The boys were watching a movie while I was working on packing for our weekend.
After about 20 minutes, Nile came in to tell me Novak was asleep.
I came out to find this sweet scene:
In bed at 6:20...wonder what time he'll be up in the morning?
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Saturday, January 12, 2013
2 for 2
This time it's on the way home from a grocery store trip with Dad...poor thing.
These mini naps throw him off for the whole day.
These mini naps throw him off for the whole day.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Afternoon siesta
Nate had a headache and wanted to lie on the couch for a while. A minute later, I looked over to see this.
I don't think I could ever get tired of watching him sleep. When he is asleep, he is my baby again.
Sweet, innocent, beautiful Nate.
I don't think I could ever get tired of watching him sleep. When he is asleep, he is my baby again.
Sweet, innocent, beautiful Nate.
8:45 am
It's 8:45 am and Novak is still in bed. He's usually up by 7, 6 even.
I snuck in and took this picture. He is so sweet when he is asleep. (he's pretty sweet when he is awake too)
It may be an interesting day...
I snuck in and took this picture. He is so sweet when he is asleep. (he's pretty sweet when he is awake too)
It may be an interesting day...
Monday, June 20, 2011
sleep training...?
We have been struggling with Novak with sleep, on and off, since he was born. Admittedly, we haven't been as consistent with his sleep schedule as we should have been, and we have not been nearly as consistent with bedtime routines as we were with both of the older boys.
Finally, it hit a head when we returned from our 2 night trip to Des Moines last weekend. At the hotel the first night, Novak slept fitfully at best, waking every few hours. I couldn't blame him, it was a strange room, a strange bed, and we had toted him around from car, to baseball game, to restaurant, and to the hotel, and he never had a real nap. Sure, he slept in the car, but as you probably realize, sleeping in the car isn't the most restful sleep.
So, he ended up in my bed that first night. It was much easier to lay with him next to me and nurse him whenever he woke up.
We pretty much put him through the same thing the next two days. Monday at Adventureland = a few short naps in the stroller. Tuesday morning at Blank Park Zoo = no morning nap.
By the time we got home Tuesday evening, I couldn't blame him for being off.
The next three nights were pretty awful. Novak would scream in his room when we would put him to bed. When trying to rock him he would fuss, thrash around, and generally just act out. I knew he was tired. Overly tired. But I couldn't get him to fall asleep. Each night we'd go in and out of his room until about 11 pm when he would finally crash.
On Thursday night I finally gave up. Or stood my ground. I'm not sure which. I finally realized there was nothing I could do for him to help him fall asleep. So I sat here at the computer for a half hour from 8:00-8:30 while he screamed from his crib. It was a long half hour, let me tell you.
But, then he fell asleep. On his own. Of course, he woke again later, but it was much easier to get him back to sleep.
So this weekend we have been trying very hard to watch his signs and to put him to bed when we know he is tired. Even before he is tired. I really want to get him to a place where he can put himself to sleep, without having to be nursed or rocked until he is out. What have we learned? Wow, were we off on guessing his schedule!
Here is what he has done the past few days, approximately.
7:00 am - wake (happy!)
7:30 am - breakfast
8:15 am - get ready for morning nap, put him down in crib by 8:30. He may cry some, but he'll stop after a few minutes and fall asleep by 9.
10:30 am - wake up (happy!)
11:30 am - lunch
12:30 pm - get ready for afternoon nap
2:00 pm - wake up (happy!)
5:00 pm - dinner
5:45 pm - get ready for bed
6:00 pm - go to bed. Hardly any crying, he goes to sleep happy.
What you'll notice is that he is going to bed around 6 pm. I think this is a temporarily early bedtime to reset his sleep schedule. I hope it is a temporarily early bedtime to reset his schedule. You see, when I work, I leave work at 5, pick up the boys around 5:15, and usually get home about 5:45. Sometimes closer to 6.
I'm trying to figure out how I can feed him dinner, nurse him, and get him ready for bed - all while I'm driving him home... Something is going to have to give here...
Finally, it hit a head when we returned from our 2 night trip to Des Moines last weekend. At the hotel the first night, Novak slept fitfully at best, waking every few hours. I couldn't blame him, it was a strange room, a strange bed, and we had toted him around from car, to baseball game, to restaurant, and to the hotel, and he never had a real nap. Sure, he slept in the car, but as you probably realize, sleeping in the car isn't the most restful sleep.
So, he ended up in my bed that first night. It was much easier to lay with him next to me and nurse him whenever he woke up.
We pretty much put him through the same thing the next two days. Monday at Adventureland = a few short naps in the stroller. Tuesday morning at Blank Park Zoo = no morning nap.
By the time we got home Tuesday evening, I couldn't blame him for being off.
The next three nights were pretty awful. Novak would scream in his room when we would put him to bed. When trying to rock him he would fuss, thrash around, and generally just act out. I knew he was tired. Overly tired. But I couldn't get him to fall asleep. Each night we'd go in and out of his room until about 11 pm when he would finally crash.
On Thursday night I finally gave up. Or stood my ground. I'm not sure which. I finally realized there was nothing I could do for him to help him fall asleep. So I sat here at the computer for a half hour from 8:00-8:30 while he screamed from his crib. It was a long half hour, let me tell you.
But, then he fell asleep. On his own. Of course, he woke again later, but it was much easier to get him back to sleep.
So this weekend we have been trying very hard to watch his signs and to put him to bed when we know he is tired. Even before he is tired. I really want to get him to a place where he can put himself to sleep, without having to be nursed or rocked until he is out. What have we learned? Wow, were we off on guessing his schedule!
