I have had up days and down days lately. We had switched Easton's formula brand and it created some havoc for his tiny belly. . so we had to switch him back. After switching him back he continued to struggle with some tummy issues and accompanying crankiness which have made the days long. That, combined with the lack of sleep I've been getting, have created some emotional days (and moreso nights). I'm not typing any of this for sympathy - I'm putting it out there because 1) I want to remember and 2) I think far too many women hide the bad times and want to pretend that they don't happen which leads to other women feeling isolated.
Eatson has been on a nighttime cycle that looks a bit like this:
Bathtime, Bottle & Bedtime : 7:15 - 7:45
First Wake: Between 11:15 and 12:15
Second Wake: Between 2:15 and 3:00
Third Wake: Between 5:15 and 6:00
Wake Up for the Day: Between 7:00 and 8:00
While I know that this type of schedule is pretty normal for an infant we weren't seeing any improvement in the schedule. Selfishly, I have also been beginning to see the impacts of sleep deprivation and was beginning to be an emotional basketcase in the evenings after long days.
Yesterday evening we decided to implement a technique that we had used with Brooklyn called the Dream Feed. Basically this involves feeding Easton between 10 and 11 (whenever Matt and I go to bed) while he is still extremely sleepy (basicaly still snoozin'). Last night was our first night doing this with Easton. . . and it had good results. Easton slept until 2:15 . . then he slept until 6:15. Since Matt always takes the first feeding (therefore the 2:15) and I take the second and third (therefore the 6:15) it should have resulted in me getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Last night Easton struggled a bit to fall asleep after the 2:15 feeding, so I woke up to help him. . . but hopefully it will continue to help with progress moving forward. I know everyone has their opinions about this method b/c of it's origin (Babywise). . . but rest assured that this mommy knows what's best for her kiddo and her family.
On that note. .some pics from the last few days. . .
The Diva / Big Sister
Strike a Pose
A Pose From Little Man
He Loves Cuddling Up with his Blanky
My Sweetie Wanted a Picture of Us Together
Easton's Tie Onesie made by Auntie Ashley
A Little Playtime
Easton's Valentine's Day Outfit - Which only made it about 20 minutes before getting decorated by an explosive diaper
Easton's Little Owl Hat
Tummy Time - Eyeing Down the Monkey that he got from us for Valentine's Day
Tummy Time - Head Lifting Progress - Looks like a Yoga Pose :)
Brooklyn's Valentine's Box that she made at school - I have a picture of her Valentine's Day outfit, but it's on Matt's phone - I will post soon
Easton Prepped for Our Coffee Date today with my friend Amy
1 comment:
Mandi - just posting to support your Babywise-ish plan of attack. I got reamed from the online community (BabyCenter) when I explained the bedtime routine/dreamfeed scenario to someone asking about sleep routines. Yikes! From that point on, I realized everyone is different and BW schedules really worked for us - can't argue with sleeping 12 hours at night at 2 months old! Especially when you have two teenage daughters that still need love and attention in the house! I know the same goes for you - Brooklyn needs some undivided attention still. She's probably handling the "big sister" job like a champ, but having a good hour or so with you two "just like old times" is also necessary and can't happen unless you get Easton on a schedule. Anyway...all this I know that you know...but had to give you a little encouragement. It's tough being a Mom! I'm here to remind you that it is all worth it! Brooklyn is your great reminder of that too! I'll be praying for you Mama!
Dani
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