I don't know if I can call it a success just yet, but I'm going to anyways. In my last post I wrote about our upcoming attempts to change Charlie's sleeping routine. I think the song and dance once required is out the window!
Here's our new routine:
I grab his blanket, pacifier and froggy and we read a story in the rocking chair. I turn on his mobile jungle noises (he's always listened to those at night), lay him in the crib with his things and walk out. I pay attention to the clock and go in every ten minutes of crying--lay him back down, give him his pacifier and froggy, but don't pick him up. Walk back out.
I kept track of how it went...
Yesterday
morning nap: 50 min of crying (went in 5 times)...asleep!
afternoon nap: 20 min of crying (went in 2 times)....asleep!
bedtime: under 10 min of crying (didn't go in)....asleep!
Today
morning nap: 15ish min of crying (went in once)...asleep!
afternoon nap: under 2 minutes of crying (didn't go in)...asleep!
bedtime: no crying...asleep!
It has worked!!! Not only that, but his naps have been better: he sleeps longer and is happier when he wakes up. I'm thinking he was probably waking up early and couldn't fall back asleep on his own.
It might sound lame but I am so proud!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Parenting Lessons
On Saturday we babysat a family in our ward. They have a set of twins (around Charlie's age) and a little boy. We got there right before nap time and I was a little worried. Knowing our nap time routine for Charlie, how were we going to do that for Charlie and two twins? There aren't enough arms! Guess how they fell asleep? We put them in their cribs, gave them a pacifier and their blankets. That was it! They played a little bit, but in no time both babies were asleep. Magic! I was doing this while Tony swaddled Charlie, gave him is pacifier, rocked him until he was asleep and carefully laid him in his nursing pillow.
Oh boy. Are you laughing? He is our first child after all! I enjoy wrapping him up and cuddling in the rocking chair, plus I have the time for it since it's just us. However, am I doing him any service by not letting him learn how to put himself to sleep? Will he be 15 and I'm still giving him kisses, waiting until he's out cold before I leave him?
Last night I rocked him to sleep...we were beginning our "new sleep system" the next day. After 1 hour he was up and crying. Oh no, do we wrap him back up and rock him one last time? I was strong and waited 10 minutes before going in his room. He was really happy :) Just kidding, he was as mad as ever. I gave him his pacifier, laid him back down, walked out. Waited ten minutes and did the same thing about three times. After half an hour guess what? He had put himself to sleep. It worked!
Today is our first time trying this at nap time. I read him a quick story. Grabbed his blanket, froggy and pacifier and put them all in the crib. His facial expression was saying, "um, is this some kind of joke?" as I laid him down. I walked out. Ten minutes later here I am typing away this post. We'll see how many times I have to go back in there.
It might be a rough few days, BUT it will be better for him and us in the long run.
Wish us luck!
Oh boy. Are you laughing? He is our first child after all! I enjoy wrapping him up and cuddling in the rocking chair, plus I have the time for it since it's just us. However, am I doing him any service by not letting him learn how to put himself to sleep? Will he be 15 and I'm still giving him kisses, waiting until he's out cold before I leave him?
Last night I rocked him to sleep...we were beginning our "new sleep system" the next day. After 1 hour he was up and crying. Oh no, do we wrap him back up and rock him one last time? I was strong and waited 10 minutes before going in his room. He was really happy :) Just kidding, he was as mad as ever. I gave him his pacifier, laid him back down, walked out. Waited ten minutes and did the same thing about three times. After half an hour guess what? He had put himself to sleep. It worked!
Today is our first time trying this at nap time. I read him a quick story. Grabbed his blanket, froggy and pacifier and put them all in the crib. His facial expression was saying, "um, is this some kind of joke?" as I laid him down. I walked out. Ten minutes later here I am typing away this post. We'll see how many times I have to go back in there.
It might be a rough few days, BUT it will be better for him and us in the long run.
Wish us luck!
Walking Boy
Charlie has taken off with his walking this past week.
