1..2..3.. Sleep Baby

So, first of all I just have to say I already typed this all up once but I guess I am having a pretty high learning curve with this blogging thing cause it didn't work.. so here it goes again.

Last night it took me about 2 hours to get Addi to sleep! She has not been falling asleep easily the last couple of weeks so I have been trying to let her cry herself to sleep. This is not working, she will cry anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours; and it breaks my heart even though at the same time I am so frustrated. So today I have been thinking all day about how to fix this problem. So after pouring over BabyCenter for a few hours I think I came up with a plan and I learned so much about Addi's development at the same time. So here are the highlights...

I am going to try a modified version of the 'No Tears' Method. This method encourages parents to create a calming bedtime routine for their baby i.e. bath, massage/lotion, story, rocking, sleep and keeping this the same every night. This is where I can see it being a challenge for me, Addi and I are on the go a lot, especially because I work during the day and I only have a few hours at night to get things done, and lets face it I'm kind of a social butterfly and I don't like to be home alone a lot so we are usually at my mom's or Mari's. So this is where I am going to step up as a mom and put my own agenda on the back burner and put Addi's schedule first. I am also going to start to put her to bed earlier and put a fan in her room for white noise. I am going to faithfully try this every night for two weeks and then re-evaluate our progress.

While after reading all about the different things that are out there I do feel this is the best option I still have a few concerns. The biggest one being I want to teach her to fall asleep on her own so she is not reliant on me so if she isn't with me at bedtime she can still fall asleep. I did learn though at this age she is going through separation anxiety (she cries when I drop her off at daycare) so to help her through this I think the routine will be a good thing; this will also be a special bonding time for Addi and I with no distractions. If anyone has additional suggestions I'm open to them!

Also this weekend, my little sister Becca is turning 21! So Kevin and I will get to go out and celebrate with her downtown! I am so excited cause its been a really long time since Becca and I hung out outside of 'mommy world' and at the same time I get to have a date with Kevin. I will take pics on her birthday but make no promises to post them, some nights pics and drinks just don't mix, but we will see. Have a fabulous weekend!

Sara

Addison Marie

I love this slideshow I made but how to I get it to be off to the side and not as a post? Help me please!

I've got a pocketful of sunshine....

So I'm sitting here at work waiting until the day is over so I can go get my sweet baby girl and I am feeling so blessed. I don't really know what came over me cause I've really been having a rough time, but I still just can't stop thinking about how blessed I am. I think Heaven above is sending me a friendly reminder. I am so blessed because of all of you!

First of all, my sweet baby girl Addison Marie. I just can't even believe this love I have for her that grows everyday and the sheer happiness she brings me. She is by far the very best thing in my life. She's eight months old now and her personality is showing through more each day. She has an old soul, bright blue eyes, her laugh is the sweetest sound but she makes you work for it, she has my smile and her daddy's face, she loves to bounce and she loves her cousin Connor and her buddy Jake. She loves to watch people, especially her daddy and she is so lucky to have so much family that loves her. I could go on and on about her, but we would be here for forever.

I have a wonderful husband who is working so hard each and every day for our famliy. He loves to come home and hold me and lately we have been conecting on a deep level, talking to one in the morning and being each others best friend. Speaking of best friends (I am so lucky to have so many) I have to give a shout out to my number one girl Mari. We have this great connection and can just hang out and talk for like hours on end drinking wine and playing with our kids. She inspires me everday to be a happy person, be green, be an active & fun mom and don't let anything stop me from getting what I want.

And how could I leave without talking about my family, which if you didn't know is huge! My mom and dad are my best friends, I have the best sisters, my cousins are so fun, I just love having a big family. I could just go on and on about all my wonderful friends and all the wonderful things you each do for me but I just don't have time, and I feel so blessed about that; to have so many great people in my life that I don't even have enough time in the day to thank everyone. But I pray you know every day how grateful I am for all of you, you are my strength!

So on this rainy day I guess I just needed to remind myself that I have a pocketful of sunshine... all of you! I love you all so dearly and count you each as a blessing every day.

Hugs!
Sara