Dear Noah,
The other day, I wrote a post all about how well you sleep and how we are working on your nap routines to make sure you are a well rested little boy. Well, maybe I spoke too soon. While you have always been a good sleeper at night, and have even developed good sleep routines during the day, we seem to have thrown off your sleep groove over the last week. (Perhaps it had something to do with throwing your routine out the window while we were in Tahoe for the weekend? I mean, we wanted to go to the beach and have campfires... didn't you?)
This week, I have been trying to help you readjust to your good sleeping habits. Some days have been better than others. Today is not looking good so far. You had a long day yesterday (Mommy had to go shopping! Sorry!) and didn't take any quality naps. No, those 15 minutes in the stroller or the 10 minutes in the car do not count. I let you sleep in my arms for an hour and a half last night while we watched the football game because I knew you really needed the sleep. Plus, you're my baby, and whether or not it's a good idea according to the 'experts', sometimes I just love to hold you and watch you while you sleep. After a little bit of play time, Daddy took you upstairs and put you to bed. You were a little upset at the idea, but you fell asleep quickly and Daddy came downstairs, victorious. Yes, we take great pride in winning the battle. Maybe it's because we're new at this whole parenting thing, or maybe it's just because we like to win. Not sure. :-)
Anyhow, you slept great last night. Until 4:30am. Lately, you have decided that that is a great time to wake up and want to play. Daddy and I usually grumble over who will go get you, and then I usually try to feed you and go back to sleep. Well, again, you were having none of that. It was time to start the day, right? Right? Ugh. Daddy got up and took the puppies for a walk (because your Daddy is awesome like that) while Mommy tried to stay awake and convince you that really, it was a good time to go back to sleep. No dice. So when Daddy got home, he took you downstairs and let you play for a few minutes while he got ready for work. I went back to sleep, knowing that it might be a long day, and before he left, Daddy successfully got you back in your crib without any complaint. You slept 3 more glorious hours. Thanks! But, what's the deal with this 4am wake up call? Could we maybe NOT do that again?
I consulted the Healthy Sleep Habits book to see if this is a normal problem for your age. It is. But the book says its probably happening because you aren't going to bed early enough and you're actually overtired. Weird, but seems to be true. You have had a really really really bad week of rest! The solution seems to be to get you back to your three naps a day, and at your age, it's supposed to be okay to let you cry a bit. As a 5 month old, you enjoy being social with me and Daddy. Who wants to sleep when there are books to read and songs to sing? Right. But, you need your sleep little boy. We aren't really into just having you 'cry it out', but the 'let cry' theory from the book seems to work for us. The idea is that we may have to let you cry a bit in order for you to get some sleep. We will do a lot to help you wind down and soothe you to sleep, but in the end, if you protest (which is not the same as screaming your head off, hysterical crying), the suggestion is that we let you. So, we try to do that. Somedays we don't let you cry for more than a couple of minutes before we try to soothe you back to sleep. However, lately, you don't go back to sleep if we go up there - you think it's time to play!
As I type this, you are protesting....and I mean PRO-TESTING... in your crib. We read some books, we nursed a little, and you're all swaddled up. You were nearly asleep in my arms when I put you down. I gave you your nuk and turned on your little musical giraffe as I calmly walked out of the room. You were doing great, until after the giraffe stopped playing. Then you started to complain. But, I'm not going up there. You've done this before. It's never lasted this long and I'm feeling really bad about that, but I know I won't help you learn to sleep if I keep going back up there. :-( You are SO tired. You even take breaks from protesting and you very nearly fall asleep. But, you are stubborn. And you just won't let yourself go to sleep. I do not know WHERE you get THAT from......(says the girl who once screamed from behind her locked bedroom door "HOOOOOWWWWWW can you DOOOOOOOOOOO this to MEEEEEEEEEEEEE??????" over a time-out that I surely deserved. I believe I was 3. Sorry Mom and Dad!)
I feel like I'm doing the right thing, but you sure don't make it easy to do! I want to go up there, comfort you and kiss away your tears (yes, real tears - those kill me). But, I know I would just be prolonging the battle if I do. Since I started typing, you have started to fall asleep. You're still crying a bit, but in between protests, your eyes are closed and you're totally sleeping. (Remember the whole stubborn thing?) I'm sorry little bug, but I know you need to sleep so I'm not going to go interrupt you and have to start this all over again (again).
It's been about 20 minutes since I started typing and guess what....you just fell fast asleep. :-) See? Mama knows best! Sweet dreams, little Bug. Mama loves you.
