baby wise

when i was pregnant, i quickly became overwhelmed at all of the books out there about having a baby and child rearing. each book seemed to contradict the other! so i chose after Jones was born to not listen to anything I read and just let him fall into a schedule naturally.


well, he did. and it included being awake from 1 am - 5 am many nights.


Not only that, but I could not plan my day at all. I would let him nurse at the first sign of crying, resulting in all day 5, 10 and 15 minute feeding sessions. We were both exhausted. And he was taking random naps on my chest - never in his crib - and not getting quality sleep resulting in a fussy baby.


after not being able to leave the house and many tired nights, I decided to take everyone's advice and utlilize BabyWise. I read the book when I was pregnant, but re-read it the other day.

We are on day 3 and it is fabulous.


Don't be fooled -the first day was terrible. The book warned about starting this late - it can be done, but there will be tears.


And there were.


And not just from Jones. The first time I put him in his crib for a nap, I sat outside his door with a bag of chips and cried my eyes out. I wanted with my whole heart to go pick him up and make him stop crying. But I stayed strong (with the help of talking to my sisters and mom during the crying) and he went to sleep after ten minutes. And, yes, it felt like 10 hours.


Now he still wimpers when we put him down for his naps, but it is so much better. And last night he slept from 9:30 - 3:30 and then went immediately back to sleep after eating and slept until 8. glorious!


And not only that, but I am feeling more confident. I know his cries. If he's tired, hungry, bored, etc. And can judge by the clock and his cry what we should do. I used to just offer my chest. Now I now know he eats, has an activity, then naps.


We are all much happier.


I do think that each mother/father/child must do what works for them, so I am not saying this is the only way, but if you are interested in my review: IT WORKS!


We are not to a perfect schedule yet, but we are getting closer and closer. And I just had to share the good news with my blog friends.


Now I am about to go to my in-laws to swim. Yes. I just bought a swimsuit. That is not fun when you DIDN'T just give birth. Welcome, first mommy swimsuit, welcome.


But first, I leave you with total cuteness:

morning happiness - love that dimple

he learned how to blow spit bubbles with his medicine
A little activity time

my sweet chunk of love