I was just looking and I have three books on how to get your baby to sleep. I'm a little obsessed with sleep, if you ask my husband. My most recent read is The Baby Whisperer.
One of the things the book says is to start your nightly routine as soon as the baby starts yawning. Tonight, Ben started yawning at 6 p.m. Wow, that's early. When I go back to work, I'll just be coming home meaning I won't get to see him much which makes me really sad. So sad, I cried. Ben started yawning and by the third, the bath was ready and daddy got him all clean. Then I turned on the lullabies and nursed him. He went right to sleep. So I checked on him 10 mins later, he was wide awake but calm. The book says leave them if they are crying and so I did. After 10 mins, I went back in and BINGO, he was asleep. Does this mean he fell asleep on his own? I'm unsure -- there was no jiggling involved or rocking but we swaddled him. Does that count on him falling asleep? Maybe this is a fluke.
Yes, I am sad my kid is asleep at 7 p.m. I won't see him that much and man, that sucks. I go back to work in 4 weeks and that means not much time with my child. Oy!
Showing posts with label one month. Show all posts
Showing posts with label one month. Show all posts
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Night out!
For my husband's birthday he wanted to see Dark Knight which meant we had to dive in and find a sitter. Not always wanting to call on my sister in law, I called on my friend's responsible daughter to watch Ben. She has been babysitting a little girl since she was 3 months old so I decided to give it a whirl.
I was more nervous for her because Ben is a little unpredictable these days and instead of an evening movie we went early so I wouldn't have to subject her to putting him asleep. I was more afraid I'd come home and she'd say "YOU HAVE A DEMON CHILD AND I WILL NEVER BABYSIT AGAIN." Of course, none of this happened and even though I had a meltdown when I saw my cell phone ran out of battery, we all survived. I plan on calling her again soon as when I walked in the door, she was showing Ben The Dude aka Mr. Monkey and he was smiling.
Ben's sleep is not going the greatest at night. I'm looking forward to when he can fall asleep on his own or I figure out when he's calm enough to leave him in the crib and he won't have a complete meltdown and just go to sleep. I think I'm going to start trying it out with naps. The key -- learning his sleep cues.
I was more nervous for her because Ben is a little unpredictable these days and instead of an evening movie we went early so I wouldn't have to subject her to putting him asleep. I was more afraid I'd come home and she'd say "YOU HAVE A DEMON CHILD AND I WILL NEVER BABYSIT AGAIN." Of course, none of this happened and even though I had a meltdown when I saw my cell phone ran out of battery, we all survived. I plan on calling her again soon as when I walked in the door, she was showing Ben The Dude aka Mr. Monkey and he was smiling.
Ben's sleep is not going the greatest at night. I'm looking forward to when he can fall asleep on his own or I figure out when he's calm enough to leave him in the crib and he won't have a complete meltdown and just go to sleep. I think I'm going to start trying it out with naps. The key -- learning his sleep cues.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
He's a MANIAC! MANIAC! For sure!
Fashion show time!!! For those cold Bend evenings, I picked up some Baby Legs. Sadly, these were the only boy looking ones they had in stock but I think I'm going to do some online shopping and get him some with skulls on them because Daddy doesn't like his kid wearing "leg warmers."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Big toothless grins
Ben has been smiling for a couple of weeks but it wasn't until yesterday he flashed his big toothless grin during "paddy cake." It brought me to tears and bummed me out because Brian wasn't home yet. For some reason, he also smiles a lot on the changing table -- maybe he likes being naked?
Then last night while I was making dinner, he flashed that toothless grin at Brian. It brought tears to his eyes.
Since our smile yesterday, he has smiled two more times. Once at 1 a.m. when he was crying and I came in to check on him and once again this morning. I can't wait for more smiles.
Then last night while I was making dinner, he flashed that toothless grin at Brian. It brought tears to his eyes.
Since our smile yesterday, he has smiled two more times. Once at 1 a.m. when he was crying and I came in to check on him and once again this morning. I can't wait for more smiles.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sleeping babies
Last night was rough. It wasn't as bad as the first week or so but imagine being woken up every two hours to crying. Ben usually goes to bed around 7:30-8:30 and will usually wake about 1 am to eat but last night he only slept until 11 p.m. and then proceeded to wake up every two hours. I tried not to feed him but it's what he seem to have want. That kid is such a barracuda at times. I was tired this morning and for once, when he napped, I napped.