XOXO
Showing posts with label naps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label naps. Show all posts
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Nap Time
Lately, we have been working really hard at helping Noah get plenty of good sleep. Many people say that babies will sleep when they need to. But with Noah, we have noticed that this is simply not true. Noah will stay up all day and most of the night if he has the chance! For awhile, we had a pretty cranky baby, and looking back, I realize that a lot of the crying in the car seat and scream fests in the evening were probably a result of too little sleep.
A friend turned us on to a great book when I was pregnant: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. In general, the author points out that sleep begets sleep. So while it seems counterintuitive to think that taking three naps during the day will lead to better night sleep, it does in fact work! I couldn't believe how naturally Noah fell into the routine. It's more of a challenge for me to adjust to the schedule so that we are home when Noah needs to sleep, but it does work and I know he is better rested because of it. It's interesting how much more happy and smiley he is during his awake time now that we are doing our best to "protect the sleep" as the author describes it.
We are also still big fans for the swaddle when it comes to sleeping. Noah didn't seem to be fond of being swaddled at first, so for about a month or so, we didn't swaddle him. However, after a few long and frantic nights, we decided to break out the Miracle Blanket. We had been given two of these little treasures as shower gifts before Noah was born, but I just thought it seemed really complicated and I was a bit intimidated by the seemingly complex directions. The Miracle Blanket is really like a little baby straight jacket in a way, and I didn't know how I felt about tying my baby up! But, I decided enough was enough and we gave it a try. Noah slept 6 straight hours that night. OH. Well then! We have been big fans of the Miracle Blanket ever since. Even Noah seems to be a huge fan - when he's really tired, he actually straightens his arms down by his sides - the exact position they are in when he is all wrapped up! The only downfall to the Miracle Blanket is that Noah is getting too big for it! We've already had to forgo putting his feet in - now we just put socks or footed PJs on him and do the wrap around his arms only. It's amazing how much it helps him wind down and stay asleep! After learning about the "fourth trimester" during which it is really helpful to do all you can to mimic the security and comfort of the womb - swaddling, white noise, gentle movement, etc. - we started to realize the power of the swaddle! (Thanks again to the Lindorfers and Gallianos for the Miracle Blankets - they are both in CONSTANT rotation!)
We feel fortunate that Noah started sleeping well at night pretty early on, but the naps during the day were a challenge for the first 3 or 4 months. But now, with some good advice from the book, we've found a pretty good solution. I am definitely not one to read a book and then treat that book like the Bible when it comes to parenting, but I would say that this particular author seems to really have a handle on how to develop healthy sleep with your baby or child. He outlines solutions for pretty much every possible sleep 'problem' imaginable. I would recommend it to anyone!
And on that note, a big THANKS to the tip from our friend Julie, for suggesting the book to us in the first place. Yeah for nap time!
No, Noah does not usually sleep on the floor - this was a Daddy photo shoot :-) As you can see, Jack is supervising in the background:
Noah, snoozing in the Miracle Blanket:
A friend turned us on to a great book when I was pregnant: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. In general, the author points out that sleep begets sleep. So while it seems counterintuitive to think that taking three naps during the day will lead to better night sleep, it does in fact work! I couldn't believe how naturally Noah fell into the routine. It's more of a challenge for me to adjust to the schedule so that we are home when Noah needs to sleep, but it does work and I know he is better rested because of it. It's interesting how much more happy and smiley he is during his awake time now that we are doing our best to "protect the sleep" as the author describes it.
We are also still big fans for the swaddle when it comes to sleeping. Noah didn't seem to be fond of being swaddled at first, so for about a month or so, we didn't swaddle him. However, after a few long and frantic nights, we decided to break out the Miracle Blanket. We had been given two of these little treasures as shower gifts before Noah was born, but I just thought it seemed really complicated and I was a bit intimidated by the seemingly complex directions. The Miracle Blanket is really like a little baby straight jacket in a way, and I didn't know how I felt about tying my baby up! But, I decided enough was enough and we gave it a try. Noah slept 6 straight hours that night. OH. Well then! We have been big fans of the Miracle Blanket ever since. Even Noah seems to be a huge fan - when he's really tired, he actually straightens his arms down by his sides - the exact position they are in when he is all wrapped up! The only downfall to the Miracle Blanket is that Noah is getting too big for it! We've already had to forgo putting his feet in - now we just put socks or footed PJs on him and do the wrap around his arms only. It's amazing how much it helps him wind down and stay asleep! After learning about the "fourth trimester" during which it is really helpful to do all you can to mimic the security and comfort of the womb - swaddling, white noise, gentle movement, etc. - we started to realize the power of the swaddle! (Thanks again to the Lindorfers and Gallianos for the Miracle Blankets - they are both in CONSTANT rotation!)
