four months!

Is it really time to do this again?

You're napping in my arms as I type this post (& my back is hurting), but I am cherishing this moment because soon enough, you won't want to sleep in my arms anymore. So I'm soaking it all in. Aiden is sleeping too, right beside us. He always naps on Fridays after school, LOL.

At four months ...

-You're wearing size 2 diapers (pampers swaddlers are still our fav)
-You're definitely busting out of your 0-3 month sleepers and moving onto 3-6 & we're still using sleep sacks
-We're getting closer to sleeping "through" the night, waking up on good nights at 4am for a nursing session
-We're still exclusively breastfeeding! (Yay!), no bottles just yet
-You are a rolling queen, I wouldn't be surprised if you started to crawl soon
-Your ambition is refreshing - always trying to reach for your toys while on your belly & of course, they go straight to your mouth
-We're catching snippets of your laugh & it's so contagious
-You love being upright & "standing", looks like our next purchase is some sort of exesaucer for you
-I feel like you know us now, well, I know you know me (since I'm the milk machine), but your face lights up in the mornings with Daddy & when A gets home from school
-You got your ears pierced!
-& we're still waiting for hair, lol.

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
We're getting there. Our bedtime routine (which consists of a shower for A, getting you & A into pjs, complete with a baby massage for you, & som quiet time and a bedtime story with A). Our last feed is still around 7:30pm. Typically, nursing is the last thing you do before bed. Between breasts, I slip you into your sleep sack & post-nursing I quietly take you from our room to your room and lay you ever so gently into your crib. You wake up anywhere from 2:00am-4:00am for a feeding. I'd like to say that you sleep right after your nursing, but this has been a hit or miss as of late. I can recall a few early mornings where we were up every hour. We even tried having you sleep with us in our bed, but even that didn't work. I think you prefer being in your crib (which is in your own room) or play pen (which is in our room) because you're able to move around more, find your "sweet spot" and self-soothe. Of course, this doesn't always work. I often nurse you laying down, then we both fall asleep. I've been reading up on 4 month old sleep regression ... and yikes! With daylight savings tomorrow, God knows how your sleeping will be.
Naps are becoming a hit or miss these days too. You were napping just dandy in your crib (a bit of fussiness for a few minutes), but then I'd find you self-soothing (thumb-sucking) and sleeping peacefully on your belly. Some days, you'd wake wake up after a 1/2 hour where you'd either fuss & then find your "sweet spot" again or Mama comes to the rescue (with a binky) & I hold you for the remainder of your nap. Lately, you've been fussing for longer than usual. I cave & scoop you up. You lay in my arms napping while I catch up on some tv. Which reminds me, who has the boxset of Grey's Season 4?

Breastfeeding
A few days ago I turned to Ryan and said something along the lines of ... I'm in awe that Sadie grows and thrives from milk (liquid gold) that my body produces. The entire process is simply amazing. Not much to much more to report, but I basically wear nursing pads religiously. Our nursing sessions last anywhere from 5-40 mins, usually depending on the time of day and where we are. Typically when we're up and about, you'll nurse much faster and make up for it in later feedings. Your last session of the day is usually the longest - I guess you try to "bulk up" for the night ahead. I still plan to breastfeed exclusively for as long as possible and maybe ... in the new year, we'll work on starting bottles. But it's been quite smooth, so in no rush for that.

Weight
Because the doctor was on vacation for the first 3 weeks on October, your 3 month check up was definitely overdue. We went on the 24th and you weighed a steady 12 pounds, 11 ounces. We scheduled to go back in a few weeks, hope we get more chubs!

Challenges
We're pretty much in the groove of things, but it's tough! Two kiddies means more laundry & a messier home ... but! there's doubles the smiles and double the love. I simply adore our A and Bean. There are definitely times when Aiden "needs" me at the exact moment that I'm tending to Sadie. A will pout about it & I remind him (& myself) that I'm only one person. That usually works.

We're up for a new challenge in the next week or so (will post more details soon). Wish us luck!

