Sleep training by Brooke Stone part IV

Is it possible for it to get worse before it gets better? YIKES. Last night was VERY tough. I'm exhausted. Jake isn't a sleeper. So far, he got 2 things from me.

1. Allergies
2. Light sleeping or the ability to survive on minimal sleep.

Hmm. Well, perhaps we've been co sleeping for such a long time that it's going to take time to break him of this habit? Anyhow, here is the schedule of what went down tonight.

4:30pm he was so tired he passed out. Grant put him in his crib. I freaked out... WAY TO EARLY TO SLEEP! He woke up at 5pm and we played, danced, sang, and even watched a little Yo Gabba Gabba. He started getting sleepy again... probably because of his lack of naps during the day. I keep this kid active. You would think he'd want to take naps. I moved dinner up to 5:45pm. The entire routine was done by 7pm. I put him down awake. He rarely falls asleep on me. He began to scream. I went downstairs. Grant walked in the door from Basketball. Tag it was his turn. Finally after 45 minutes, he was asleep.

9:45pm he woke up, and Grant went in rocked him back to sleep. Jake woke up again at 11:20pm. I fed him and put him back. He woke up again a few hours later and put himself back to sleep. 3:30am he woke up, I fed him, and then fell asleep with him on the futon. AGH. I'm just so tired. I woke up at 5:30am, put him in the crib where he slept for 10 minutes and woke up screaming. I went and got him and put him in our bed. Grant's cell phone went off at 6:30am waking all of us up. So, there's the story. Jake has only had 1 nap today. I had to drive him all the way to Irvine to accomplish this. I'm going to work on one more nap since it's already 3pm. Maybe a solid 45 minutes? Who knows.

Wish me luck tonight. Hoping to start getting sleep sometime soon.

I'm a sleep mama Stone.

Sleep training by Brooke Stone part III

I'm going to sound like I'm contradicting myself for a moment... but, some may actually understand what I'm saying? Even though we were up quite a bit last night, Jake was falling asleep back on his own... without me rocking him. Making strides people!

Here's the timeline (I'm all about lists and documenting times to see how the progress goes):

6pm: I started dinner for Grant and I. At the same time I was also cooking lunch for Jake for the next few days. Grant started to fed Jake dinner.
6:20pm: Jake was getting really heavy eyes. I continued cooking while Grant started Jake's bedtime routine.
6:30pm: Bath
6:45pm: Book - Goodnight Moon.
6:50pm: I came upstairs breastfed him. Sang and rocked him.
7:00pm: Asleep in crib

Then.... The fun began!

8pm: woke up crying. We started the the every 5 minute or however long we wanted to check in. After 20 minutes we let him cry it out.

8:50pm: Asleep in the crib again.

9:30pm: woke up... and put himself back to sleep after 10 minutes.

11:30pm: Awake crying. I went in, fed him, rocked him, and put him back to bed.

Not sure of all the exact times in between 11:30pm - 3am he woke up... but, watching through the monitor he would cry himself back to sleep within 10 minutes of waking!

3:30am: I fed him, rocked him, and up him to sleep. Only he woke when I was putting him down. I walked out anyhow! He fell asleep on his own after 10 minutes... give or take.

6:30am: woke up. I brought him into bed with us. We were waking up anyhow!

So, even though there was a lot of waking, he was able to put himself back to sleep. This is a HUGE step to us. I'm so happy... even though I didn't sleep much.

Have a good Thursday!

Sleep training by Brooke Stone part II - Jake 31 weeks

Let's talk a little about last night. Every night is going to be different at first. I have myself mentally ready for that. So, with that in mind... let's discuss last night, shall we?

So, I started the routine at 6pm. 7pm he was NOT sleepy so we played longer. He started getting sleepy and fussy around 7:30pm. 8pm I breastfed him and then rocked him to sleep. Asleep at 8:15pm. I went to bed and then I heard him around 11pm. I got up fed him and up him back in his crib.

Then things get a little fuzzy. I didn't have a drop of alcohol last night. NOT EVEN A SIP OF WINE... I KNOW, SHOCKING. he he. Anyhow, I honestly DO NOT remember getting up and feeding Jake, but I woke up in his room around 3:30am. He was asleep on me. We were asleep on the futon in his room. I put him back in his crib. Confused I headed back to bed. Not long after he started crying. I went back in his room, fed him, and passed out again on the futon. I woke up at 5:30am. Jake sleeping on my chest! I put him back in his crib and he woke up. Screaming. At 5am I decided I was too tired for this. I went to my room... Jake in his crib screaming. I woke up Grant. I said, "tag, your it", he went in. My hubby that had to be up in an hour. But, he went in to help. Jake would not go back to sleep. At this point, why try the sleep it out? We brought him into bed with us.