Fast forward to his afternoon nap -- the one he takes every day from about 12:30 - 3 p.m. I'm in the other room making lunch when I hear my husband over the baby monitor. He claims Ben was crying but I didn't hear anything over the monitor. I used to make this mistake until I read an article about newborn sleep patterns and how they whimper and move and make tons of noise when sleeping. I would rescue Ben when he was just going into the next sleep pattern.
Here is a good article by Dr. Sears.
Now, off to try to salvage Ben's afternoon nap.
Fast forward to his afternoon nap -- the one he takes every day from about 12:30 - 3 p.m. I'm in the other room making lunch when I hear my husband over the baby monitor. He claims Ben was crying but I didn't hear anything over the monitor. I used to make this mistake until I read an article about newborn sleep patterns and how they whimper and move and make tons of noise when sleeping. I would rescue Ben when he was just going into the next sleep pattern.
Here is a good article by Dr. Sears.
Now, off to try to salvage Ben's afternoon nap.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Benjamin & Mr. Monkey
We have a routine for getting Ben to sleep each night. It includes bathtime (not always with soap -- maybe twice a week so we don't dry his skin out), a massage, nursing while listening to Wilco's Sky Blue Sky and then swaddling. Tonight he was wide awake so Brian unswaddled him and set Mr. Monkey in the crib. Ben reached out and gazed for a while and then fell asleep. We always joke that Mr. Monkey is his best friend but it's becoming a reality we think.
So, we're looking to name Mr. Monkey. Post in the comments and I'll post his new name in a week.
(p.s. We took that photo too to show Ben when he's older he was wearing a dress :) )
So, we're looking to name Mr. Monkey. Post in the comments and I'll post his new name in a week.
(p.s. We took that photo too to show Ben when he's older he was wearing a dress :) )
7 Weeks
I can not believe Benjamin is 7 weeks old. I noticed today he's holding his head up really good and he has been smiling alot more. He's on a regular schedule which I know will change. I can't believe how much he sleeps -- I bet he sleeps 18 hours a day. Is that normal for a 7 week old? My friend said her baby didn't sleep that much and I am lucky.
Tonight we are going to test out "dream feeding" at 10:30 to see if he'll sleep until 5 a.m. Wish me luck.
Tonight we are going to test out "dream feeding" at 10:30 to see if he'll sleep until 5 a.m. Wish me luck.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Doing his part to lessen his carbon footprint.
So cloth diapers are going great except that my baby (who only poops every other day or so) decided to start pooping on a regular basis meaning a few yucky diapers! I know, TMI. Anyway, we're using Bumpkin All-in-One cloth diapers. My mother-in-law was amazed at how far they have come in 23 years since she has used them.
Anyways, you have to rinse the yucky diapers in cold water so they don't set and use spray and wash so they don't stain. There is a flushable insert I put in that helps (I need to find out where to order these online).
We installed a clothes line so we can naturally dry them. I feel awesome for not filling the landfill too!
Anyways, you have to rinse the yucky diapers in cold water so they don't set and use spray and wash so they don't stain. There is a flushable insert I put in that helps (I need to find out where to order these online).
We installed a clothes line so we can naturally dry them. I feel awesome for not filling the landfill too!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Pee uuu. Who me
Grandma and Grandpa Moss stopped by from Arizona. It was a nice change of pace for us, having an extra set of hands but they took a ton of really cute photos.
Cloth diapers is going better than expected! Benjamin is excited to do his part for the enviroment!
Cloth diapers is going better than expected! Benjamin is excited to do his part for the enviroment!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Things I learn at Mom's Mornings...
I love Mom's Mornings as I get to bond with other mothers. Ben is still the youngest but we had new babies today. I am going to try to continue Mom's Mornings when work starts and take an extended lunch so Ben can see his friends.
Anyway, back to what I learned. You can file this under "TMI" but did you know that coconut oil is a good natural substitute for KY Jelly (which contains the same ingredient as anti-freeze)? Me neither. This came right out of a nurse practitioners mouth too.
So now you know ...
Anyway, back to what I learned. You can file this under "TMI" but did you know that coconut oil is a good natural substitute for KY Jelly (which contains the same ingredient as anti-freeze)? Me neither. This came right out of a nurse practitioners mouth too.
So now you know ...
Milestones
Benjamin has been more alert today than he usually has been. He's been playing under the Gymni, staring at himself in the mirror and looking at board books I prop up. Today we also started cloth diapers which are more work than disposables but better for our landfills. He's also smiling at his toys (not us as much) and cooing. We walk around out house cooing to see if he coos back.
