I don't know if anyone else is like this, but I can't remember the hard times of having babies/children. For example, I can't remember how I potty trained Elijah. I remember it as a distant memory of me going through it, but I can't remember the emotions/feelings or how I even went about it. I don't know if it's my mind blocking out stressful times, or most likely God allowing the memories to fade so I'll actually have more children! :)
The same goes for sleep training. You would think that I'd be somewhat of an expert being on my third baby. This is nowhere near true! It feels like I'm having to relearn everything. And every child is different in how they handle it, so I guess you just have to do what you feel is right.
So, saying all that, the title of this post is in NO WAY trying to tell other people how to get their babies to sleep through the night. This is just what we did this time, and I would like it as a reference point for myself for the future. :)
Well, we got to that point where something had to be done with Rachel. Early on, she was actually sleeping through the night. I thought I was blessed to have a baby that just learned it on her own. Well then she started waking up once (not a big deal) then it started getting worse and worse and I knew it was just her waking up to be held and comforted (nursed) back to sleep.
So I started researching a lot of different ways of sleep training, and I think I kinda took a little bit of everything. So here's the plan we followed:
After she eats dinner, I let her nurse as much as she wants. Off and on all evening. Then about an hour before bedtime, I turn down all the lights and (usually) do a bath. Then she gets pajamas on, and I nurse her some more if she wants it. When I see that she starts to get sleepy (she usually starts rubbing her eyes), I lay her in her bed awake and tell her "I love you" and "Goodnight." And then leave the room.
The first night, she did not like this at all. She cried for a little while. I think I only can go about 10 minutes before I have to go in to check on her. And if she gets really upset, I'll go in before that. But when I do go in, I usually try not to pick her up. I rub her head and her back until she's calmed down again, and then I leave the room. Then we repeat this process. The same thing goes for the middle of the night.
The first night was definitely hard. It took her about 30 minutes to go to sleep the first time. Then she woke up twice during the night. The first time it took her about an hour to go back to sleep. The second time, I caved and just nursed her. But at least we had cut out one nursing session.
The second night was hard too, but she went to sleep the first time a lot easier. And then she only woke up once during the night, and it took about an hour to get her back to sleep again. But then she slept the rest of the night. And I didn't nurse her at all!
The third night, I think was the hardest. It was like she was realizing what was going on, and just wanted to see how far she could go before I would break. haha. I think she woke a total of three times, each taking about 30-45 minutes to get her back to sleep. I think I even picked her up and rocked her a couple of times that night, but I had decided I was going to cut out nursing all together. And we did it!
Since then she's really done awesome! She goes to bed A LOT easier, and IF she wakes it's like once during the night and we pat her back and she's back asleep! She usually goes to bed around 9, and then wakes up anywhere between 6-7:30 in the morning in which I will get up and nurse her. If she sleeps during the night, I am TOTALLY ok with that! :)
And we do have hard nights here and there. One night, she woke up and it took me about 2 hours to get her to sleep. But I think she was having some gas issues. But nights like that will just happen sometimes. All in all, it's been a major improvement in the sleep department! And the other night, when I was up all night with Hannah getting sick, she didn't wake once! That was definitely a blessing in itself!
And since she's been sleeping through the night better, she's been a much happier baby! That's been the best thing of all. She's happier and plays better during the day, instead of just wanting to nurse and be held all day. I think she was just tired before, all the time! I understand that, though, because I was too! Things are definitely looking better!
Next time, I'll post on how Hannah's potty training is going! We've been busy around here!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Progress is always good
So, lately I've felt pretty emotionally beat up. I was feeling lonely and unproductive. And like nothing in life was going my way. I really was throwing myself a pity party. I was drained. I have huge self esteem issues, and they always seem to come back when you are at your lowest. The devil doesn't play fair folks!
I really started feeling it last week, and I felt like everything was spiralling out of control. I finally had a break-down and confessed to Josh how I was feeling. How I didn't feel like I was getting anything accomplished in life. (I know, I know- Motherhood is a huge responsibility! But sometimes you get to the point where you don't even think you're good at that.) That's where I was. I function better when I have a goal in mind, and I can see progress.
Josh sat down with me and we talked. He pointed some very important things out to me. For one- I wasn't sleeping. Rachel has literally been getting worse and worse at night. Waking 3-4 times at night, and staying up for over an hour. Not fun, and I was too drained to even deal with it. But he convinced me that this is definitely the root of all the issues. And he was right.
I didn't have any energy. No energy to manage the house, no energy to make friends, no energy for projects. I was just functioning on a very basic level. If I could get the kids fed and bathed and in bed that was good. But that's not enough for me.
So last week, we started some sleep training with Rachel. And to really makes things hard, it felt like the time to start potty training Hannah as well. Talk about a rough week. Why not compile it all in one week? haha
So that's what we've been dealing with. And we are starting to see progress. In both areas. And progress is always very, very good!