My question is how did I get into his room around 3am? Am I that sleep deprived? Yikes. Anyhow, it started out well. I've had 3 cups of coffee... and even saw the Easter bunny today. I'm not really big on the whole Santa/Easter bunny thing, but at South Coast Plaza they have a puppet Easter bunny. It's smaller and cute. Anyhow, I took Jake today. He was hilarious. He pulled at the ears, etc. The girls just loved him. He's a flirt. Flirting with all the girls, everywhere we go.

So, tonight I will continue my quest for sleep. It will only get easier with time. I will report back tomorrow. :)

Hoppy Wednesday!

Cheers,

Sleep training by: Brooke Stone

After 4 books, 1 DVD, and countless sleepless nights I have the solution for Jake Bowman Stone.

I have learned quite a bit from all the books, DVDs, friends/family, and theories. However, what I came to realize is that all babies are different. We all know that our precious angels are different so why wouldn't that go for their sleeping patterns too? Why must we be sticklers for the cry it out method or the strict schedules we can barely maintain if we travel or live a life on the go (Baby Wise)? I have decided to take the bull by the horns and do things my way. Something within my comfort level. I LOVE order and organization. But, one that works for Grant and I.

I couldn't bare another cry it out session. I also think the every 5 minute check in is a little much. Again, this is for Jake. I'm not talking about all children. Just mine.

Yesterday I prayed. I prayed for strength. I prayed for God to lead me in a path which is good for Jake and myself. One that could give Jake sleep and myself a piece of mind. Who needs sleep anyway? I'd rather have peace of mind that my angel is asleep and NOT screaming. Anyhow, I wasn't sure if it was going to be "the night". I started Jake's routine. Fed, bathe, book, starry lights on the wall, and then noise maker on. Breast fed him and changed his diaper again and put him down. At first he was playing and whimpering. Then began the screaming and crying. I knew he was tired. His eyes were red and he was rubbing them. I left the room at 8:30pm. I turned the video monitor on and then Grant and I took turns checking on him. We went in ABOUT every 5 minutes and stayed in their until we felt comfortable and then left again. We rubbed his back, put his pacifier in, talked to him, etc. After 30 minutes of that I decided to pull back the time. I waited. 15 minutes later... my baby was dead asleep. Snoring. On his stomach, legs under him, and face down. I went in to reposition him. That was a challenge, because I didn't want to wake him. He was so tired he let me move him around. Passed out by 9:22pm.

He woke up at 1:16am for a feeding and then back into crib. Woke up again at 5:10am for a feeding and back down until 7:15am. I'm OK with the feedings for now. Let him get into his sleep routine a few more days and then I can start weaning the feedings.

I know that was only night 1, but I'm excited. We all slept great. I'm excited for Jake to get more rest in the night. He woke up this morning so very happy. He's a happy baby, but even happier. In fact, he is playing in his pack n' play right now. He never plays in that thing! He's been playing in there for 30 minutes already. He ate all of his breakfast and isn't fussy in the slightest. We are getting ready for a walk along the bay and then beach. Post pictures later.

Thank you Lord for the strength and courage to try new things. I'm so happy and looking forward to sleeping again.

Amen.

Beach Day and Babblings.

Last minute I called my friend Liz to see what she was doing today. She said to come down and see her in Huntington Beach. I was excited to get out of the house. Jake and I have been going on so many walks lately. The weather has been absolutely beautiful. Not too hot, not too cold. Just perfect. I got to her house and we walked to lunch. Then we went on a walk to dog beach and back to her house. It was just what I needed. 

Since I've been home Jake has been getting back into the swing of things. He is getting familiar with our house again. It's been a process. Being gone for almost 3 weeks has really affected him. I have been walking with him and Brady and introducing him back to his crib and room. Next weekend we are going out of town again so I assume I will have to do it all over again? I have a feeling my traveling will be to a minimum soon. After Jake getting sick and then coming back confused I'm scared to leave again. Praying that he assimilates faster next time. Or perhaps if the trips are short it's not that big of a deal. 

