We have been working with Rosie to help her sleep on her own for longer stretches at night. We have a simple little routine each night that begins between 7:30-8:30.
Here's the drill:
1) Wash Up
2) Change the diaper and into PJ's
3) Nurse with Mommy
4) Read/sing/rock with Daddy (Mommy heads out of the room)
5) Daddy lays Rosie down in the crib
Step 6 of the routine usually includes anywhere between one hour to 15 minutes of Rosie hollering.
However, tonight we hit a milestone. Daddy laid her down in the crib Rosie looked up at him and fell right asleep. No hollering, no whimpering, no crying...just sleep.
A big shout out to Rosie for getting on the sleep train!
A while back now, on my (mom's) side of the family, we cousins ended up coining the term Trans Continental Cousin Mind Link (TCCML). I can't remember how it came about (anyone want to share?) but apparently the mind link is strong with the next generation!
Back in July, while in Delaware, we put Rosie to the test a la Paul the Octopus. On 2 cups I wrote "boy" and "girl" to see which Rosie would be drawn to. It's hard to see, but on her left is the girl up, on her right the boy cup. Here was her prediction:
This morning we got a delightful call from Uncle M and Auntie A confirming Rosie's prediction! We're going to have a new nephew! I had a feeling the two of them might be in cahoots, as evidenced by this photo taken a month later:
Sneaky babies! We love them!!! Can't wait to meet you little one!
#1: When life gives you lemons and limes...
#2: This is her pensive, looking-off-into-the-distance, chubby-cheek look
#3: Auditioning for My Fair Lady or Chorus Line?! (one...singular sensation!)
Today we were invited to a pasta party in the park today! Pasta (including our rice noodles!) on the ground. Babies in diapers. Dozens of photos. Some tears. Lots of curious investigation. Seventy pasty, white carb-covered toes.
Here she is with a friend E. Rosie has met her match with E. They roll all over each other, taking turns pushing and pulling, giving each other kisses. If you can believe it, these two were NOT placed in this position. They managed to pose for the picture on their own. Too freakin adorable.
Went to the doctor's today. We got praised for being the first ones on time (early, in fact), and Rosie impressed the nurses and doctors with her waving and abs of steel.
She is strong and healthy! Here are her stats: Weight - 17lb 4oz (22%) Height - 2'3.25" (40%) Head circumference - 17.76" (81%)
Here's Rosie in the waiting room. We forgot toys so played with her hat instead.
Happy birthday Rosa! She turns 9 months by the calendar day and is about 39 weeks old which means she has officially been out in the world longer than in Mommy's belly!
Highlights of 9 months:
Sitting on her own from lying down
Still belly-crawling
Cruising (standing and scooting along the furniture)
Waves good-bye at more or less appropriate times
Sleeping on her own (more or less)
Recognizes people on the computer/phone
Loves to drink water
Pinches and twists anything and everything with her thumb and forefinger (ouch!)
This morning she woke up and we swear she looks older than last night!! We love her so much.
We've made progress! First night it took an hour for her to fall asleep. Day 2, 30 min. Day 3, 20 minutes. And today, 15 minutes. I woke her up twice to nurse (tryin to wean her off night feedings, but not waiting for her to cry) and she went straight back to sleep for one. Rosie's been a total rockstar, adjusting to this new routine. Mom, on the other hand can't seem to get herself to sleep! Mommy sleep training to follow.
Tonight we have embarked on our first night of sleep training. The goal is to get Rosie to learn how to fall asleep on her own. Which means there will be tears (from her and from us!) but I know it's best for everyone.
Send us your strength!
Update: it took just about an hour (a little more than one episode of Mad Men) for her to fall asleep. We did check-ins from time to time to make sure she knew we didn't totally abandon her (suggested by a book we read called the Sleep Easy Solution). She was a trooper. A sweaty, sweaty trooper.
It wasn't until today that I realized Rosie has not spent much time right on grass! She's usually on a blanket because the grass is dry and prickly (our lawn) or I'm unsure of whether it's cool for her to be on it since a lot of places use fertilizer and grass undoubtedly goes straight in the mouth. At the rose garden though, the grass was too lush and soft to resist.
Here she is discovering her "grass feet". It's kind of a long video, so if you're wanting a little more action check out the last seconds to see her newest skill: sitting up on her own! Wowee!