I'll write a litte more when I have another chance!
I really started feeling it last week, and I felt like everything was spiralling out of control. I finally had a break-down and confessed to Josh how I was feeling. How I didn't feel like I was getting anything accomplished in life. (I know, I know- Motherhood is a huge responsibility! But sometimes you get to the point where you don't even think you're good at that.) That's where I was. I function better when I have a goal in mind, and I can see progress.
Josh sat down with me and we talked. He pointed some very important things out to me. For one- I wasn't sleeping. Rachel has literally been getting worse and worse at night. Waking 3-4 times at night, and staying up for over an hour. Not fun, and I was too drained to even deal with it. But he convinced me that this is definitely the root of all the issues. And he was right.
I didn't have any energy. No energy to manage the house, no energy to make friends, no energy for projects. I was just functioning on a very basic level. If I could get the kids fed and bathed and in bed that was good. But that's not enough for me.
So last week, we started some sleep training with Rachel. And to really makes things hard, it felt like the time to start potty training Hannah as well. Talk about a rough week. Why not compile it all in one week? haha
So that's what we've been dealing with. And we are starting to see progress. In both areas. And progress is always very, very good!
I'll write a litte more when I have another chance!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Much needed trip!
Josh and I decided that as soon as the Valdosta house was finished, we would drop everything and take a trip down to the River house. So that's what we did this past weekend! It was so awesome, and very much needed. We just relaxed all weekend. We did some swimming, a lot of playing outside, and took naps as well! It was nice to just be together as a family. And we had a few "adventures" as well. We saw an alligator, a snake, and some deer. We really had a good time- the kids are already asking when we'll be going back! :)
Rachel hanging out on the dock after swimming.
Ready to fish with Daddy.
Trying to fish- nothing was biting.
Ready for lunch- swimming makes you hungry!
I told him if he gave me a REALLY big smile, he could have some more chips. :)
Josh did alot of grilling out!
The kids found a small grill and were cooking us dinner!
Rachel is such a cheeser!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Rachel Grace
I can't believe Rachel is 8 months old now. In some ways it feels like it's flown by, but in other ways it feels like its dragging. She's taking her time in reaching milestones, so in some ways it still feels like I still have a newborn. I really don't think anything is developmentally wrong, I just think she just doesn't really care about doing some things. I honestly can't believe that she's nearing 1- only 4 more months! It doesn't seem possible. I was looking at a developmental chart the other day, and by age 1 they are supposed to be standing and saying a few words--that seems so far away for her!
Here's some new things for her though:
She's finally sitting up on her own!! This one thing has made life so much easier. I no longer have to tote her bumbo everywhere we go, or lay a blanket out for her to play on. I can just sit her down. This one thing takes away so much pressure and backache!
She's trying to crawl. I don't think we are very close yet though. She get's up on her elbows, but hasn't got gotten up on her knees. She keeps her back legs straight, and then kinda pushes with her toes on the floor. So she kinda just rocks a little in that position. She's still a roller though. She just rolls everywhere she wants to go.
She's still doing great eating solids. Right now her favorite foods are squash and carrots. She likes them more than any other fruit. She has been refusing bananas and peaches lately. And I've never been able to get her to eat peas and green beans. The faces she makes when I give her foods she dislikes is hilarious though. She definitely knows how to show emotions!
She's started to imitate us. She does this cute scrunchy thing with her nose, and blows air out at the same time. If we do it first, she'll do it too. I tried doing something else with her yesterday. I was shaking my head, and she started doing it too. And then she started laughing and smiling, like she understood that she did it. It was super cute!
She "talks" a lot. She can say "mamama" and "dadada" regularly. I don't really think she knows what she's saying, but we like to pretend she does. :)
Her sleeping at night is still pretty sporadic. I never know what the night has in store. We are definitely not sleeping through the night anymore. Sometimes she just wakes up once, and then early in the morning. Other times we are up several times. I'm going to have to crack down soon and figure some way to teach her to sleep through the night. Haven't quite decided what method to use this time. It's just so easy to nurse her and put her back down. But it's definitely a large part of her just wanting me. As soon as I pick her up, she just clings to me. Kinda like a hug. So, I'm not sure what to do just yet about it.
She is extremely attached to Josh and I these days. She really doesn't let anyone else hold her. Which is so frustrating. It would be nice to get a little break, or for Josh and I to have a date alone. But...she screams..alot. I would hate to put anyone through that. One day...
She's very social. I found out recently, that she's usually crying because no one is right next to her. If she's sitting at the table with us, or if the kids are playing on the floor with her..she's so content. But as soon as they leave her, she has a fit. So usually she's just moved around to different rooms and different apparati. That way she really stays very happy! :)
Otherwise, she's pretty laid back. She likes to just watch Elijah and Hannah. And she'll just laugh and laugh if they play with her.