Me: Post-Partum

I feel good! I'm no where near my "ideal" weight (actually, I still don't know what my current weight is), but I feel pretty good! We're buying less junk when we're at the grocery store, which means less junk in our home (minus the crapload of halloween candy). I'm inspired by people I stumble upon in the blog world and by healthier recipe options via Pinterest. I haven't cut myself off from anything because I always feel that in moderation, it's ok. I did, however, buy a brand new pair of demin ... that made me feel good. The holidays will be challenging, lots of yummy food and lovely company ... definitely worth it! Oh and I finally got a haircut, that's like minus 10 pound right there, LOL. 

You'll be at a wonderful stage for your first Christmas Sadie, we can't wait!

 

three months!

(YES, I realize just how late I am in doing this ...)

Time is flying.
Your (big) personality is coming through, I could barely get you to sit still for this months photos!

At three months ...

-After these last few size 1 diapers, you're moving into size 2 - woot woot!
-We've stopped swaddling you, but you've learnt to roll over! (such a milestone!)
-Sleepers and sleep sacks at night time
-Your sleeping patterns at night have been a hit or miss, but for the most part we're still getting decent sleep (roughly) 8pm to 2am.
-So back to the rolling over part, you've mastered rolling from your back to your belly (only from the left side so far) & now practicing belly to your back - you're head and shoulder strength is quite sturdy
-Tummy time, all the time
-Mama says, "aaahhhhh ba!" and we usually get a cute little chuckle outta you :D
-Daddy asks you every morning, "are you going to work today?" and you can sit and chat forever and ever ... you also always beat Daddy in staring contests
-Everyone always says, "oh my, she's soooooo good" ... we've dubbed you "our show baby"
-You adore your reflection in the mirror
-Lack of hair, don't care ... hahaha.

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
It could be much worst - that's what I always tell myself when things don't go "as planned" or "our way". For the most part, our last feed is around 7:15-7:45pm, it seems like you're longing for an earlier bedtime. You wake up anywhere from 12:30-3:00am & I always nurse you. Not too sure if you "need" it since our sessions tend to be short and sweet, but heck, I've always let you take the lead in this department. Plus, I love love the connection we have during this time - esp. when the rest of the house is sleeping.
I guess my fear is that with the holidays and all the events coming up, we'll disturb the good thing that we have going on (similar to what happened to Aiden around this age). Although Sunday night, we got home around 11:00pm from Thanksgiving dinner - I changed you into a fresh diaper and a fresh sleeper then nursed you and to my sweet surprise, you woke up at 7:15am this morning! (woot, woot!)
Like I said earlier, we've been using sleep sacks. Right now we have a Halo sleep sack and it works for us just fine. but recently just ordered a Grobag with a warmer setting for the cold nights ahead of us!
Naps are also getting slightly better. I try to put you down in your crib for naps, but once I start zipping up your sack, it's like you know the battle ahead ... we're not there yet, but we're working on it! Also, you've taken a liking of sleeping flat on your face ... during the day time I let you, but I'm too afraid at night!

Breastfeeding
It's been smooth sailing and basically second nature to the both of us now. I'm still feeding on demand - esp. during growth spurts. Our "schedule" is typically every 3 hours - 8, 11, 2, 5, then our last feeding around bedtime. Sadie will wake up at least once for a "middle of the night" session. The duration of each session is typically anywhere from 5-20 minutes, but I always offer both breasts. Sometimes it feels like you're snacking, lol and when we're out and about you tend to nurse much quicker than when we're at home. My favourite is nursing laying down for our 1st session of the day ... I love waking up to your sweet smile.  

Weight
I called the doctor to make your 3 month check up and it looks like she's on vacation on October 19th! BOO! Definitely curious to see how much you weigh now. I've started putting away clothes that no longer fit your chubby self, so that's a good sign! Time is flying ...

Challenges
Life in general is challenging. So, it takes us a little longer to get ready, we're sometimes late for where we need to be - but so what. I am adoring caring for two little ones, esp. because their needs couldn't be more different. To my surprise (and luckily), A's jealousy of Sadie is little to none. On occasion he'll have the odd pout because I can't play with him right that moment because I'm nursing Sadie, but I feel like we're managing our time quite nicely. He truly is an awesome big brother.