He can almost walk across a whole room! He still has the house down in routes of climbing along the furniture/walls, but he's slowly getting braver and braver with his walking. It is so fun to watch!Thursday, August 26, 2010
Today.
Today has been a great day (so far).
This morning we went to the park and played on the swings.
Then went to the library for baby story time--so fun!
Home for a nap.
.....2 hours 15 min later Charlie woke up! This is probably the best nap he has ever taken! I was able to finish laundry, dishes, shower, etc.
To celebrate the nice nap and gorgeous weather, we got a little ice cream treat and headed back to the park. We are trying to be outside as much as possible before the heat wave comes back!
Afterwards we went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some supplies I am REALLY excited about. I've had this project in mind for over a year, but have been too scared to commit to it. Tony and I are going to work on it together this weekend. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer it turns out. You are all on the edge of your seats now, right? I will post pictures of the finished product...if it works! 
I also picked up some fabric--just for fun. I love fabric but don't sew or have a sewing machine. I just like buying fabric. I always seem to be using it in little projects here and there. I decided to stop feeling guilty and just buy it when I find stuff I love. I picked up a yard of this beautiful red fabric and white polka dots. It was on sale with the seasonal fabrics. I would have red and white polka dots everywhere if I could, so I don't consider it to be seasonal, but am happy to pay the seasonal discounted price!
We're off to the antique store next! Pretty soon Charlie won't want to go to all of these places with me and that will be a sad day. I love having my little best friend with me all the time. Except when he's cranky :)
This morning we went to the park and played on the swings.
Then went to the library for baby story time--so fun!
Home for a nap.
.....2 hours 15 min later Charlie woke up! This is probably the best nap he has ever taken! I was able to finish laundry, dishes, shower, etc.
To celebrate the nice nap and gorgeous weather, we got a little ice cream treat and headed back to the park. We are trying to be outside as much as possible before the heat wave comes back!
Afterwards we went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some supplies I am REALLY excited about. I've had this project in mind for over a year, but have been too scared to commit to it. Tony and I are going to work on it together this weekend. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer it turns out. You are all on the edge of your seats now, right? I will post pictures of the finished product...if it works! 
I also picked up some fabric--just for fun. I love fabric but don't sew or have a sewing machine. I just like buying fabric. I always seem to be using it in little projects here and there. I decided to stop feeling guilty and just buy it when I find stuff I love. I picked up a yard of this beautiful red fabric and white polka dots. It was on sale with the seasonal fabrics. I would have red and white polka dots everywhere if I could, so I don't consider it to be seasonal, but am happy to pay the seasonal discounted price!
We're off to the antique store next! Pretty soon Charlie won't want to go to all of these places with me and that will be a sad day. I love having my little best friend with me all the time. Except when he's cranky :)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
10 months
My baby is 10 months old today! 
In 2 months he will be a year. I can't believe it.
Over the past while he has become quite a daddy's boy. Tony now has him pulling and crawling all over him. Charlie's absolute favorite thing to do is wrestle with daddy.
He is just full of life!
This video is of Charlie and Tony playing after church today.
In 2 months he will be a year. I can't believe it.
Over the past while he has become quite a daddy's boy. Tony now has him pulling and crawling all over him. Charlie's absolute favorite thing to do is wrestle with daddy.
He is just full of life!
This video is of Charlie and Tony playing after church today.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
So much better
I think everyday needs a little romance. Little reminders as to why you are married in the first place.
Thursday: lunch date. I dressed up and wore my blue skirt and red earrings.
Went running and got a foot massage after.
Friday: went to our walking trail...talked about the future, dreams we have.
Shared a sonic drink.
Saturday: had breakfast together. Toast, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, juice.
(started eating. stopped. changed a horrible diaper together. finished eating. now that's teamwork)
He makes life so much better.
It's rejuvenating to get a little creative.
Thursday: lunch date. I dressed up and wore my blue skirt and red earrings.
Went running and got a foot massage after.
Made our favorite dinner while he gave Charlie a bath.
You can find the recipe here along with lots of others.
You can find the recipe here along with lots of others.Friday: went to our walking trail...talked about the future, dreams we have.