He also met his Grandpa and Grandma Moss (my husband's dad and his wife). They spent the last 4 days holding and playing and giving me a break though mostly he only wants to be held when he's sleepy. I miss them already and wish we lived near them as they are good people. Pictures to come (they have them on their camera).
With company in town, we were on the move. I finally breastfed in public. First try was really good. Second try, not so much. The restaurant was too noisy and my husband was making me nervous so I went to the bathroom for privacy. Everyone got to experience Benjamin's fear of the car seat and Trader Joe's. In fact, he screamed for 20 mins on our ride back from Sisters. He also got off schedule but it wasn't so bad as he slept in the car seat and Baby Bjorn when he had a chance.
He is also sleeping longer stretches through the night. Twice this week, he slept a 5 hour stretch which is awesome. He is consistently getting up around 7 a.m.
Gotta run, he's getting bored and needs a new thing to look at.
He also met his Grandpa and Grandma Moss (my husband's dad and his wife). They spent the last 4 days holding and playing and giving me a break though mostly he only wants to be held when he's sleepy. I miss them already and wish we lived near them as they are good people. Pictures to come (they have them on their camera).
With company in town, we were on the move. I finally breastfed in public. First try was really good. Second try, not so much. The restaurant was too noisy and my husband was making me nervous so I went to the bathroom for privacy. Everyone got to experience Benjamin's fear of the car seat and Trader Joe's. In fact, he screamed for 20 mins on our ride back from Sisters. He also got off schedule but it wasn't so bad as he slept in the car seat and Baby Bjorn when he had a chance.
He is also sleeping longer stretches through the night. Twice this week, he slept a 5 hour stretch which is awesome. He is consistently getting up around 7 a.m.
Gotta run, he's getting bored and needs a new thing to look at.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Officially cleared
I went to my OB yesterday for my post check up. I was supposed to get the MMR shot since mine is out of date but she forgot about it. Oh well, guess I better do that soon. I have lost all but 12 pounds from being pregnant which leads both of us to believe that I was carrying alot of water because I gained 52 lbs. My blood pressure is still elevated so I need to start some sort of exercising and now I'm wondering when I can do that since having an infant is a 24/7 job. I guess I'll figure it out. Brian and I start the South Beach Diet (phase 2 -- phase 1 is too harsh on my body since I'm breast feeding) when my in-laws leave. I'm looking forward to eating more healthy.
I'm cleared to be a normal human being again. I love it how they ask "what form of birth control will you be using." Frankly, sex is the furthest thing from my mind. As me when Ben is sleeping longer at night. So many options are out since I'm breastfeeding.
I also got to cook today. I made chicken salad and French toast strada for breakfast tomorrow. My father-in-law is helping my husband install our fence so I need to make them something for breakfast. I'm finding that I can get a lot done during nap time if I have gotten more than 5 hours of sleep the night before. It's amazing that I can function on 5 hours of sleep. Amazing.
Well, happy 4th! Ben is 6 weeks old today! He is so big -- I can't believe how fast it has gone!
ps... We found a new daycare provider ... she's is awesome and Ben is one of 4 kids! He even has his own room to sleep in when he's there. I'm so thankful the other lady fell through!
I'm cleared to be a normal human being again. I love it how they ask "what form of birth control will you be using." Frankly, sex is the furthest thing from my mind. As me when Ben is sleeping longer at night. So many options are out since I'm breastfeeding.
I also got to cook today. I made chicken salad and French toast strada for breakfast tomorrow. My father-in-law is helping my husband install our fence so I need to make them something for breakfast. I'm finding that I can get a lot done during nap time if I have gotten more than 5 hours of sleep the night before. It's amazing that I can function on 5 hours of sleep. Amazing.
Well, happy 4th! Ben is 6 weeks old today! He is so big -- I can't believe how fast it has gone!
ps... We found a new daycare provider ... she's is awesome and Ben is one of 4 kids! He even has his own room to sleep in when he's there. I'm so thankful the other lady fell through!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Car seats
Benjamin is officially afraid of the car seat. Every time I put him in it, his cries gets so bad they resemble someone skinning a cat. It's really sad to hear esp. when you are driving and you can't pull over. When he does this when I am in the car with Brian, I sit with him in the back seat and let him hold my pinkie finger until he stops. He usually gets all red faced and falls asleep. I hope this passes soon because now I'm afraid to take him anywhere.