With Ryan's "new" job, we don't have the luxury of him working down the street and leaving 5 minutes before his shift. His days are longer and he's away from us more. (Again, I tell myself and him - small sacrifices for bigger gains). Aiden, Sadie and I stil have crazy evenings, but we make do. And I am forever thankful for the nights when Ryan's off and is able to help. Aiden's school night bedtime is 7:30-7:45pm (which also coincides with Sadie's last nursing session before her bedtime). Let's just say  a lot has to happen before this time.

Me: Post-Partum

My main goal was to fit into my bridesmaid's dress - and to my surprise it was a tad big (so yay me!) - hahaha. Toning is definitely what needs to happen. I'm still trying to eat better. Bigger breakfasts, lighter dinners and healthier snacks. Ryan has been supportive (as per usual), but with the holidays kicking in - I doubt my self-control will probably fly out the window, esp. because I've never been the one to limit myself from anything (food related) - all in moderation, of course. But overall, I know I have weight to loose - but I'm happy with myself and my kiddies (and hubs) loves me - right? That's what counts. I haven't weighed myself since I was preggs - I'll start there, lol. Oh and I am in dire need of a haircut ... that'll make me feel lighter, right? Right? Hahaha.

Have I said it yet? ... Time is flying. FLYING.

 

two months!

Two months of being a family of four & I can't remember life before it all!

Side note: I've decided that we'll be doing naked monthly photos now, love seeing you fill out! LOL.

At two months ...

-You're still wearing size 1 swaddlers (def our favourite brand right now - less leaks compared to A!)

-Sleepers and swaddles at night time
-You're now sleeping (roughly) from 8pm to 2am!
-You make loud grunts while you sleep, LOL
-You're mastering tummy time, holding your head up briefly
-During diaper changes, we get lots of "shoot farts", as A has dubbed it, from you
-You're a talkative little girl!
-We love seeing your gummy smile!
-I'm now convinced that bath time soothes you
-You love being in the know, always wanting to be around the fams - during dinner, while watching TV, folding laundry
-Your (lack of) hair is still the best

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
-You sure love your sleep! & no complaints over here. What a change of pace, we've lucked out! Typically, our last feed is around 7:30-8:30pm & the earliest she's up again earliest at 2:00am. Up again fot a feed at 6:00am and then back to sleep. Then up again around 8:30-9:00am to start your day. Our evenings are pretty good. Ryan was up once when we did a night feed mentioned that we're so in sync, "both you guys just know what needs to get done during the night - no fuss". Couldn't ask for anything better! Naps during the day are ... challenging. You sleep, but you need to be held. And to be honest, I'd rather hold you and let you sleep, then have a cranky baby. In time, like all else - you will go down for a nap ... well I hope. But for now, I will continue to hold you. We have however, given you a binky from time to time (mostly when we're in the car) and a few times, with a binky - you've put yourself to nap.

Breastfeeding
We are the champions, we are the champions - no time for losers ... cause we are the champions ... of the world! (I had to, hahaha). But seriously, we've gotten 100% better at this - and we have continued to make this work for us. Breastfeeding no longer hurts and is so natural for the both of us. My milk supply is hefty, breast pads all day, everyday. I'm not complaining! Blessed to have an oversupply than an undersupply. Though we still don't have a set "schedule", we're typically nursing every 3 hours during the day. Always still feeding on demand.

Weight
Your two month check up was yesterday & you're now 10 pounds, 10 ounces! You also got your two month shots - I felt so helpless as I held you and you wailed. But like everything else, you got over it really quickly and were all smiles for the ride home. You were, however, very cranky in the evening and wanted nothing but cuddles all night. You did, however sleep until 4am ... tired little girl.