Shared a sonic drink.
Saturday: had breakfast together. Toast, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, juice.
(started eating. stopped. changed a horrible diaper together. finished eating. now that's teamwork)
He makes life so much better.
It's rejuvenating to get a little creative.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Something old, something new
Remember this window?
Ta da!
I finished it today! Charlie played in his kiddie pool while I worked on the back porch. We had a great time.
Don't you just love the handles?
I'm debating whether or not to hang something on the window? Some kind of decoration...maybe a wreath? We'll see what I can find.
I probably spent $5 on everything: I used old paint and sandpaper to spruce it up, found the fabric on sale and bought a can of spray adhesive (to stick the fabric to glass).
This may end up in our family room or bedroom-- I haven't decided yet, but it will add a nice splash of color to one of our bare walls.
It was a fun little project.
Ta da!
I finished it today! Charlie played in his kiddie pool while I worked on the back porch. We had a great time.Don't you just love the handles?
I'm debating whether or not to hang something on the window? Some kind of decoration...maybe a wreath? We'll see what I can find.I probably spent $5 on everything: I used old paint and sandpaper to spruce it up, found the fabric on sale and bought a can of spray adhesive (to stick the fabric to glass).
This may end up in our family room or bedroom-- I haven't decided yet, but it will add a nice splash of color to one of our bare walls.
It was a fun little project.
The sly one
Last night Tony and I were watching TV on the couch while Charlie quietly played with his toys in front of us.
Tony nudged me and I saw this...
His walker toy was tipped on its' side and was now being used as a step stool.
I'm telling you, nothing is off limits! He has Tony's childhood step stool in his bedroom which I think is darling, but now he's using that to climb up to his nightstand and knock everything off.
He's a climber.
As I'm typing right now, I hear the blinds fluttering next to me...
Yes, less than 3 feet away and he quietly climbs up to play with the blinds. Maybe he knew I was writing about this very subject and wanted to give me more material? I don't know, but I'm glad I had the camera sitting next to me.
He's a sly one.
Tony nudged me and I saw this...
His walker toy was tipped on its' side and was now being used as a step stool.
I'm telling you, nothing is off limits! He has Tony's childhood step stool in his bedroom which I think is darling, but now he's using that to climb up to his nightstand and knock everything off.
He's a climber.
As I'm typing right now, I hear the blinds fluttering next to me...
Yes, less than 3 feet away and he quietly climbs up to play with the blinds. Maybe he knew I was writing about this very subject and wanted to give me more material? I don't know, but I'm glad I had the camera sitting next to me.
He's a sly one.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Posting Again
It has been a while since I've posted anything that's been going on around here.
We've had a whole lot of this...
and this...
and this...
going on.
So fun.
Poor Charlie is teething and I wish all of his teeth would come in so we could just get it over with! I hate seeing him in pain and the runny nose along with crankiness is getting old. However, I am determined to stop the rut we've been in and make a new start. This morning we went to the park and played on the swings. Charlie was in heaven. I hadn't had breakfast yet so we stopped by the store for a new box of cereal. Just for fun. We shared it once a got home.
It has been a good morning.
Something funny, he's obsessed with this little piece of paper and carries it around. It's partially plastic (or something) so it doesn't tear, but bends and crumples like normal paper. It came layered between some coasters we bought.
It's fascinating to watch a baby. To see the things they get excited about. Out of all the toys he has, he chooses this little piece of paper to be his favorite thing. It's just funny.
We've had a whole lot of this...
and this...
and this...
going on.
So fun.
Poor Charlie is teething and I wish all of his teeth would come in so we could just get it over with! I hate seeing him in pain and the runny nose along with crankiness is getting old. However, I am determined to stop the rut we've been in and make a new start. This morning we went to the park and played on the swings. Charlie was in heaven. I hadn't had breakfast yet so we stopped by the store for a new box of cereal. Just for fun. We shared it once a got home.
It has been a good morning.
Something funny, he's obsessed with this little piece of paper and carries it around. It's partially plastic (or something) so it doesn't tear, but bends and crumples like normal paper. It came layered between some coasters we bought.
