Wordless Wednesday

Nightweaning

About a month ago, when Jony got back from his business trip, we decided that it was time to start doing something to help us get all get some sleep. So, we set up a bedtime routine that we would really stick to and decided to nightwean. Nightweaning has not been easy on Jony since now all the wakings are up to him. If I get up, he will not go to sleep. He just wants the boob. Mind you, Jony had been able to sleep a lot more in the first nine months than I did, so it's only fair that it's my turn. Anyways, we started seeing results almost immediately. It's hard to tell which of those two things actually made the most impact or if it really was both of them together, but we're not changing a single thing. I'm not risking anything! The first change was his actual bedtime. What used to be around 11pm-1am is now pretty consistently 8:30/9pm-ish. That alone was a great thing, giving us both a little time to ourselves and together to just unwind and get ready for bed. Then, the first waking starting getting farther and farther away. He used to get up about 1 hour after he went to sleep every night; sometimes earlier, sometimes (much rarer) a little later. He now doesn't wake up until about 1/2am! We've gone from an average of 3-4 wakings to mainly just one, sometimes two.

For the first three weeks or so, I would still have to take over and give the boob to calm him down and get him back to sleep. For the past week, though, I've been going longer and longer! Now, for the last two nights, I haven't had to at all! Sweet sleep! I did wake up with rock hard boobs and a huge wet spot on my shirt this morning, but I'll take it. I'm sure we'll still have a bad night every now and then, but I believe that we have successfully nightweaned! I can't imagine it will be too much longer before Jeffrey gives up that last one or two wakings. He goes back to sleep pretty quickly (unless his teeth hurt) when he realizes it's not me. We can also hear him stirring over the monitor sometimes: he'll wake up and then put himself back to sleep. Amazing. We are so proud of him. And ourselves for sticking through it and maintaining our goal of not using CIO.

He likes books!!!

FINALLY.

I love reading. I have an English degree. I'm a certified Secondary English teacher; I went to school so that I could instill a love in reading in my students. Only to become a SAHM (which was always the plan) with a boy who doesn't like to read. It hurt my heart. I'd try daily only to have the book slammed shut and pushed aside as he maneuvered himself to get a ball.

Now, my friends, things are changing. He's listening to his bedtime stories (although he won't sit in your lap; he chills out in his crib and plays with his toys while listening). He wants to be read his weekly books every day (I rotate books/toys weekly, although he can get the other books when he wants to). He'll actually sit there and watch me read them to him! He even has started approaching the books and flipping through them on his own! It's so exciting for me!

I'm not sure if he finally just gave in to all my pressure to like books (ha), if signing is impacting it any since I make the signs when I read, or if it was just his time as far as reading goes. I don't care, though, because he likes books. That makes me happy.

Also, on a semi-reading note, this post completes the 30 day Blog Challenge! I believe I took one day over the 6 weeks, but I think I did alright.

The Walking Dilemma

Jeffrey is walking. It's crazy, but it's true. I would say that he's walking about 25% of the time now. He always at least attempts to walk. He gets a bit farther every day, and now he's able to stand up on his own without having to pull up. Thus, he has the option of walking a bit more now. It's adorable. I love it.

However, he wants to walk everywhere. Or at least attempt to do so. For the most part, we let him. We do a lot of walking holding one of his hands (which makes my heart die every single time because it's so darn cute) because he can walk for quite a while like that when we're out of the house. There are some times where it's just not appropriate to walk yet, especially for being such a beginner like he is. Cue tantrums. This is where the dilemma is: You're so excited for them to walk so you don't have to carry them all the time, but then when you need to carry them when they can walk (like a parking lot, for instance) they throw a fit. I imagine he'll figure out the rules fairly soon, but it's been pretty iffy the last few days! I'm thankful that he still loves being worn, so that helps in a lot of circumstances. It's just those quick little trips that are causing havoc in our lives.