Challenges
We're adjusting nicely. Our little family of four seems natural, feels right. We have however started coming up with "game plans" when we go out in public places. Instead of assuming that Ryan has A and I have Sadie or vice versa, we have to let everyone on the "team" know what the "game plan" is. This is mainly because Aiden has the tendency to do as he pleases from time to time, and heaven forbid I assumed that Ryan had him. So divide and conquer to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Ryan works until (earliest) 10:00pm four nights a week, so in turn our evenings are semi-challenging. Sadie nurses around 5:00pm, which gives me enough time to plate dinner afterwards (notice how I said plate and not cook or prepare - this my friends, has to be done earlier during the day by me or Ry - usually Ry, or the night before). If I made dinner after Sadie's 5:00pm feed, Aiden would have probably fallen asleep at the table. Most days, Sadie will let Aiden and I enjoy dinner together while she sits in her rocker on the floor by the dinner table (always wanting to be close to us). This is nice, Aiden and I get to chat while we eat our last meal of the day. Some days, she has a fit and just wants cuddles. Post dinner, Sadie squeezes in a quick nap. I'm finding it challenging to get both Aiden and Sadie ready for bed - mainly because their bedtime rituals / routines are so different. I imagine this being more challenging as Aiden starts school next week (insert "my baby boy is growing up too fast" tears). I feel guilty that Aiden is alone while I nurse Sadie (her last session of the day around 7:30pm) and put her to sleep. Aiden is usually winding himself down, either watching a dvd in his room or quietly playing with some toys. Once Sadie is all swaddled and in her crib (usually by 8:30pm), Aiden takes a quick shower, we brush his teeth and change into pyjamas. I get him to read me 1-2 books before bed and I tuck him in with all his friends. What gives me anxiety is that this all needs to be done before 9:00pm to ensure that he gets ample sleep for his days at school. Maybe he should even be sleeping earlier? I guess we'll just have to go with the flow and see what works best for us in the next coming weeks.

Me: Post-Partum

Time to loose that baby weight! I'm trying to eat better, which is probably the toughest for me - knowing that Ryan can whip up anything and everything that my heart (ok, stomach) desires. I keep telling him that I only have ONE cheat day ... he never listens. I've never had much luck with the gym, so I figure that doing some workouts at home when I can will help for now. Once Aiden is in school, I'll feel more confident going out and about knowing I only have one child to tend to.

I had my post-partum appointment yesterday in conjunction with Sadie's two month checkup. It's been 9 weeks post delivery and everything's all good. I got my prescription for birth control, hehehe. Our doctor asked if we were going to have any more babies ... I'm still not sure what the answer is. I'm beyond blessed that we lucked out and got one of each (and in the order that Ryan prefers, actually he wanted another boy and then a girl ...), but I also love the idea of a bigger family. We'll see.

Month number three, bring it on!

We Survived the First Month!

Sadie was officially 1 month on August 2nd & we've been doing pretty well (did I just jinx it?).

A couple of days after Sadie's birth, Ryan's aunt passed away. She had a stroke and a heart attack late June, was in the hospital for about 2 weeks and fully recovered. She was even sent home. While at home, she suffered another heart attack and was hospitalized again. She then went into a coma that she never woke up from ... & even if / when she did, the doctors deemed her to be in a vegetative state. My heart broke completely for her husband and three kids. So while feeling the joy of having a fresh newborn, our families were grieving the death of a loved one ... it was an emotional week.

It feels like time is flying, but at the same time I can't believe that Sadie has only been around for a month! She's filling out nicely, but still such a sweet little girly girl.

Miss Sadie Baby!

At one month ...

-You're wearing size 1 diapers

-You still love a good swaddle at night time
-You're sleeping a 4 hour stretch at night! 

-Tummy time isn't your favourite, but you love being on Daddy's chest - always trying to hold your head up

-Daddy is also the best at "helping you poop and getting rid of your gas" 

-You ooh and ahh, and love to hear stories - especially from Kuya Aiden

-You adore bath time

-I am convinced that Coldplay soothes you
-Your hair still looks silly

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
-We're getting some! and for the most part, it feels like we're getting more than what we got with A (again, will the sleep now go away because I said something out loud - please no!). Sadie's been sleeping 3-4 hour stretches at night and once even a 5 hour stretch! I startled myself completely when this happened! Typically, our last feed is around 10:00pm. She's up again at 2:00am for a feed and will go back to sleep. Up again at 6:00am for a feed and will go back to sleep. Then up around 8:30-9:00am, again - to feed. Not too shabby, I'll take it!