It's fascinating to watch a baby. To see the things they get excited about. Out of all the toys he has, he chooses this little piece of paper to be his favorite thing. It's just funny.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
So Sad...
If you wear their clothes, you've probably heard about this by now...
Isn't this just so sad? I wear their shirts & tank tops practically every single day. I LOVE them and have never found anything as well fitting.
I stocked up on a few items tonight online, but all of the white shirts and tank tops were completely sold. At least the ones in my size ( I think one size was left?)
Anyways, hurry over to get your last order in!
Isn't this just so sad? I wear their shirts & tank tops practically every single day. I LOVE them and have never found anything as well fitting.
I stocked up on a few items tonight online, but all of the white shirts and tank tops were completely sold. At least the ones in my size ( I think one size was left?)
Anyways, hurry over to get your last order in!
The BEST highchair
I guess I'm doing a little free advertising here but I have to write about my absolute favorite highchair.
This one...
Let me tell you what I love about it:
~it is incredibly easy to assemble
~there is no fabric which means I can wipe the whole thing down. I could even spray it with a hose if I needed to.
~there are also no little indents, openings, etc where food can get stuck.
~it costs $25--- $19.99 for the chair & $5 for the tray. ( just know the shipping can be pretty pricey if you have to ship)
If you are looking for a highchair I highly recommend this one. It is AWESOME!
This one...
*the tray is not pictured, you have to buy that separately*
the antilop highchair from Ikea.Let me tell you what I love about it:
~it is incredibly easy to assemble
~there is no fabric which means I can wipe the whole thing down. I could even spray it with a hose if I needed to.
~there are also no little indents, openings, etc where food can get stuck.
~it costs $25--- $19.99 for the chair & $5 for the tray. ( just know the shipping can be pretty pricey if you have to ship)
If you are looking for a highchair I highly recommend this one. It is AWESOME!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The fastest nine months
Charlie is 9 1/2 months now and is growing so fast! I swear the 9 months of pregnancy feel like 2 years, but the 9 months after birth go by in what feels like a few small weeks.
A big accomplishment happened 3 weeks ago...Charlie took his first steps! I'm telling you, this kid is go go go! He now will take a few steps to get to something else if he needs to. Yesterday, I was half joking with Tony and asked if for Charlie's birthday and Christmas we could buy ourselves new furniture? That's the only thing he likes to play with now. Walking along furniture, pulling drawers open and pulling everything on the floor is what he does all day and he LOVES it.
Charlie...
*loves to open and shut cabinets/drawers
*his favorite games are hide and go seek & peekabo0
* says "mama"
* likes to try new foods
*always wants mom's phone, laptop, camera
*is very expressive and makes the funniest faces. You can always tell what he's thinking.
* enjoys walks and being outside
* loves to click his tongue and watch others do it back
* has 3 teeth
*is a bit dramatic
* just discovered the joy of being in the bathroom. He loves to unroll the toilet paper and get into the garbage (We're trying hard to always have those doors shut!)
*he grunts and makes lots of different noises as if he is talking
*loves to wrestle with daddy
*is very much a mama's boy
*gives the best kisses
He's a complete joy. I'm lucky to be his mom!
A big accomplishment happened 3 weeks ago...Charlie took his first steps! I'm telling you, this kid is go go go! He now will take a few steps to get to something else if he needs to. Yesterday, I was half joking with Tony and asked if for Charlie's birthday and Christmas we could buy ourselves new furniture? That's the only thing he likes to play with now. Walking along furniture, pulling drawers open and pulling everything on the floor is what he does all day and he LOVES it.
Charlie...
*loves to open and shut cabinets/drawers
*his favorite games are hide and go seek & peekabo0
* says "mama"
* likes to try new foods
*always wants mom's phone, laptop, camera
*is very expressive and makes the funniest faces. You can always tell what he's thinking.
