunted and twisted and fussed the whole time. In the meantime, his sister was contentedly gooin' and oohin' and scarfing her's down! LOL

I'd have that checked out and anything else that you think might help. I agree about the autism, much too soon to worry about that, I would think.

Relax - he may also be picking up on your anxiety about him. They're perspective little creatures! LOL

He's a beautiful baby and I'm sure adores his mom.

My DGS didn't smile a lot when he was younger either. He will be 11 months the 18th of this month. But the thing I noticed is that he followed everything my daughter did as she walked by him or left him to go pick something up. It's as if he was studying the world around him all the time. It started to change when he was about 9 months. All of a sudden you'd see a little smile start to form if he recognized you, or if you talked directly to him. And now he smiles all the time! I think little Brody is just taking the world in around him. He focuses on the camera with no problem, (what a cutie pie he is) and I think the smiling will come as he starts to process the faces and voices etc. I agree that you should explore the silent reflux...and I'm glad you're seeing the doctor. Andre' fussed a bit more when he was just a couple months old. Then the doctor told my daughter to start on formula because her breast milk wasn't giving him enough calories so the little guy was really hungry. After that was resolved things seemed to get better.

Hang in there. These are special times and the toughest times for a new mom. My daughter went throught he same worries and different worries. You are going to be fine and so will your beautiful son.

Susan

Well I just watched the video of him eating pears..He reacts just as wee one should.
I agree certain foods could be an issue for him.

He loves you.

To get certified again, I am taking a state-mandated course in exceptional children, with a text book describing characteristics of learning/behavioral/physical disabilities and interventions. I am anaylyzing my own kids as I read, thinking "om my gosh, that sounds like Zach," etc. And my kids are half grown and doing fine in school. It's scary what a little information can do to the mind of a mother! ;o)

You will get through this. It will get easier. Look for the positives, all the milestones Brody has made, so your mind does not focus on the negative.

My neighbor is a teacher, too. Her DS is almost 3. For the longest time she kept asking me "shouldn't he be talking now? shouldn't he have more words? Do you think his language is behind? What did your kids do?" Now the child does not stop talking! I told her that's what would happen. LOL!

Everyone worries. Get your questions answered, be your child's advocate. But never doubt that he loves you, that he knows you are his safe place, his warm place, his comfortable place of peace.

I looked at your site and peeked at your videos and at some of your pictures. I had a lot of fun. He is beyond adorable!

He does seem very serious but when he smiles it lights up his whole face. I noticed him making eye contact with you in the video when he is practicing standing. I'm not sure if that is recent. If he's 6 months in that video then he does seem a lot younger to me. He was born early though right? Some kids are just naturally not as outgoing. He seems content to me for the most part. I have heard that babies with reflux can be miserable. I've never experienced it myself so I can't help you there. :(

You are his mommy. There is no one in the world that he feels better with. I know that my own kids are much WORSE with me than with anyone else. That's because they feel the safest with me and they know that they can truly show me how they feel and I will still love them. Of course they are like that with Jason too, but to a smaller extent. I can walk in the door all quiet and hear them all playing nicely. Then they spy me and "Wahhhh!" LOL

You are a great mom. I can see it in how well cared for he is. Don't fret. You are doing a great job.

And by the way, your son has THE most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. That kid will be a heart breaker someday!

Danielle

I'm also surprised noone has asked you how YOU are also doing. Because some of what you've said could be symptoms of postpartum depression. Yes it can strike now, it can strike up to 1 year after baby is born. Do you have any of the signs of this? I just don't want to miss anything, if you're fine then great!

Vickey-MN

PS, have you tried the teething tablets for Brody, they are a godsend. http://www.hylands.com/products/teething.php Walmart has them, I'm sure other places do to.

Here is a link that might be useful: Symptons of postpartum depression

Wow...thank you all so much for you nice words and encouragement....I feel like crying, but in a good way!

As for the videos, he was 5 months old or a bit younger, and we have seen a big change in his personality since then. He used to smile during meals and when playing with us and it seems to have all changed in the last 2 months since those videos were taken.

I'm hoping this all changes very soon and that he starts having a happier life. I really appreciate your reponses :)

I can't offer any advice except to say that at this point, you never know what is going on with babies. They change daily - you may not even remember these concerns a couple of months from now.