We feel fortunate that Noah started sleeping well at night pretty early on, but the naps during the day were a challenge for the first 3 or 4 months. But now, with some good advice from the book, we've found a pretty good solution. I am definitely not one to read a book and then treat that book like the Bible when it comes to parenting, but I would say that this particular author seems to really have a handle on how to develop healthy sleep with your baby or child. He outlines solutions for pretty much every possible sleep 'problem' imaginable. I would recommend it to anyone!
And on that note, a big THANKS to the tip from our friend Julie, for suggesting the book to us in the first place. Yeah for nap time!
No, Noah does not usually sleep on the floor - this was a Daddy photo shoot :-) As you can see, Jack is supervising in the background:
Noah, snoozing in the Miracle Blanket:
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Nuk Nuk Nuk Nuk....
I mentioned in my last post that Noah loves having his nuk (pacifier) during car rides. We also use it for naps and sometimes bed time. He has always been a baby that is soothed by sucking. No wonder I felt like I had a barnacle attached to me for a few months! Anyhow, we finally found a pacifier brand that worked for us - MAMs. (We love them and have been told they are great for a breastfed baby because they mimic the same sucking motions.)
Lately, we've started noticing a new development. Noah has been successfully putting the nuk BACK in his mouth! My friend Heather was pretty sure he had done it at lunch last week, and we've noticed a couple of incidents since where the nuk is definitely out, and then it's somehow, back in shortly thereafter. We have watched him play with it and try to put it back in his mouth, but we've never actually seen him do it. Regardless, it sure would make some car rides a little more peaceful if this becomes a habit!
Speaking of nuks....I just noticed on the video monitor that it just fell out and Noah is none to pleased. We threw off his nap routine over the weekend and we are in recovery mode this week. Since we still swaddle Noah for sleep, he's obviously not going to be getting that nuk back in himself.....guess I'm making a trip upstairs. More later!
Lately, we've started noticing a new development. Noah has been successfully putting the nuk BACK in his mouth! My friend Heather was pretty sure he had done it at lunch last week, and we've noticed a couple of incidents since where the nuk is definitely out, and then it's somehow, back in shortly thereafter. We have watched him play with it and try to put it back in his mouth, but we've never actually seen him do it. Regardless, it sure would make some car rides a little more peaceful if this becomes a habit!
Speaking of nuks....I just noticed on the video monitor that it just fell out and Noah is none to pleased. We threw off his nap routine over the weekend and we are in recovery mode this week. Since we still swaddle Noah for sleep, he's obviously not going to be getting that nuk back in himself.....guess I'm making a trip upstairs. More later!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Shhhhh! Noah is napping!!!
Well I figured that was a good a title as any since that is exactly what Noah is doing right now that is giving me the chance to update the blog. I said I hoped it wouldn't take me 12 weeks to write another post, and it hasn't! It only took me 4! :-)
Things have been a bit crazy around here this summer and the month of July has literally been flying by. As many of you may know, we are moving to a new house in August. We had been looking for awhile and finally decided upon a new neighborhood in our same town. Our favorite neighbors are also moving to the same neighborhood and we couldn't be more excited! (Actually the already moved in, their house was ready last month.) The area is all new housing with great little parks, very nice new schools, and plans for much more. It's only about 15 minutes down the road from where we live now, but we are really looking forward to the new area. We do love our house now and we live in a nice neighborhood already, but this new neighborhood seems to be much more oriented towards young families which is part of why we chose to move up here in the first place.
So, I will say that trying to organize a move and having the house on the market with two dogs and a 3 month old is pretty nuts. We have been jetting off to Tahoe every chance we get to both escape the heat and get out of the way in case we have any traffic coming through to look at the house. Of course, it being July and vacation time, we aren't seeing many lookers just yet, but we're hopeful that it will pick up soon. We know it's just the market right now, but say some prayers and keep your fingers crossed for us!
Noah continues to grow like a weed! When I'm out and about, I usually get questions asking if he is 6 or even 8 months old. No, just 3. :-) He really doesn't seem huge to me but that is probably because he's our first and we don't know any different. He is definitely bigger than he used to be and I can't believe the turnover rate with his wardrobe! But, he still seems like a little baby to me so I am always a bit caught off guard when people are shocked at his true age. Although, knowing that at 2 months he was in the 95th percentile for both height and weight really should have clued me in.
