Matt spent his first Father's Day out of town. We didn't see much of him as he left for Dallas on Friday afternoon and didn't return until Sunday evening.
Grandma,Mom and I worked on getting Reese to put herself down for her naps and bedtime. Needless to say it wasn't all fun and games. Reese has gotten accustomed to Grandma holding her during her naps and Matt or me rocking her down at night. I finally decided it was time to break this cycle before she gets any older. I know it's best if she learns to fall asleep in her bed, but it's not going to be easy. Friday night was pretty bad, but she finally fell asleep after a few comforting visits from me. I'm still trying to rule out hunger as a reason for her crying (I know...she's probably not hungry; just wanting someone to give her some attention or pick her up), so I'll offer he a bottle while she is still in her bed. This seems to work pretty well, but I know it's not the final solution. She woke up hungry at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, so I fed her and then put her back down and went back to bed. I drifted in and out of sleep and heard her talking to herself every time I woke up. I had set the alarm for 6:30 to stay on schedule, and when I got up she was awake, but not too hungry. During the day on Saturday and Sunday we worked on getting her to fall asleep in her bed for naps; she had good and bad moments. However, I am happy to say that she slept all night both Saturday and Sunday night and I didn't put her in our bed like I normally do at 5:00 a.m. I would hear her give a little cry, but then she would be back to sleep. Today, she didn't sleep for more than an hour all day. Reese cried in her bed more than she slept, but Grandma stuck to her guns (and our wishes) and didn't hold/rock Reese to sleep. We are hoping Reese will get the hang of it this week or else we'll all be tired.
I have to admit that I question everything; doesn't every new mom? I wonder, How long should I let her cry? (her pediatrician says indefinitely...Yikes) Is she still hungry or just mad? How long will this take for her to start falling asleep on her own?
~ If you have any words of wisdom or encouragement, we'll take it.
Tonight, Reese was in a good mood even though I know she was super tired. When we gave her the last bottle she passed out after only 3 ounces, but proceeded to wake up multiple times. Matt gave her more bottle and her paci; as of now she is sleeping.
Here we are tonight after her bath.
Over the weekend, Mom and I put Reese's exersaucer together...she enjoyed it and was able to stand and hold her head up. My friend Marca suggested we put her in the seat backwards to give her more support until she is a little bigger.
Cuddling with Mommy after waking up from a mid-day nap on Saturday.
Reese has figured out how to use her feet and legs to push her body. She looks like a gymnast to me.
On her way to rolling over while chewing on her dress.
And...success! Reese rolled over (this picture is the second time). I am so glad I was there to watch her roll over for the first time on Saturday. She needed help getting her arm out from underneath her.
More leg workouts.
Playing in her exersaucer for the first time.
Reese is also eating more cereal. I feed her in the morning and evening. She seems to like it mixed with water instead of formula. I also tried some first bananas, but she acted like they were sour. I tasted them...not bad, but I always liked baby bananas.
Reading with Daddy last week.
On Sunday, Grandma, Reese and I went to the grocery store at 8:00 a.m. and then headed to Mom's house for Father's Day breakfast with Mom and Sam. We had waffles, pancakes, bacon and fruit. It was delicious! Afterwards, Mom and I went to see "Sex and the City" while Grandma and Sam hung out with Reese. The movie was SO good! I loved it and highly recommend it.
Since Matt was out of town for Father's Day weekend, we are celebrating with Matt's family next weekend.
1 comment:
Letting them cry is sooo hard! I give them 10 mins to cry. Hayden still requires rocking until she's almost asleep and her eyes are heavy, then I put her down and let her fall asleep. If you give Reese a bottle in her bed, make sure her head is inclined otherwise, fluid stays in their ears (only saying that b/c I did it w/ Caroline). She might be starting to teethe too--Hayden has been a rough napper through teething. Once she gets the cereal thing down it helps to have solids about an hour before bed.
Happy 1st Father's Day, Matt!
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