Here's some new things for her though:
She's finally sitting up on her own!! This one thing has made life so much easier. I no longer have to tote her bumbo everywhere we go, or lay a blanket out for her to play on. I can just sit her down. This one thing takes away so much pressure and backache!
She's trying to crawl. I don't think we are very close yet though. She get's up on her elbows, but hasn't got gotten up on her knees. She keeps her back legs straight, and then kinda pushes with her toes on the floor. So she kinda just rocks a little in that position. She's still a roller though. She just rolls everywhere she wants to go.
She's still doing great eating solids. Right now her favorite foods are squash and carrots. She likes them more than any other fruit. She has been refusing bananas and peaches lately. And I've never been able to get her to eat peas and green beans. The faces she makes when I give her foods she dislikes is hilarious though. She definitely knows how to show emotions!
She's started to imitate us. She does this cute scrunchy thing with her nose, and blows air out at the same time. If we do it first, she'll do it too. I tried doing something else with her yesterday. I was shaking my head, and she started doing it too. And then she started laughing and smiling, like she understood that she did it. It was super cute!
She "talks" a lot. She can say "mamama" and "dadada" regularly. I don't really think she knows what she's saying, but we like to pretend she does. :)
Her sleeping at night is still pretty sporadic. I never know what the night has in store. We are definitely not sleeping through the night anymore. Sometimes she just wakes up once, and then early in the morning. Other times we are up several times. I'm going to have to crack down soon and figure some way to teach her to sleep through the night. Haven't quite decided what method to use this time. It's just so easy to nurse her and put her back down. But it's definitely a large part of her just wanting me. As soon as I pick her up, she just clings to me. Kinda like a hug. So, I'm not sure what to do just yet about it.
She is extremely attached to Josh and I these days. She really doesn't let anyone else hold her. Which is so frustrating. It would be nice to get a little break, or for Josh and I to have a date alone. But...she screams..alot. I would hate to put anyone through that. One day...
She's very social. I found out recently, that she's usually crying because no one is right next to her. If she's sitting at the table with us, or if the kids are playing on the floor with her..she's so content. But as soon as they leave her, she has a fit. So usually she's just moved around to different rooms and different apparati. That way she really stays very happy! :)
Otherwise, she's pretty laid back. She likes to just watch Elijah and Hannah. And she'll just laugh and laugh if they play with her.
Playing on the floor with Elijah
Getting really good at sitting up!
Now that she's sitting up better, we started putting her in the high chair. She seems to like it!
Helping mommy and daddy work in Valdosta!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I can't keep up!
I have so many things I've been wanting to say lately, but never enough time to just sit down and write. I write these few sentences now as the kids are cleaning up their toys before naptime. Then when they wake up, we are all going to my mom's for dinner. Tomorrow, we have a play date. Thursday, we might be getting together with a couple who Josh works with. And Friday, we are leaving to go to the RIVER! Friday can't come soon enough. We have not had a family vacation for a while. I honestly can't remember a time where we've spent the whole weekend together. I am beyond excited!!
Updates-
Rachel turned 8 months today! I can't believe it. When I have some time, I'll write a whole blog on what's been going on with her.
We finished the rental house in Valdosta!!!! Josh and I went on Sunday, and worked all day on it. Painting, cleaning, and just a lot of last minute stuff. And a young guy came by and talked to us about renting, so I think we may have it rented as well. This is such a load off! This has been the most stressful thing in our lives right now. Hence the vacation to the river this weekend! But it looks AMAZING! Josh did such a good job. It looks WAY better than when we even lived there...go figure!
Oh, I got a van! I don't think i've updated about that! It's another Odyssey. A year older than my other one, and a few more miles. But almost everything else is the same, and I love it! And the best part- It's paid for!!! We have definitely been blessed through that whole situation.
Anyways, life is pretty normal otherwise! Lots of playing outside and swimming. Summer always seems so hectic, why is that?
Well, I gotta go and get some kiddos in the bed!
Updates-
Rachel turned 8 months today! I can't believe it. When I have some time, I'll write a whole blog on what's been going on with her.
We finished the rental house in Valdosta!!!! Josh and I went on Sunday, and worked all day on it. Painting, cleaning, and just a lot of last minute stuff. And a young guy came by and talked to us about renting, so I think we may have it rented as well. This is such a load off! This has been the most stressful thing in our lives right now. Hence the vacation to the river this weekend! But it looks AMAZING! Josh did such a good job. It looks WAY better than when we even lived there...go figure!
Oh, I got a van! I don't think i've updated about that! It's another Odyssey. A year older than my other one, and a few more miles. But almost everything else is the same, and I love it! And the best part- It's paid for!!! We have definitely been blessed through that whole situation.
Anyways, life is pretty normal otherwise! Lots of playing outside and swimming. Summer always seems so hectic, why is that?
Well, I gotta go and get some kiddos in the bed!
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