L: Learning

This is a part of myABCs of (my) Parenting series

I'll admit that I'm a hardcore researcher. It's my vice, for sure. Just needed to throw that out there since I'm already trying to figure out what I want to do in terms of schooling for Jeffrey. Such as going to the Open House at or zoned Elementary School today. Yes, at 10 months old. I like to be prepared.

I'm not a big fan of public schools, even though I am a certified teacher. If it were just the teacher (one that actually wants to be there and is trained) in a classroom, it would be fabulous. It's the politics surrounding public education that grind my gears. I'm severely against No Child Left Behind because there is no logic in teaching to the lowest achieving kid in class. How does that help anyone? Teach to the highest! That way, even though that low child might not be at the same point, he'll be higher than he would have been than if he were not expected to do well. Also, I am frustrated with how the day is all about taking a test. In Texas, we have the TAKS test. Gag. Basically, they spend all year learning the do's and don'ts on how to take the test: wording it properly and such. If it were just a test to see where they're performing, that would be great! However, it's obviously not that way. Jony and I are products of public school, and we're alright. However, I firmly believe that my lack of motivation to improve whatever I'm doing is because I was never pushed in school. Didn't need to be. I passed with flying colors on my own.

So, what are the other options? Private school is not in our budget, unfortunately. I doubt we would have considered a religious school which limits the choices a bit, anyways. I am looking at information regarding homeschooling. While it's not my favorite option, I know that I would be able to be an effective guide for my kids. Plus, the flexibility would be nice. There are tons of options for homeschoolers now: co-ops, programs, and even part time schools! So, the socialization aspect is null. I don't believe that he'd turn out to be weird, either, because we'd be homeschooling on the principles of him having a better education and not because of extreme religion or anything like that. There's also a program in our area (in the public schools!) called the Dual Language program. This is something that I haven't looked into much but am VERY interested in. While I'm not so insistent on Jeffrey knowing spanish, these are great programs with the very best teachers in the district. Plus, it's all students who want to learn (as you have to get into the program) with parents who are involved.

I'm going to a BIRTH fair next weekend that will discuss some of the other options- more for the younger ages, though: montessori, waldorf, unschooling, etc. I'm hoping to attend the seminar for that and get some more info. I just want to make sure that we make the best choice for Jeffrey! Education is far too important to just send him to the school he's zoned for with no second thought.

Wordless Wednesday

Jeffrey Goes to the Park

10 Months!

Incredible. There are TWO NUMBERS in his "age."I hate to say it, but my little squishy baby is now a toddler. I'm constantly shocked when I look back at him in the car in his big boy car seat at just how much he looks like a little boy. He's definitely not a baby anymore. He's all over the place and learning something new every single day. I love it.

10 Month Stats:

• 19.4lb and 29 inches
• He's wearing 6 month tops and 9 month bottoms with a few 12 monthers thrown in there. As for onesies, he's between 6-12 months. All over the place. 
• Sleep has been seeing some improvement! He's down to just one nap on most days and is going to sleep pretty consistently around 9pm. It's been anywhere from one to four wakings between then and about 9am.
• He's still doing great at eating. Fruits are the preferred food, followed by meat (chicken is the favorite of the meats). He's getting much better at getting it all in his mouth, resulting in less mess. I can see us winding down the usage of the bib (but not for a bit more)
• STILL just the bottom two teeth
• WALKS! He can go up to 10 or so steps at a time. He always takes at least one step when going somewhere.
• has really picked up his signing! His top sign is 'milk,' but he can also do 'more', 'eat', 'clean', 'dog', 'duck', 'ball', 'fan', 'light', and is tentative at 'all done'
• He can squat down, pick something up and stand back up, but he's not been able to just stand from sitting/crawling yet without pulling up on something.
• has added two words to his vocabulary: "Coco" and "Dada"- both have completely replaced "mama." "Ball" and "Dog" seems to be following close behind.
• can blow kisses and give kisses
• loves to high five!
• knows how to open drawers and cabinets
• can roll a ball back and forth
• loves putting stuff in something and then taking it out (repeat over and over again)
• claps when you sing "If you're happy and you know it..." He stomps occasionally. Nowhere near "Hooray!"- haha!