Breastfeeding
Challenging, to say the least - refer to my last post for more details. But since then, we went to the breastfeeding clinic and fed with a lactation specialist. Funny how lovely things work out there (Ryan even commented how I was smiling and laughing during the nursing session, lol) and when we get home, the basic principles are thrown out the window! The afternoon after our appointment at the clinic, I felt defeated and discouraged. I called to book another appointment for the very next day - unfortunately (or fortunately) they were booked completely (which I guess makes me feel better, because it goes to show that other mamas are having challenges too!). I settled for an appointment the day after. This forced us to practice. Which is maybe, exactly what we needed. I had a bit more confidence in myself (and the fact that I had a conversation with my mom who told me, you will get it - you did with Aiden). I tried not to stress about a crappy latch and wouldn't be afraid to start over. We're not masters of the whole thing, yet - but I'm hopeful.

As for the frequency of feedings, they're still sporadic. Some days it feels like we're on a "schedule", nursing every 2-3 hours, other days - not so much. I do, however, nurse on demand - so really, I let Sadie lead this one. For 3 night this week, it felt like I was glued to my "nursing chair" from 6:00-10:00pm, nursing every hour! Potential growth spurt? ... A schedule would be nice, but I'm OK with the way things are right now, just want to make sure she's happy, heathy and thriving!

WeightYour one month check up is tomorrow, so your latest weigh in was at the breastfeeding clinic just one day shy of one month. You weighed in at a whopping 8 pounds! Yay! Validates that we're doing something right! **edit: Dr. Wong was really surprised to see how chubby you were (compared to when we saw her last), you're now 8 pounds and 9 ounces!

Challenges
... one night, I was shifting through Aiden's baby photos and was feeling more than nostalgic. Ryan asked me whether I missed the days when it was just A. I choked. I didn't even know how to answer. Because the truth of the matter was, I did. I missed it, beyond words. And I almost felt as though I took that time for granted. And now that I'm being pulled in a million and one directions, I'm wishing that I could tend to my A - the way I used to. I miss my time with him. I do.

And for a million reasons, I feel crappy about this. For obvious reasons, Sadie relies on me tenfold. So as majority of my attention goes to her ... I have to remind myself that things will get better, easier. And that Aiden is learning to adjust too. His independence is soaring.

Me: Post-Partum

I am doing pretty good. The lochia has slowed down and nearly diminished. Compared to last time, the healing has been much faster. My 6 week post-partum appointment will be the week of the 13th and hopefully everything is a-okay! & because my inner motto has really been "this too, shall pass - things will only get better from this point on", I'm really trying to find the positive in all the situations / challenges wer'e finding ourselves in now that we have two kids (two freaking kids - wow).

So, overall - not only has it been a surreal month (my goodness we have a son and a daughter!), it's been well, fulfilling. Though Aiden and I are starting to have a bit of cabin fever (sporadic bfeedingness), we're doing pretty fantastic.

At 9:35pm ...

both my babies were asleep!
I grabbed a bowl of cherries and plopped myself in front of the TV - The Last Song was on the W network. Ah, a moment to myself :)

At 9:58pm, I found this ...

Well that was short lived, lol.

hush little baby

From what I can remember, we always had a hard time putting Baby A to sleep. We'd rock him, swaddle him, dance with him, let me sleep on our chest - pretty much anything and everything that would make him sleep & allow for us to get that minute of shut eye.


These were a lifesaver.
The instrumental versions are soothing and relaxing, to both baby and mommy (& daddy). Last night Ryan played these tunes for Sadie and she had the same reaction to them as Aiden did. She's was dozing off in daddy's arms. This morning when I played the tracks after she was having a mini fit, it's like she took it all in and simply smiled. Amazing what music can do.  

