This past week we voted for our favorite films and actors for the 19th Annual SAG Awards which took place tonight. Argo, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook… And I must say that even though musicals are not typically my thing, I was blown away by the performances in Les Miserables. I can barely sing and shower at the same time, so how amazing are all those actors with their great performances?
There were many great films and amazing performances to vote for, but my favorites were not on the ballot. I could watch my own films of my two little ones – my two under two – like this one here, over and over again. I can’t say that for any of the nominated films.
Sleep. For most people with newborns, sleep is hard to come by. I was pretty lucky with Sarah since she slept pretty good through a good part of the night until she was about three months old. Then she started waking 2-4 times to eat during the night. What kept me sane through that was knowing that I would be sleep training her around five months of age. When I say “sleep training”, I mean Ferber. If you don’t know what that the Ferber method is I’ll give you a quick briefing: “The baby cries until they fall asleep on their own.” It’s not quite that simple nor as cruel as it sounds, but I don’t want to go on and on about it here when there’s a book out there to do just that if you are interested!
I am a huge believer of the Ferber method since I had several friends tell me it worked for them AND my pediatrician recommended it too. Plus this time around I already knew it had worked for Max.
Sarah turned five months in October around the same time we had guests coming to visit. We waited until the guests had come and gone so they didn’t have to deal with any daytime nap crying, and then the training began. THIS time around was different in that we were worried about Sarah waking Max with any crying she did at night. Our plan was to eventually have them share a room with all the room changing we did before Sarah was born. But we certainly couldn’t do that until Sarah was sleep trained!
You see, this whole sleep thing is like a very delicate system. Well at least that’s how I have it in my head. I don’t want ANY missteps for fear of throwing off the balance! So, we set up a crib in a room off the kitchen and waited until she’d been sleeping well through the night before we moved her into Max’s room. Which by the way only took three nights! Yes! By the third night she slept through the night!
But, when the time came to move her into Max’s room, THEN I worried again whether or not they would continue to sleep well now that they were SHARING a room. But the fear of having problems ended up being just that — fear. But, I still must say “knock on wood”. Let’s keep it going. Everyone’s all smiles after a good night’s sleep!
Last year, Max was much younger and didn’t mind being in Santa’s lap. This year, however, was much different. They took 4 photos, and I like this one the best because even though it breaks my heart to see him cry, it’s funny – like Max is looking at Sarah in disbelief: “Why aren’t you crying too? Do you know who’s lap you’re sitting in?”
You make mistakes in life. It’s just the way it is. Some small and some really big. Unless of course you are perfect. But if you are, then first… you’re wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. Whether you admit to it or not. And if you feel you are perfect, you probably don’t take any risks. Nor leave your house. Nor have any amazing victories. How could you possibly maintain perfect if you never take risks?
My daughter Sarah was not planned. A big oops!
After all the work, time, effort and planning that went into having Max — it’s quite funny. But isn’t that the way it goes? Life happens while you are making plans.
She is by far my best mistake ever made. Hands down.
Just look at that sweet drooly mess… those kissable cheeks… puppy dog eyes… adorable ears… and pink feet!
If you are doing your shopping this weekend there are some great baby deals out there!
Remember when I told you about the Woombie that I LOVED for an awesome, easy swaddle? Well, check out these two awesome giveaways: FREE Woombie knot hat with purchase of a swaddle ($14 value) OR FREE Mod Hat with purchase of a swaddle ($18 value).
And I also told you about the amazing Babee Covee. They too have a great giveaway! FREE Babee Covee Budee with purchase of a Babee Covee Budee ($14.99 value).
Happy Shopping Day!