We are on night two of sleep rituals and it took me 49 mins to get him down to sleep and three tries. He favors his right hand to suck on so I've been letting his little hand peek up out of the swaddle to help him self sooth.
He is still eating every two hours. I'm getting a little frustrated because I feel like I nurse something like 8 hours a day - A full time job. Everyone says he'll start spacing them out but when? When he's 12?
Off to catch some shut eye!
We are on night two of sleep rituals and it took me 49 mins to get him down to sleep and three tries. He favors his right hand to suck on so I've been letting his little hand peek up out of the swaddle to help him self sooth.
He is still eating every two hours. I'm getting a little frustrated because I feel like I nurse something like 8 hours a day - A full time job. Everyone says he'll start spacing them out but when? When he's 12?
Off to catch some shut eye!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The beauty of getting away
On Saturday night, our friend Diana offered to watch Ben so Brian and I could go have dinner at a local restaurant. I really wasn't scared to leave him with her since she is a pediatric nurse and he'd be sleeping. Our evening was nice as we sipped martinis while watching the sun go down on the Cascades from the Old Mill. What did we talk about? Oh, Benjamin. I can't seem to get away from talking about him as it's all I do all day. Our dramas have included projectile vomiting on me in front of my mom's group, not sleeping during the night but wanting to play and of course "not eating his peas" (meaning nursing).
As much as I love my kid, it is nice to go to the store without him and browse around. Since his meltdown in Trader Joes, I don't want to take him anywhere shopping as he all of a sudden doesn't like the car seat. I might just wait until he can sit up in the cart before we go back to shopping. I am in desperate need of a haircut and pedicure which I hope to get while my in-laws are here this weekend. I am so looking forward to the help as well.
I leave you with the most stinkin' cute kid ever!!
p.s. we are interviewing new day care providers this week. cross those fingers!
As much as I love my kid, it is nice to go to the store without him and browse around. Since his meltdown in Trader Joes, I don't want to take him anywhere shopping as he all of a sudden doesn't like the car seat. I might just wait until he can sit up in the cart before we go back to shopping. I am in desperate need of a haircut and pedicure which I hope to get while my in-laws are here this weekend. I am so looking forward to the help as well.
I leave you with the most stinkin' cute kid ever!!
p.s. we are interviewing new day care providers this week. cross those fingers!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Healthy sleep rituals
Now that Ben is one month old, we're supposed to start healthy sleep rituals. When I mention this to my mom friends, some give me great ideas why others are like "rituals, ha, you don't need no stinkin' rituals." One constant is he is usually nursed and swaddled but that's usually the same for his naps. I think that bathing him is a pain, esp since he doesn't get dirty and we give him a bath three times a week anyway. If you have good ideas or think rituals are stupid, leave a comment.
For the most part, he's sleeping good 5 nights our of 7. Some nights, well, he is fussy and wants to sleep on mom but that is stopping because I can't sleep. Last night was the best night ever. He went 4 hours, then woke up every three. I didn't even wake Brian up to help me so he got a good night of sleep.. As soon as he was swaddled, Ben was out. I pray this continues.
When is this kid going to stop eating every two hours during the day? I can't get things done like my house cleaned for our in-law visit in a few days.
For the most part, he's sleeping good 5 nights our of 7. Some nights, well, he is fussy and wants to sleep on mom but that is stopping because I can't sleep. Last night was the best night ever. He went 4 hours, then woke up every three. I didn't even wake Brian up to help me so he got a good night of sleep.. As soon as he was swaddled, Ben was out. I pray this continues.
When is this kid going to stop eating every two hours during the day? I can't get things done like my house cleaned for our in-law visit in a few days.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Weekly goals
I realized last week that Ben and I need goals. For example, yesterday, we stayed in the house all day. By the time my husband got home from a previous engagement, I was going crazy all couped up on a nice day. I should have went for the walk. I have two really good front carriers but fear is keeping me from doing this. Then I realized, I need to make a list of things I need to accomplish to try to feel like I'm a human again instead of the milk factory (I love being the milk factory but sometimes, there is more in life). So here goes my goals for this week.
* get out with the baby at least once a day. We are not trapped and he's easy to transport.
* walk 4 times a week with baby and dog because I need to excercise and Charlie is feeling a little neglected.
* pump once a day. Milk production is in overdrive -- I won't say much more than that plus I need to start banking it for the daycare lady.