Baby S is pretty different from Baby A (some people think they look alike, but I think S definitely looks like her daddy!). She seems to go to sleep much easier during the day and at night. When she's tired, you can tell and right after she nurses, she's knocked out & add swaddle to the mix and she's good for an hour ... or two. Last night she went 5 hours between feedings (of course, this startled me completely). On one hand, I'm completely thankful that our baby isn't keeping us up at night and we don't look like complete zombies during the day, but on the other hand, my panic mama radar pops up and I start to feel like I'm not feeding my baby enough! (esp. cause I'm so used to being a nursing machine during the day time). I guess my mantra through this whole newborn phase is that Sadie will let me know if she needs something from me, right? When she's awake ... she's happy, she koos and she smiles and when she's sleeping ... we let her sleep. Because really, it's only moments until she's looking for me and my chest again :)

picnic lunch with my lovelys

Of course, I live for when Ryan is off from work.
Although he can't help much with Sadie - since she seems to be attached to my boob - he's able to entertain and give A much love and attention, which makes me happy.

Yesterday we decided to head down to Lowville park with a packed lunch of simple sandwiches (ancient grains bread, chicken breast, havarti cheese & avocado mayo, plus dijon mustard for Ry). The weather was nice, it was hot in the sun, but enjoyable in the shade. Seemed like Sadie had the best nap of her life & Aiden loves being outdoors.

We're still not able to "go-out" just yet, mainly because S loves to cluster feed during the day - usually every 1-2 hours. I'm definitely nursing her on demand. I figure if she wants to nurse all day, but then sleep anywhere from 3-4 hours straight at night - it seems like more than a fair trade off! Things are getting a bit easier. We're definitely still adjusting to having a newborn & a pre-schooler around. I'd say that my biggest challenge is managing my time between Sadie and Aiden. I "feel bad" that I spend most of my day nursing S - which leaves A to play / entertain himself (hence why I love when Ry is around).  But overall, Aiden seems happy - and maybe I'm making a big deal of out nothing. I know they say to sleep when baby is sleeping, but when Sadie naps - I definitely use this time to catch up with A or get some housework done. Thank God I'm not feeling too tired or overwhelmed - I'm truly enjoying this ride.

I'm also enjoying having coffee back in my life ... and last night, Ryan and I treated ourselves to some sushi!

My 1st batch since Sadie was born, but only takeout, of course - just the thought of bringing her to a restaurant still make me cringe. But I'm sure with time we'll get there, I know that Aiden is missing our dine out nights! Truly taking it one day at a time.

Lunch is Served!

Buying my lunch almost every day last week, I definitely made a huge effort and a point to ensure that I have a packed lunch every single day this week. And what a success! You just need to put a little more thought and effort into it, but it's more than possible.

Plus, I'm not breaking the bank (spending approx. $10-15 on lunch on the days I have to venture off to the village to find something to eat - esp. because the options are slim to none). The key, my friends - plan ahead. I could get better with this, but things are working out so far!

Lunch today was ... a Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwhich with Avocado - yum!

Shout out to Jill's sandwhich press that she's left at the office, this thing inspires me (except for the fact that I can't devour any deli meat for the next x amount of weeks). Hoping that this trend stays afloat. The hardest question to answer around the office is ... "What's for lunch?"

sleepless in mississauga

I can remember vividly, the first months of having A. Ryan & I felt so happy, (obviously because we had this joy in our lives) but more because we were blessed with a baby who slept. Oh Aiden, as a baby, you loved loved to sleep.

Now, almost hitting your 11 month mark - I'm wishing we were still blessed with those sleepful nights. Your sleeping patterns are all out of whack. Ryan & I can't remember the last time you slept through the night (ok, twice in a row, last month ... but that doesn't reallt count!). When Ryan called during dinner, he asked me to try to put A to sleep in his crib (he's been cosleeping with since, I'd say, January?). I don't know what convinced me, possessed me, to say yes. What a sad attempt tonight - I've been rocking the poor, overtired, big little guy for over an hour now. (Blogging as I hold him - multi-tasking, something great mamas master!) Hoping he has now surrendered! ... Let's try this again, off to he crib! Ekkkk!!!

goodnight, sleep tight

As a new mama, I tend to googgle everything.