I can imagine how hard it makes it for you though since I know how far baby smiles and laughs go to ease the 'pains' of motherhood.

I've looked at the pictures and the video and what I see is Brody's expressions are very quizzical, as though he is trying to sort things out. Have you checked his hearing? Does he repond to loud sudden noises? Not to give you something else to worry about, but it could be that his expressions are responding to visual, but maybe hasn't actually heard the voices, etc. Just a thought.

He is a bright, beautiful boy.

Sue

I think your little guy is beautiful. I know that being a parent is hard. I really don't have any other advise except what has already been said. The only other thing is that if you feel something might be wrong, then take him to the doctor. I know that food allergies can be rough. My nephew is allergic to eggs and he was a very serious and moody little guy. He's 2 now and not so moody but is still a serious little guy. Some kids are just like that. Since they found out what he is allergic to, the tummy aches have gone away.

Hang in there and keep us posted. We really do want to hear about it and we really don't mind if you need to vent. That's what we're here for.

okay now.............I just downloaded and watched your little video of him eating pears. I saw a happy little boy making eye contact with mommy, smiling at her and even telling her stories about eating pears. I didn't see an unhappy baby who didn't like him mommy. You're having new mommy worries. It's normal. And it's okay to feel that way. But I just wanna let you know I saw something different. You can always confirm it with your pediatrician. He looks so healthy. And I saw very content. Unhappy stressed out babies always have fists. I didn't see that either. he looked quite relaxed. Don't worry about him. he's fine and you're a good mommy!!!

My youngest grandon, Austin was a very serious baby...it was so hard to get a reaction out of him until about 9-10 months old. I was a little worried like you are but never let anyone know my fears. He is now 18 months and we can't stop him from laughing and running around like crazy. It's like another kid stepped in and took over. His personality has just exploded in the last 5 months or so. He also cried alot for the first 2 months. I was so worried about how I was going to deal with that when mommy went back to work and I had him everyday. The crying stopped and he was a good baby, but didn't smile much. Like I said, now he is a goofy little thing. Hang in there....he is probably not finding things too funny right now, it'll come to him. I would have him checked for the crying/eating thing though........He is a cutie by the way!

I have to agree with Debby - when I watched that video, I saw a happy baby that loved his parents! He was clearly interacting with you. Do talk to your pediatrician about concerns, though.

Sheryl

Jo-I just saw this, but I wanted to respond. I would talk to your doctor if you feel like his behavior has changed. In Fairfax County they have a program called Child Find. I'm sure your area has something similar. You can talk to them FREE and they can evaulate Brody (although he may be too young?) in many areas.

Katie also has a tooth breaking through and is trying to crawl. Some days she is a nightmare to hold or feed. All she does is wiggle and squirm. Teething can be pretty painful and make them miserable. Sometimes sucking on a bottle aggravates the tooth pain. Or if he is having an allergy/reflux, his stomach may be upset? Reflux seems to be quite common among my friends kids.

Mostly, I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. It's not easy being a mom, esp the first time. We worry about lots of stuff! I know you love Brody and he definitely loves you back. You have NOT failed him. The simple fact that you're so worried tells me how much you love him and want the best for him!

I hope you had fun at your girls night. Let's try to plan something before the holidays (with or without the kids)???

gwanny makes such a good point, they can change so fast. I often tell people that for the first 5 years, they are a different kid every six months. They change that much that quickly. It's hard to imagine when you're feeling tired and overwhelmed and uncertain about a phase. But they just keep moving along, growing and changing and one day you realize so much has changed about them. It's bittersweet.

Well thanks Vickey for bringing up the post partum issue - I wasn't sure how to broach the subject.
Joanna you look so beautiful and your son is gorgeous, those big eyes taking in the world, make sure you take care of Mommy, too.
Suzan J

Well, I just spent way more time than I really have looking through your videos and pictures. Thank you for sharing! They really made me smile!

I see a range of emotions and moods in Brody's face, none of them unhappy. I'm sure he saves those moments just for you when the camera is off. And they can seem to last forever when you're tired. Look at those pictures again yourself, consider it therapy. You have a beautiful, happy, loving family. Not just loving... in love with each other. You all have such a great sense of humor, too! Look again, you'll see what we see, and maybe it will ease your mind and heart.

Alright, back to my to do list.