* ask for help. This mainly applies to my husband. I need help around the house big time and instead of playing his guitar, he could help me out by spending 5 mins doing something else while I nurse.
* do yard work once a week.
* get a pedicure. My feet look horrible.
* find a babysitter and make a date with my husband. (I have no idea who but I have to find someone)
* Think positive thoughts. Ben is a happy baby. Ben is a happy baby. I am a good mother. You get the picture.
* Have more patience.
I think that is enough.
On a positive note, I got Ben to sleep in the crib finally by myself. My husband has mastered this technique and today, I successfully figured out the trip. It takes a good swaddle and some good rocking to get the kid into a deep sleep.
All in all, I feel more confident than I did 31 days ago. Progress!
* get out with the baby at least once a day. We are not trapped and he's easy to transport.
* walk 4 times a week with baby and dog because I need to excercise and Charlie is feeling a little neglected.
* pump once a day. Milk production is in overdrive -- I won't say much more than that plus I need to start banking it for the daycare lady.
* ask for help. This mainly applies to my husband. I need help around the house big time and instead of playing his guitar, he could help me out by spending 5 mins doing something else while I nurse.
* do yard work once a week.
* get a pedicure. My feet look horrible.
* find a babysitter and make a date with my husband. (I have no idea who but I have to find someone)
* Think positive thoughts. Ben is a happy baby. Ben is a happy baby. I am a good mother. You get the picture.
* Have more patience.
I think that is enough.
On a positive note, I got Ben to sleep in the crib finally by myself. My husband has mastered this technique and today, I successfully figured out the trip. It takes a good swaddle and some good rocking to get the kid into a deep sleep.
All in all, I feel more confident than I did 31 days ago. Progress!
Happy 1st Month
Dear Benjamin,
Today you are one month old and as your mom, I can hardly believe it. I can't imagine my life without you and your daddy. You've come along way since the day you were born and each day, you show us your little personality. You are mostly a happy baby but lately you've become a little needy. Before, you'd gladly go in the swing or vibrating chair and fall asleep no problem, now you just want to be held and good thing mom has a variety of slings because though I love you, I'd go completely nuts if I had to hold you all day. You go to sleep no problem in the swaddles at night. Note to self, swaddle baby during the day for naps.
We are slowly getting back to normal with our lives. You got to go to Balloons Over Bend and the Bite of Bend along with the Farmer's Market. You also had a meltdown in Trader Joe's so I think it will be a while before you go out with mom to the store again. You're not to fond of going to see your pediatrician even though you get to see your buddy Diana. You also get to see all your pals at Mom's Mornings though you probably aren't aware of Mom's mornings, since you're napping mostly.
Since I spend 6 hours a day feeding you, Daddy steps and is a big help. He is in charge of burping and diaper changes and even gets up in the middle of the night to do this and put you back to bed. He's better at swaddling and nap time than I am but I'm learning from him. He's such a pro and you're a lucky little guy to have such a supportive daddy.
I can't wait to see what the next month brings, little barracuda (yes, that is your nickname -- you went through a growth spurt and were eating every two hours).
Love,
Momma
Today you are one month old and as your mom, I can hardly believe it. I can't imagine my life without you and your daddy. You've come along way since the day you were born and each day, you show us your little personality. You are mostly a happy baby but lately you've become a little needy. Before, you'd gladly go in the swing or vibrating chair and fall asleep no problem, now you just want to be held and good thing mom has a variety of slings because though I love you, I'd go completely nuts if I had to hold you all day. You go to sleep no problem in the swaddles at night. Note to self, swaddle baby during the day for naps.
We are slowly getting back to normal with our lives. You got to go to Balloons Over Bend and the Bite of Bend along with the Farmer's Market. You also had a meltdown in Trader Joe's so I think it will be a while before you go out with mom to the store again. You're not to fond of going to see your pediatrician even though you get to see your buddy Diana. You also get to see all your pals at Mom's Mornings though you probably aren't aware of Mom's mornings, since you're napping mostly.
Since I spend 6 hours a day feeding you, Daddy steps and is a big help. He is in charge of burping and diaper changes and even gets up in the middle of the night to do this and put you back to bed. He's better at swaddling and nap time than I am but I'm learning from him. He's such a pro and you're a lucky little guy to have such a supportive daddy.
I can't wait to see what the next month brings, little barracuda (yes, that is your nickname -- you went through a growth spurt and were eating every two hours).
Love,
Momma
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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