I don't believe everything that I read, but I read a lot of information and opinions about parenting & just about babies in general.

Our biggest 'issue' with A right now is his sleeping habits. He's such a good napper, but by bedtime, he's such a wreck. As of today, this is what his schedule looks like:

7am: wake up, nurse

8am: breakfast, cereal, fruit, some cherrios

9am: naptime

11am: wake up, 6oz bottle feed

1145am: lunchtime, usually a protein & veggies

1230pm: naptime

2pm: wake up, nurse

3pm: snack, fresh fruit, cherrios, or baby mum mum

330pm: music playtime with mama

4pm: discover, play with toys, lots of crawling

5pm: 60z bottle feed

545pm: dinnertime, usually fruits & veggies

630pm: bathtime

7pm: nurse, fall asleep

A's been waking up around 930pm & 11pm. When he wakes at 11pm, I've been taking him out of his crib & placing him on our bed (co-sleeping). Since we've done that, we hasn't really woke up during the 'middle' of the night. Sometimes around 5am, but then he'll fall back asleep until about 645am & then he'll nurse at 7am. He also used to have a third nap from 330pm - 430pm, but that was eliminated last week .. he just refused to sleep. Which is fine because it was a short, late in the day nap anyway. But by 7pm, he's done for the day ...

Yesterday I picked up a book that I've 'run' into doing google searches. I'm feeling such high hopes while I'm reading the first few chapters, I'm crossing my fingers!!! :)

As frustrating as it can get at times, how can you be upset with someone who smiles at you like this ...

sheer joy

I love time before 'let's get ready for bedtime'.

I nursed you at 7:10pm & you were in bed by 7:45pm.
I haven't had to go back and soothe you since.
This is amazing.

On another note,
I'm slacking, really slacking on my 'December daily' album. I hope that the days to follow to be better! I can already feel the month getting busy. The joy of Christmas.

night number 3

I was so ready to post the success of our trials of Saturday night, but decided to spend some well-needed quality time with Ryan! & by quality time, I mean watching DEXTER :)

Night number 3
It's getting easier. Your schedule all day was out of control. (I think it's because when Ryan's home, I get a little more lenient and relaxed & everything is not so go-go-go, do-do-do). But the evening turned out pretty good. I was afraid when you took a nap at 6pm, but when we went to wake you at 6:30pm, there you were, smiling :) (my favourite!) We ended up feeding Aiden rice cereal mixed with oatmeal before I nursed, wicked wicked idea!
He slept until 5am.
Okay so it's not my most favourite thing,
that he woke up at five, BUT NOTHING BEATS STRAIGHT SLEEP!

my little A & his 1st runny nose

I've been slacking, I know.

Things around here have been busy.

I've finally finished a 16-page plus paper on productivity reccomendations. (Secretly, I love to edit papers, hehehe).

Aiden has his 1st cold. It came about around Tuesday and the poor little guy is still learning to breathe through his mouth. His nose keeps running into his mouth, but he doesn't seem to mind. He's only starting to learn the concept of mama & daddy wiping his nose with kleenex, he doesn't fuss so much anymore :) I also think our little boy is at the early stages of teething (ekk!), he's drooling like it's going out of style. All his toys are soaking wet, which reminds me, note to self: hand-wash all the little toys lying around.

I'm now sick as well, along with Aiden. I hate being sick, I complain a lot - & usually take it out on Ryan. But he's learned to deal with my drama, I love him.

Another thing, we've pushed Aiden's bedtime back to 7:30 - 8:00pm ish. We're trying the CIO method & boy, the boy can CRY. Makes me feel like a bad mama sometimes, but I've learned to stick it out. Mind you, it's not cold turkey - we're patting him, rubbing his belly, telling him we love him, good-night baby, etc., every 5 minutes.

Last night, he woke up at 2:00am and 4:30am (for his usual feedings). We're trying to cut out the 'middle-of-the-night' feedings as well. It's tough stuff, motherly instincts just want to nurse him, but we're lying down some rules! (finally, Aiden's so spoiled!)

Tonight is night number 2.