* enjoys walks and being outside
* loves to click his tongue and watch others do it back
* has 3 teeth
*is a bit dramatic
* just discovered the joy of being in the bathroom. He loves to unroll the toilet paper and get into the garbage (We're trying hard to always have those doors shut!)
*he grunts and makes lots of different noises as if he is talking
*loves to wrestle with daddy
*is very much a mama's boy
*gives the best kisses
He's a complete joy. I'm lucky to be his mom!
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Little Bored...
It's too hot and sticky to be outside so Charlie and I have been holed up in the house. We took advantage of yesterday's rain and went for a little walk this morning. It wasn't much cooler so we went to the pond and came back. I think we're just a little bored.
I'm still thinking Tony has a summer vacation. I know he has a real job now, but shouldn't adults get summer vacations too? I think so!
We pulled out his house. Remember this? He hasn't played in it for a long time and was thrilled to see it again.
Then we took a picture of ourselves...
I've been wanting to do something with an old window for a long time. My favorite antique store had them for sell for $45...there's no way I am paying that much for an old window!!! A guy in our ward installs windows, so Tony talked to him and turns out he has tons of old windows sitting in his garage. I picked up a few of them. Today I sanded and cleaned this front one...
It was so dirty but is looking great now. I'm hoping it turns out as cute as I'm imaging! I'll post pictures of the finished product when I have them!
I'm still thinking Tony has a summer vacation. I know he has a real job now, but shouldn't adults get summer vacations too? I think so!
We pulled out his house. Remember this? He hasn't played in it for a long time and was thrilled to see it again.
Then we took a picture of ourselves...
I've been wanting to do something with an old window for a long time. My favorite antique store had them for sell for $45...there's no way I am paying that much for an old window!!! A guy in our ward installs windows, so Tony talked to him and turns out he has tons of old windows sitting in his garage. I picked up a few of them. Today I sanded and cleaned this front one...
It was so dirty but is looking great now. I'm hoping it turns out as cute as I'm imaging! I'll post pictures of the finished product when I have them!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
23.
I turned 23 over the weekend!
I feel like I celebrated this birthday all week: several times with my family in Utah and then again with Tony when I got home. It was just so fun!
Tony made my birthday so special this year. He really is the best at giving gifts, which isn't something I'm great at. This year he made me a 3 course meal. Each course came with a different present :)
Charlie and I waiting while dinner was being prepared
First course: Bruschetta. Tony and I have been wanting to make this for so long! We love bruschetta and Tony did an excellent job at making it. It was sooooo good. I've been needing a pastry brush so I got that for a little present (he used it in making this)
Second course: Creamy chicken pasta with peas, pancetta and prosciutto. We love to watch The Food Network and they are always using pancetta and prosciutto (and describing their flavors in long detail, if you watch that channel you know what I'm talking about) It was fun to sample those ingredients!
This dish was brought out on red square plates. I got a full table setting of them. They perfectly match my kitchen. I love them!
Third course: white chocolate & blackberry cheesecake. I'm not talking one of those no-bake recipes. This was the homemade, baked in the oven kind. I've never tried making one myself and I was shocked that he did it. It was seriously so good. The present with this course was a set formspring pans (which I had been wanting for quite a while), which he needed in order to make the cheesecake.
See? Isn't he good at giving presents? This is why I stress when his birthday comes around!!!!
It was a birthday present enough just to be together as a family. I really missed Tony that week!!!
This past year has been a great one. I can't wait to see what happens this next year!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Utah Trip
Charlie on the planeWhile we were there...
we visited with my siblings (minus Jack who's on a mission)...
got to see my grandparents (Charlie's great grandparents)...
spent time with my wonderful parents...
spent an afternoon making headbands with the girls...
had family dinners with my cousins...
Ate way too many of my moms AWESOME cupcakes...
went shopping (I love Ikea)...
and had my birthday dinner at The Cheesecake Factory!
It was such a great trip. We miss our families so much!
Just some random pictures...
Charlie loved playing outside on my parents porch.
Hailey and Charlie at the airport
Chloe and Charlie
Brian and Charlie
My mom and I
Trent & Charlie
Love you guys!
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