Who Needs Sleep?!

Well, first off, I’ll share that the day has finally arrived. The time for sleep training has finally come. Abriella has become more and more inconsistent in her sleeping that I’ve become extremely frustrated with the situation…which tends to lead to a lot of frustration aimed at the baby. Not a good thing to allow to happen. Stephen and I have gone back and forth on this issue for a while, but we basically agree on when to do things and when to do them. Well, we agreed that this is definitely the time to do this. I borrowed a book from my friend Karen called Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. I have been reading it since yesterday afternoon, and have already started with Abriella. Abriella’s nights are not really the problem, most of the time. I did move her bedtime up even more yesterday though to 6:30pm. I know, seems extremely early! We were starting her final feed around 7, so I just moved it up a bit. Well, last night, she woke up at 9pm and was hungry. She does still cluster feed a bit at night. Then, she woke up around 11:30pm and Stephen went in to rock her back to sleep. Then, no peep from her until 5am, and she was hungry. Fed her, and she went right back down until 8:10am. I was pretty pleased with that, all in all. Really, our biggest problem is her naps. She’s become VERY STUBBORN with those. While reading the book, I realized that she has naturally fallen into the “right times” for when she wants a nap. Our problem is getting her to go to sleep and stay asleep. She would much rather sleep on someone for those naps. Well, that just can’t happen! We had been implementing the “if you don’t sleep in your bed, you don’t nap.” Well, she just gets more and more fatigued as the days go on with that. So, I am going with some of the recommendations by Dr. Weissbluth. The reason I’m more inclined to listen to his ideas is that they are based on some good research, and it’s not all done by him. He is a pediatrician and has done extensive research in this area over many years, and he provides all of his data in the book. I have found his information very enlightening. Anyway, no matter how hard it is, she still gives me the biggest hugs and smiles and kisses at the end of it all. This will just help her to get needed sleep.

Now, off of that subject. My mom was here on Mother’s Day weekend. We were so glad to have her here. Abriella gave me flowers, a great card, and a devotional book. How thoughtful of her! I am so glad to be a mother! It’s the greatest feeling in the world when those big blue eyes look up at me and just light up! It’s been challenging being a stay-at-home mommy after working full-time outside the house, but I’m so thankful that God allowed it to happen. I have a fabulous husband that works hard to make it happen financially. I get to experience all the new things she does everyday and we are growing together and the bond is just awesome! Thank you, God! It makes me appreciate my Mom soooo much more! She raised me and Michael from ages 2 and 5 years without her spouse by her side. I don’t know how she did it. Well, she trusted God and had very supportive family and friends. That’s how. Thank you, Mom, for being so wonderful! I love you!!

This past weekend, Abriella and I made a trip to Houston. We stayed with the Clancy’s, her “other grandparents.” I always felt like they were my 2nd set of parents while I lived in Houston, so it’s only fitting that they are like grandparents to Abriella. She was wonderful while we were there! I don’t know why babies are on their best behavior when visiting others. I mean, I’m glad, but why doesn’t she do so great at home??!! They always say babies are harder on their parents. I believe it. Anyway, we had a great time, and I really enjoyed seeing lots of friends from Memorial church of Christ. They still remember me!! We also had a great visit with Kenny and Scarlett. Kenny has a conference he’s attending in Houston, so they flew in from California. That was a good excuse to go to Houston, so I could visit with them. We had a great afternoon of conversation on Sunday. I’m glad I was finally able to meet Scarlett.

Well, that’s all for now. I will add pictures later. I’m tired now though! Oh, as a side note, we got Wii Fit today!! How much fun!!!

update** night #2–put to bed at 6:30pm again. Not a peep until 3am. Fed her and put right back to sleep. Next peep at 7:30am–happy as could be. Yeah!