It took me 2 times of checking up & on the 3rd time, he was asleep. I just had to adjust his position so that his head was elevated, helps him breathe better.

I hope tonight is better, *crosses fingers.

I'm going to try & implement (hahaha) this new schedule by Monday.

7:30 am - Wake up, nurse, change out of sleeper, change diaper

8:00 am - Breakfast (just rice cereal, maybe next week, fruit)

8:15 am - Play with Daddy, activity mat

9:15 am - Naptime

11:00am - Wake up, nurse, change diaper

11:30am - Lunch (veggies)

11:45am - Say bye to Daddy!, play with toys

12:30pm - Naptime

2:00pm - Wake up, nurse, change diaper

2:30pm - Play with toys, jolly jumper

3:30pm - Naptime

5:00pm - Wake up, nurse, change diaper

5:45pm - Dinner (just oatmeal, maybe next week veggies & fruit)

6:00pm - Light activities with mama, slowly getting ready for bed

7:00pm - Change diaper, massage bedtime lotion, get into sleeper, read bedtime book

7:30pm - Nurse

Then bedtime, transition from our bed into his crib.

I feel like the holidays are just going to mess up up! :)

I'm listening to Christmas music & nothing puts me into the mood more. Except, I'm rather bitter of the fact that my papers & supplied for my December mini album have yet to arrive. I'm working with what I've got so far, but I've got A LOT of catching up to do!!!!

sleeping habits; take 2

Last night was definitely not successful. If I remember correctly, I think Ryan labelled it as 'one of the worst nights, so far'. I don't think I would have taken it that far! But it came pretty darn close. Typical bedtime routine last night - massage with your bedtime lotion, then changed you into you sleeper, followed by two bedtime stores.Your last feeding was at 7pm and I had placed you into your crib by 7:56pm. You woke up at 1am, then decided you wanted to play, fed at 3am and was still awake at 4am! Everything seemed like such a blur. Fed again at 7am, I believe (I could barely tell what was a dream and what was reality!). Up with daddy at 9:51am.

Horrible.

So I searched online for a typical routine of a breastfeeding stay-at-home mom of a 4-month baby. It seemed pretty close to what we have been doing since you were about 2 1/2 months old. I'm going to try it out and just tweak it a bit.

430am: Wake up, change diaper, nurses, and we fall back asleep

8am: Wake up, he nurses and falls back asleep

9am: He wakes up. Bathe him, change his diaper, and get him dressed

11am: He nurses, then sits in his bouncer while I do laundry and dishes, then I change his diaper

Noon: Tummy time, then we play with his toys

1pm: Change his diaper, then it's nap time

2pm: He wakes up and nurses

230pm: He plays in his entertainment center while I clean

3pm: He sits on my lap while I watch TV or go on the Internet, change his diaper

4pm: playtime

5pm: Nurse, then nap time

630 pm: Change his diaper, then he sits in his swing

7pm: Tummy time & playtime

8pm: Change diaper, massage with lotion, get into pajamas then nurse.

830pm: Storytime

9pm: Bedtime

I hope tonight's a better night, ek!

sleeping habits

Since the day you were born, daddy and I always had mixed views about letting you use a binky. We once asked your doctor about it & she gave us a look of disbelief, I guess she disagreed with the usage. We decided to use it ONLY when we were out in public and in the car during long trips. But then started using the binks when you were crying lots & lots and to put to you sleep (both naptime & bedtime).

We stopped letting you use you binky last Sunday - cold turkey. It's been a rough few nights, but we think it's going to be worth it in the end. I just don't think you understand the concept of 'self-soothing' yet, but you're starting to stuck your fingers while I put you to sleep. We've also pushed your bedtime to 7:30pm. Last night, I placed you into your crib by 8:12pm and you woke up at 4:07am for a feeding. Much better than waking up at 2am! I also went to bed earlier, which means that I wasn't such a grumpy when I woke up. & I didn't have to wake up daddy to do your diaper change, which I bet he appreciated greatly!

I still can't believe that we have this sweet baby boy, well not so sleep when he want to sleep!
You're growing up too fast baby, slow down.