According to the bathroom scale and the tried-and-true "weight holding baby minus weight without baby" trick, Noah is about 17 pounds or so. I know he's gotten taller as well since some of his footie pajamas have had to be retired because he can't straighten his legs in them. Nevermind that those footie pajamas are Carter's 6 month size. *sigh*
We've still got an amazing little sleeper at night. People don't believe us when we say he goes down by 10 and doesn't stir until 5 or 6am. To be honest, there are times we wake HIM up because Mama can't wait to feed him, not ONE MORE SECOND! We are starting to work on making sure he gets naps during the day, too, because lately, the evenings have been a little rough. I think we have an overtired little boy at that point so this morning's easy nap was quiet exciting! We'll see how it goes, but I'm hoping I am learning to time his naps a little better so that when he does take them - they last!
I'm also fairly certain at this point that Noah definitely takes after me when it comes to talking. He never stops! Lately, he has been "telling stories". He makes a variety of cooing sounds over and over for minutes on end. I've read that babies like to do this because they like the way the vibrations feel when they make noise. If that is true, he must LOVE it because he does it all the time! :-) That's fine with us though. We're pretty sure it's the cutest thing we've ever heard. If this is any indicator of his future talking habits though, we may change our tunes someday!
Well, it appears that my little napper has had enough of this napping business. Please be sure to check in on Joel's photography blog to see updated pictures. I will try to add some more next time, too!
Things have been a bit crazy around here this summer and the month of July has literally been flying by. As many of you may know, we are moving to a new house in August. We had been looking for awhile and finally decided upon a new neighborhood in our same town. Our favorite neighbors are also moving to the same neighborhood and we couldn't be more excited! (Actually the already moved in, their house was ready last month.) The area is all new housing with great little parks, very nice new schools, and plans for much more. It's only about 15 minutes down the road from where we live now, but we are really looking forward to the new area. We do love our house now and we live in a nice neighborhood already, but this new neighborhood seems to be much more oriented towards young families which is part of why we chose to move up here in the first place.
So, I will say that trying to organize a move and having the house on the market with two dogs and a 3 month old is pretty nuts. We have been jetting off to Tahoe every chance we get to both escape the heat and get out of the way in case we have any traffic coming through to look at the house. Of course, it being July and vacation time, we aren't seeing many lookers just yet, but we're hopeful that it will pick up soon. We know it's just the market right now, but say some prayers and keep your fingers crossed for us!
Noah continues to grow like a weed! When I'm out and about, I usually get questions asking if he is 6 or even 8 months old. No, just 3. :-) He really doesn't seem huge to me but that is probably because he's our first and we don't know any different. He is definitely bigger than he used to be and I can't believe the turnover rate with his wardrobe! But, he still seems like a little baby to me so I am always a bit caught off guard when people are shocked at his true age. Although, knowing that at 2 months he was in the 95th percentile for both height and weight really should have clued me in.
According to the bathroom scale and the tried-and-true "weight holding baby minus weight without baby" trick, Noah is about 17 pounds or so. I know he's gotten taller as well since some of his footie pajamas have had to be retired because he can't straighten his legs in them. Nevermind that those footie pajamas are Carter's 6 month size. *sigh*
We've still got an amazing little sleeper at night. People don't believe us when we say he goes down by 10 and doesn't stir until 5 or 6am. To be honest, there are times we wake HIM up because Mama can't wait to feed him, not ONE MORE SECOND! We are starting to work on making sure he gets naps during the day, too, because lately, the evenings have been a little rough. I think we have an overtired little boy at that point so this morning's easy nap was quiet exciting! We'll see how it goes, but I'm hoping I am learning to time his naps a little better so that when he does take them - they last!
I'm also fairly certain at this point that Noah definitely takes after me when it comes to talking. He never stops! Lately, he has been "telling stories". He makes a variety of cooing sounds over and over for minutes on end. I've read that babies like to do this because they like the way the vibrations feel when they make noise. If that is true, he must LOVE it because he does it all the time! :-) That's fine with us though. We're pretty sure it's the cutest thing we've ever heard. If this is any indicator of his future talking habits though, we may change our tunes someday!
Well, it appears that my little napper has had enough of this napping business. Please be sure to check in on Joel's photography blog to see updated pictures. I will try to add some more next time, too!
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