I Feel Old

Last night, I decided to watch the MTV VMA's, as they're usually pretty fun to watch. However, it just made me feel like an old lady. I'm obviously out of touch with pop culture when I can't tell who the artist is vs. the name of the song. I didn't know ANY of the songs that were nominated and had barely even heard of any of the performers (except for Usher and Linkin Park, as they were around in my younger days- lol). I'm not even old, I realize this. I'm only 24, but it is very apparent that I have stepped away from those types of things since the arrival of my little man. At least I know now that, if I want to get back into pop culture, I just need to get acquainted with Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

A Few of Jeffrey's Favorites

1) bathtime:

2) getting into the cabinets:

3) being worn:

4-5) being outside and Coco :)

6) taking his toys in and out of things

7) pushing the laundry basket all around the house while I try to do his diaper laundry. It's especially funny when I throw diapers at it. This also ends up with diapers all about the house.

8-9) water and his sippy cup (now that we added the straw attachment, he's all about it)

10) walking!!

Wordless Wednesday: Video edition!

He walks! from imavera on Vimeo.



Hanging Outside from imavera on Vimeo.

Couch to 5K

I made it my goal for 2010 to run a 5K race. Have I done anything to make this happen? Nope. I'm not in horrible shape, so I could potentially make it. It would just not be pretty at all. I for sure would be able to finish it, at least, even if I didn't run the whole way. The thing is- I'd like to be able to run it. I used to be athletic, and I felt good about myself. I'm pretty confident post-child, but I figure that a little boost never hurt anybody.

The issue? The 5K is the first weekend in October. Oops.

Therefore, I'm doing a modified Couch to 5K program. I decided on the Cool Running program since it seems to be highly recommended. Instead of doing it 3x a week, though, I'm going to do it everyday except Sunday. I'm not out to break a speed record, so it's more a matter of endurance. Starting tomorrow, I'll load Jeffrey up in the stroller and hit the park that's near our house for some training. Maybe when I'm done, I'll even let him toddle about the playground for being such a good sport and cheerleader.

I've birthed a child. I should be able to at least jog an entire 5K. Wish me luck!

It's like he knew...

Last night, I hit a wall when it comes to Jeffrey's sleep. After almost 10 months of only a few hours at a time and being kept up later than I would like, I was just done. I told Jony that I couldn't handle it anymore and that I was giving up all nighttime parenting. I just need a break. We decided that all we had left to really try was CIO. We were both severely upset about the decision, but I feel like we had no other options. We weren't going to just throw him in there, so we decided that we'd finish out the night and look into starting tomorrow (tonight). He finally fell asleep about 1pm and slept until....wait for it...9am!?! That, ladies and gentlemen, is the longest that he has ever slept in his entire life. I swear he knew just what we needed. We're going to just continue our bedtime routine as we had now in hopes that maybe we're turning a corner. Now that he's got the walking pretty much down, maybe sleep will be around the corner. After all, it's what happened with Jony!

The Transition

It's becoming very apparent that my little man is beginning to transition into a toddler. He's learning so many new things every day and is becoming super fun to interact with. I just love his little (big) personality. Along with the tiny little steps he can take, he's also showing emotional signs of being a toddler. He's all about exploring and learning how to manipulate, figuring out what causes what and is basically just all over the place. Puzzles are his absolute favorite toy, and he can do the majority of them pretty effectively! He's even begun to be able to do some sorting and can put his little money coins into his pig toy. He's perfected stacking and loves playing with his rings and his blocks. He really loves stacking with all of our tupperware (which he knows where it's kept and will go and get it out of our cabinets in the kitchen). He's always been an independent little man, but I'm seeing less and less "baby" in him as the days pass by. It is sad to admit that those days are long gone, but it's so exciting to see his growth and watch him enjoying learning so much.

Plus, there's really not anything much better than a little boy who's romping about the house exploring that just stops and looks at you to flash you a big grin and blow you a kiss and then continue on his adventure.

