We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Operation Sleep: Night 2

Thank you to all of my cheerleaders! As you all know this can be a difficult time for a mother and I appreciate all the encouragement.
He did pretty well again last night. Down at 8:30, up at 1:30 (close enough) Down by 2, up at 4, fussed on and off for an hour and then was up at 5:30...I figured it was close enough, so I fed him and then he slept til almost 8am. Much better than up every 2 hours. There was less crying, so I hope that it keeps getting better.
Thanks again...I love you all!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Operation Sleep: Night 1

So, I decided to bite the bullet and start training this boy to sleep! I can't handle the getting up every two hours, I'm just getting too old for that! I decided that I am going to put him down around 8pm and feed him only once around 2am and then not again until 6 or so. So last night, I fed him real good and then put him to bed about 8:30. I put him down while he was drowsy, but not completely out. He cried on and off for about 10-15 minutes while I went to pat him every 5 minutes until he fell asleep. He then slept until 2:00am...our best stretch yet! Then I fed him good again and put him down about 2:30 and he cried on and off until about 5am. Not the best night, but he finally did go to sleep and slept til 7am. I know that sounds horrible, but he wasn't crying consistently or very hard all that time. He would cry for a while and then stop for a while and he just wasn't completely out until 5-ish. If he had been crying non-stop and really hard, I would have caved for sure. Here's hoping that night 2 is better. Will report tomorrow. By the way, if you are going to leave a comment of encouragement or support, I would be more than happy to receive it. If you are going to tell me that I am a terrible mother for letting my baby cry, then please refrain! Thanks!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A family outing, among other things!

Saturday we took advantage of the 75 degree weather to get outside and do something fun. We went to a place nearby called the Petroglyph National Monument. It is a place with lots of volcanic rock that the Pueblo Indians carved pictures in.It was interesting and fun. We climbed around and looked at the pictures and enjoyed the view.Behind us is the great city of Albuquerque."Take pitcha my sucka, mommy!"
It was a beautiful day and we were glad to have a little exercise as well.

Randomness to follow:
I can't wait until Dylan cares that make-up is only for girls!I have a hard enough time getting motivated to put make-up on in the first place...it makes it even harder when I have to share the experience...every time!

It's about time these kids start earning their keep!Grace is such a good little mother to James. She loves to hold him and carry him around...even when he cries (the boys always want to hand him over when he starts fussing!) She doesn't even mind doing diapers. She's a big help...sometimes too much!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Top o' the mornin' to ye!

Said with the best Irish brogue you can muster!
We had a visit from some Little green men last night. The kids woke up to find that all kinds of mischief had been afoot! The house was a mess and for the trouble they found gold covered chocolate, cookies and a big box of Lucky Charms...with green milk to boot! Well, it seems as though the leprechauns had quite the party at our house!It's okay, though, they left a note explaining their antics!Sorry, it was late and I'm sure they'd had one too many!!!
Jesse commented that the leprechauns were both naughty and nice. Naughty because they messed up the house and nice because they left all the treats. It was a fun way for the kids to wake up. These little guys visited my friend Ginger last year and we were glad they picked our house this time! Thanks, Ginge...I still miss you!

In other news:
Sweet James...there is just nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!And nothing more frustrating than trying to keep well meaning brothers away from said sleeping baby!These two fell asleep together, so sweet!And here are some exploits of that sweet boy! Poor kid...why do we torture them so?!?Ahh! Baby in a dump truck!
And one final pic...Grace wanted to share her artwork that she made for James.May the Luck o' the Irish be wit ye today!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Mid-March Musings

How's that for alliteration! I also looked up musings to make sure I was using it correctly...it couldn't just sound good it had to be accurate.
I have had a number of thoughts and happenings running around in my mind just waiting to be blogged about...now let's just see if I can remember them all!
Jesse lost his first top tooth:I think he looks pretty cute with that little hole in his head!
Dylan has taken to "reading" to James while I am in the shower.Not only is it super cute, but it also accomplishes two things. First, I like to think that it entertains and distracts James, if only a little bit, so that I can get my 5 minutes of "me" time in the shower. But second and most important, it keeps Dylan where I can see him so I don't have to rush through my shower worrying about what havoc he is wreaking on our home.
This past week he pulled all the toilet paper off the roll in the bathroom...I know that you are thinking "that's was not so bad", but then he decided to pour honey all over it and the floor and the toilet. What possesses that child? The area is still a little sticky after a couple of scrubbings. Also, for a couple of days we were looking for our cinnamon-sugar shaker and I was quite perplexed as to where it could be. I blamed Danny because he often puts things away in unusual spots. However, one day when Grace wanted some cinnamon toast she was asking for it and I said that I couldn't find it, then the following conversation took place.
Dyl: I dump it out
Me: Where?
D: Utstairs (upstairs)
Me: Show mommy (thinking "oh great , another mess")
He ended up dumping it out on the balcony, so the wind took care of the mess, but we still couldn't find the shaker. He showed us that it was in the TV cabinet.
If Dylan is out of view and quiet, you can bet that he is dumping something out, graffiti-ing the walls or hiding something of value. Stinker! I just can't keep up!
We got a visit from Grandma Christie (my mom).We got to visit, go shopping and she treated me to a mani/pedi. Thanks mom, we miss you!
James also smiled for the first time and Grandma Christie was the lucky recipient. He went on to smile at everyone else but me that day. I have gotten a few smiles since, though, but they are few and far between at this stage. He is getting to be a little more reactive to us humans, he no longer looks past us all the time!
James got his first bath in the big tub.And I think he enjoyed it. He's just getting too big and squirmy for my little sink.
This is one of my favorite spots.He has the most perfect little head. The back here is so soft...I love it.
I have succeded in getting James to sleep in his crib for the first half of the night. I could probably get the second half, too, but I'm usually too tired to put in the time. However, after last night, I'm going to have to put in the effort. He was a little too restless. He's probably getting tired of sleeping with me. I'll start tonight. Danny will be home tomorrow, so I'll be able to sleep in or take a nap tomorrow and Sunday. Good luck to me!
I had a lot more in my head, but as usual, now that I have sat down to write it has all escaped me. I may do some PS's today, if I get the chance and my brain gains recollection!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Oh come on...don't be shy!

I am dying to know who visits me from Hillsboro, OR and Reston, VA. I can't think of anyone that I know in those places. Just say "Hi" and let me know who you are. I promise, I won't bite!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

1 Month

Ok, so it has been a while since I have updated...What can I say? My hands have been a little full of baby as of late! And I have been lazy.
At James' dr's appt. the other day he was 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 1/2". He has put on just over 2 lbs and an inch and a half in his 1 month of life. I'm already getting a little sad that he is growing way too fast. His little cheeks are getting a little chub on them and he is filling out his clothes much better. He's still a little peanut, though, and we can't get enough of him.
Here are some pics of our little James at 1 month:
With his big bro!From Dyl's perspective (not too bad!)
I can't wait until he can smile!! He just looks too darn serious!
So, there, Emily!
There's our little one month old. I will post some more tomorrow...I've had a lot of thoughts running through my head that I need to unleash! I've really missed you all the last few weeks that I haven't blogged.