Cutest video, “Who is your favorite parent?”

Love this video. So funny!

Can’t wait for my Daniel to start communicating.

Tags: cutest baby video

Putting my two month old on a schedule

Being a first time mom with a 2 month old is not always easy. It also means figuring out what works by trial and error, and having times when you feel like falling apart. Keeping it all together and staying positive despite lacking of sleep is tough, but somehow I manage. This changes surprises me, because I was never the kind who would have this much patience. There are times when I just want to give up, specially when my baby is having his crying episode, can’t figure out what he wants, all by myself and in desperate need of some break.

The last two months was really difficult and I tell ya, I never took care of a baby before nor was exposed to one, so this much work and crying drove me nuts. At times after I put him down for a nap, thinking I am done and expect to have the next few hours myself, he’ll be up again. I am lucky if he wakes up in a good mood. But, the challenge is not getting him to nap, rather, getting him to nap in his crib or anywhere but my arms. At night, we don’t have much problem because he sleeps through the night from 7:00pm to 4:00am, waking up only to eat. There are the usual fussing, but with some light patting, he goes right back to sleep. Never a loud baby at night, so I wondered how come it would work at night and not during the day.

He sleeps well in his crib at night, which hardly works at day time. I have to rock him to sleep for an hour, but second his back touches any flat surface, he immediately fusses and wakes up, so I have to start over again. He only sleeps straight in my arms, which left me with a sore arms and extremely exhausted at the end of the day. Obviously, I couldn’t get anything done. Even eating and going to the bathroom takes effort, without him crying.

They say you can put a baby on a schedule by about 3 to 4 months. I decided to start a month earlier. So, about 5 days ago, I studied his own schedule, on when he usually feels sleepy. One of the book I read says that when you based it on your baby’s natural rhythm, before you know it, a routine is established. The first day was extremely exhausting. I had to call a friend by the end of the day just to have someone to talk to (hubby was working late). By the 3rd day, I was amazed to see some positive result so early. I can’t even tell if it was the routine or there was a change in his system.

I took note what time he usually gets drowsy, both in the morning and in the afternoon. I followed the same schedule the next day, making sure he has a full stomach and his nappy is dry before letting him doze off. The trick is never forcing a baby to sleep, which was what I was doing before, rocking him for an hour until I am sure he is in a deep sleep. Now, I don’t let him sleep until nap time. By then, he is already too sleepy that I only need to rock him 2-5 minutes, and can immediately put him down. There are times I would put him down still awake, but with just a light pat or rubbing his back, he falls asleep right away. I don’t let him sleep longer in my arms.

He has a 2 hour scheduled nap in the morning and 2.5 hour in the afternoon. A short nap of 15 minutes both times as well. He still wakes up every 15-20 minutes, usually during the first hour since he is still in a light sleep. They say that is still normal at this stage. Eventually, a baby’s sleeping pattern will regulate by 3-4 months. I had to keep watch though, and be there to pat or rub his back whenever he gets awaken (because of gas, wet diaper, or simply by his startle reflex), but I try not to lift him up again. I hope by being consistent, he will eventually learn to put himself back to sleep without any help.

I’ve also read about “self-soothing style”, also referred to as “cry it out” method, where you let the baby cry until he falls asleep. I have to say, I am not a fan of it. A lot of people say that with this approach, you risk loosing your baby’s trust and feeling of security. Letting them cry and fuss a little is healthy, but I can’t let my Daniel cry too long. I don’t want him to feel alone. I want him to feel confident that mommy and daddy will always be there when he needs us.

At this point, with the routine, both my husband and I are less tired and stress during the day. I can even do some things for myself and some chores as well. And I did noticed that he is a happier baby. Even in his up/play time, I can put him down longer without him crying. I don’t really worry much if he likes to be held a lot, I like holding my baby too. I guess, it’s all about being relax and calm yourself. Baby’s are smart and they feel what you feel. When you feel stress, they probably feel that too.

What I learned are, there are no expectations in taking care of a baby. You just have to keep a positive attitude and be flexible when something doesn’t work, be open to try another. Another thing is to keep in mind that what works today doesn’t necessarily mean will work tomorrow. These will save your life, and will keep your sanity in check, thus, you will enjoy your baby more.

Just think that they grow so fast that in no time they’ll not want to be held anymore. So, my advise for first time moms out there is, enjoy your time with your baby. Don’t be too obsessed about rules or fear of getting your baby spoiled, I don’t. There is a right time for disciplines and in teaching them independence. Personally, I don’t believe that the first 12 months is that time.