I have a feeling this is going to be a great week. I'm excited to start our "bedtime routine" again, date night with my boys, and back to my workouts. Next week I have my skin surgery. I'm thankful for early detection. All those years in college and frying my skin in the sun and in the tanning salon. I'm paying for it all now. I had 4 moles removed last month and one came back "abnormal". I go in on Monday for surgery and then back again in May for another skin check. Then every 4 months after. I wear SPF 50 on my face and body. I'm not messing around with the sun. If I want a tan going forward I will spray it on (like I have been doing the last few years). I'm sure I'll have more removed next month so I just pray for normal results and going forward protect myself. I haven't tanned in a salon since 2007. And when I was on my honeymoon didn't even get too much into direct sun. My moles are appearing now from years of damage. So, when your in the sun put your sunscreen on.

Here are some pictures from our day today. No matter where I travel to this is my home. California with all of its faults has so many things to offer. Today I feel lucky that I live somewhere that is so beautiful. 

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Huntington Beach

My baby love at the beach.

Princess Victoria

Liz and I

Jake and I

Cheers,

7 months old - 30 weeks

Jake is 7 months today! My little character is getting so big! Like I said in my last post, he's all over! He's crawling and pulling up on everything! I can't leave him anywhere unattended! He's getting adjusted to being back home after being gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I love watching him grow and change. Every month gets more and more fun! He's a big one. He's wearing 18/24 month size clothes. When I hold him he looks as long as me! :)

This month we are going to Oklahoma to see family and celebrate Grandmother Stone's 60th birthday! Jake is becoming quite the little traveler!

Hope you all have a great Friday!

Cheers,

Road trip/Flight #4 (Part two)

Part 2 of our Idaho trip will be a little shorter. After Jake's 2 trips to the urgent care he started to feel better. I ended up in the urgent care after. I started taking medicine, and then I came down with the flu. SERIOUSLY. Anyhow, I wasn't really up to taking pictures feeling as sick as I was. 

Before I got the flu I did have a lot of fun days! Over the weekend my dad, grandma, brother, Jake, and I went on a few drives around Boise. It was pretty cold and rainy so it was fun to pick up coffee's and cruise around the town. We stopped for lunches, and ate at some good restaurants! Ever heard of Diners, Drive In's and Dives from the Food Network? Well, they've been to Boise more than once! We went all over. Boise is such a great city. Have you ever been? If not, I recommend it!

We got back home after over 2 weeks in Boise. I feel like a broken record, but, I hate leaving my family. It's so hard to be far. I HATE IT. My family is so helpful and loving. I'm so lucky. I wish I could just drive over for dinner or for my family to watch Jake while Grant and I have a date night. It's nerve racking finding someone to watch your precious baby! I was happy to come home and see my husband! Grant was a busy little bee while I was gone! He is so darn thoughtful! He bought me a PreCore elliptical machine and a food processor! I have been complaining about not being about to get to the gym and that I wish I had one... and also that I wanted to make sure I was making all of Jake's food while we were home... presto! Now, I have both. :)

It's been a tough transition for Jake in the last 72 hours. Jake got home around 11am on Wednesday evening and didn't really remember our house. He didn't remember his room, and the things he once loved. I know it was late and he was really tired. Imagine waking up in Boise (after over 2 weeks), then getting on a plane, falling asleep, and then waking back up and brought into a new home. He didn't want me to put him down. He didn't even really want to go to Grant. I told Grant not to get upset. Jake fell asleep on me and laid next to me the entire night. Yesterday he woke up and things were much better. Today he was even better. Still doesn't like when I walk out of the room, and only wants me to hold him.  Any advice? I read that it takes a few days when you've been gone as long as us to get back into the swing of things. Poor thing. We're going to Oklahoma in a few weeks... will it start all over again?

Since I've been gone... Jake is crawling, and even grew! I can't leave him anywhere! How do you take a shower? Where do you put them? I have to take the crib mattress down, and put together the high chair Grant just bought yesterday. This little guy is mobile!

Well, enjoy the Boise pics. Jake turned 7 months today... I will post his 7 month pictures later today! 

pop pop with Jake.

On the freeway heading to downtown Boise.

Love the trees in the town area.

The Capital.

Jake with his pop pop. He had so much fun playing with him!

We were feeling better, so we all went to lunch!

Dylan saying good bye to Jake at the airport.

Cheers,