Wordless Wednesday

Clean House

Apparently, I've been sitting around just waiting to hear that I was chosen for some cleaning show on TLC. No such luck (I think you have to apply anyways...). Meanwhile, my house is a disaster. I've mentioned before that I'm a pretty crappy homemaker, and there would be no denying it if you walked in my front door right now (after you managed to get past the stroller and suitcase that's been there since we got back from the cruise in June). We're not super clean freak kind of people, though, so it's not that bad. It's not disgusting or anything- just cluttered and messy. There is a slight bit of an issue, though. First, Jony has been working non-stop for the past few weeks, and I know that the clutter is a source of stress for him. Second, we're having some of his closest friends over Saturday afternoon to celebrate his 25th birthday. In light of these two circumstances, I have decided that I need to clean the house as a birthday gift for him. Even though he's not having to work as much anymore, I know that he would really appreciate a good-looking home. Plus, I don't want to be embarrassed when people come over. My kid is almost ten months old; that excuse doesn't really fly anymore (although it should!) I'm doing it in spurts- a little bit each day and trying to keep it a bit of a secret so that when he gets home on Friday (his actual birthday), it's super spotless. My mom is going to even come over Friday to play with the little man while I do the last bit of thorough cleaning.

Today, I vacuumed. Normal vacuuming (not abnormal), but I also got the edges and under the cabinets and in all of those hard to reach spots. Just one of those chores that you keep pushing back because you don't want to do it. Jeffrey was fascinated watching me, haha! Tomorrow, I plan on dusting. Wednesday will be the bathrooms. Thursday will be windows and furniture. Friday, I'll be doing the last minute touches along with de-clutterfying and cleaning the kitchen counters and appliances. None are things that are likely to really get noticed until the Friday activities. I'm pretty sure he'll be thrilled. This, along with the new TV and surround system he's getting for his birthday (and the price reduction on his car insurance!) should make this a pretty great 25th birthday for him. And he deserves it.

Burned Out

I've felt it creeping up on me slowly, but I was trying to push it aside and not acknowledge it. Well, that doesn't work. Today, I found myself a second away from a mental breakdown. Thankfully, Jony was able to come home due to some network problems. That worked out for the better. He let me just sit, cry and think for a few minutes to really gather myself together. I'm pretty sure doing it completely alone last week just sent me over the edge. Even before that, though, I could see that I was starting to get frustrated too quickly and wanted to just sit around and have nothing to do with anybody. I really don't think that I have PPD because I'm perfectly content and happy when I'm out of the house and doing something. When I'm at home, though? Another story. I guess it's because I equate home to being this place where I can just kick back and relax. That is SO not the situation with a 9 month old. It's way more exhausting to be home than to be out and about all day. I've realized today that I NEED to make some time for myself. Even if it's just for an hour or two. And it needs to be out of the house- away from everyone. I've had my reality check. Jony is an amazing help; he does a whole lot and even helps at night. He wants a break at night, too, so I usually give it to him. In turn, I'm beginning to resent him. He realized that he needs to step up a bit more in those regards. I just feel that I'm constantly having to be "on," especially since I have a child who goes to sleep at 11/12pm and still wakes up at least once. I don't even have the nighttime off. I am completely burned out.

Overall, I love staying at home, and I really want to make this work. So, we've sent out an SOS to the grandmas who are each going to take him one afternoon a week for a couple of hours. It's a win-win-win situation, and it doesn't make me look like a bad mom. I was so worried that I would look lazy to them if I asked for any help, but they were so excited about the opportunity for some one-on-one time with their little guy. He really loves hanging out with them, so it should be great. I'll go out and just be alone- go shopping, sit at a bookstore, get a smoothie, etc. Anything I want. I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about it. We'll reevaluate in a month or so (we have to give it a good amount of time since Jony is swamped at work and is constantly working- definitely has not helped the situation any, but that's not his fault). If it doesn't seem to be working, we'll look into a MDO program.

I'm really optimistic and am just ready to feel like my old self again and be able to really enjoy my time with my little man.