Here is what he has done the past few days, approximately.
7:00 am - wake (happy!)
7:30 am - breakfast
8:15 am - get ready for morning nap, put him down in crib by 8:30. He may cry some, but he'll stop after a few minutes and fall asleep by 9.
10:30 am - wake up (happy!)
11:30 am - lunch
12:30 pm - get ready for afternoon nap
2:00 pm - wake up (happy!)
5:00 pm - dinner
5:45 pm - get ready for bed
6:00 pm - go to bed. Hardly any crying, he goes to sleep happy.
What you'll notice is that he is going to bed around 6 pm. I think this is a temporarily early bedtime to reset his sleep schedule. I hope it is a temporarily early bedtime to reset his schedule. You see, when I work, I leave work at 5, pick up the boys around 5:15, and usually get home about 5:45. Sometimes closer to 6.
I'm trying to figure out how I can feed him dinner, nurse him, and get him ready for bed - all while I'm driving him home... Something is going to have to give here...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Success!
Remember the window issue in Novak's room?
It's fixed. (at least, it's vastly improved)
The solution?
Window darkening film. Less than $20 and it's like putting sunglasses on your windows. I only put it on the arch top window. I'm considering getting more for the bottom windows, but we'll see how this does first.
The room is much darker...let me create a "before and after" for you.
Before: (Note the sunlight streaming in the top window)
After: (much improved!)
These two pictures were taken the same time of day, on super sunny evenings. It may not look like that much of a difference in the photos - but it's an incredible improvement. Hooray!
And Novak was able to put himself to sleep tonight.
Double Hooray!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A room aglow
Not really conducive to sleeping, eh?
This weekend I will be getting something, anything, to darken his room.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sleep, again
This time change has done a number on Nile. It is 9:15 am and he is back in bed, sound asleep. I hope this is from the time change and not a new illness.
Oh, and a note: last night Novak didn't sleep all that well. The curse of publicly posting strikes again. :) I did knock on wood, really!
The above was originally written on Monday morning. Now it is Tuesday morning. Turns out Nile was/is actually sick. He laid around the house all day, taking another 2.5 hour nap in the early afternoon. Finally I took his temperature at 3:30 and it was slightly elevated (100.3)- so I gave him some ibuprofen. An hour later and he was back to normal. So we went out to dinner. Now it is 7 am and he is still asleep in bed. And I am hoping he is feeling better...I am supposed to go to work today.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
I think it's safe to say...
That we have FINALLY entered a new chapter in the sleep saga that is Novak. (as I breathe a deep sigh of relief...)
For the last three nights, Novak has slept, from when we put him down (around 7), until approximately 2 am, then after nursing, back to sleep until 6-7. And, blessedly, he is happy when he wakes up.
This is truly amazing stuff.
He is 5.5 months old, and for the last two months (since Christmas), he was up about every 2-3 hours every night. And, I've been having a really hard time getting him to nap. So hard, in fact, that I was (and still am, a bit) convinced that he wasn't napping because his room isn't dark enough. Yesterday he didn't nap AT ALL. Literally. A few 20 min cat naps in my arms, but the moment he was put down in his room, wide awake.
But right now, he's asleep in his room, and has been for the last 2 hours. Can you see me dancing?
And the best part? He's been happy! Very happy! All day! He plays, he talks, he rolls around the floor, and he now can play in his Exersaucer (that Nile and I brought up from the basement and cleaned off for him on Friday).
I have been reluctant to post this because I was sure that the moment I did, he'd revert back. So I have held off for three days. (Last time I posted, it didn't last more than that one night). So I waited for a few days to see if it was really true.
Hold on while I knock on wood...
I think we might have broken the night waking habit!
Well, my sweet baby just woke up. Going to go get him now! :)
For the last three nights, Novak has slept, from when we put him down (around 7), until approximately 2 am, then after nursing, back to sleep until 6-7. And, blessedly, he is happy when he wakes up.
This is truly amazing stuff.
He is 5.5 months old, and for the last two months (since Christmas), he was up about every 2-3 hours every night. And, I've been having a really hard time getting him to nap. So hard, in fact, that I was (and still am, a bit) convinced that he wasn't napping because his room isn't dark enough. Yesterday he didn't nap AT ALL. Literally. A few 20 min cat naps in my arms, but the moment he was put down in his room, wide awake.
But right now, he's asleep in his room, and has been for the last 2 hours. Can you see me dancing?
And the best part? He's been happy! Very happy! All day! He plays, he talks, he rolls around the floor, and he now can play in his Exersaucer (that Nile and I brought up from the basement and cleaned off for him on Friday).
I have been reluctant to post this because I was sure that the moment I did, he'd revert back. So I have held off for three days. (Last time I posted, it didn't last more than that one night). So I waited for a few days to see if it was really true.
Hold on while I knock on wood...
I think we might have broken the night waking habit!
Well, my sweet baby just woke up. Going to go get him now! :)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
the sun also rises
Oh, glorious day!
Oh, happy day!
I love mornings! (well, not really, but I think you get the idea)
Novak slept last night. He SLEPT! He went to bed at 6:30, and didn't wake me until 2:20 am - then slept until 5:45!
After the last few weeks of being up almost every two hours, crying and needing to be nursed to sleep, last night was like pure bliss.
Why the change, you might ask?
Well, last week we decided to take him to the doctor to make sure there wasn't a medical reason for him to be waking so much. Turns out he had the start of an ear infection, but more telling, a red, irritated throat. Nate had two rounds of strep earlier in the month. Poor baby probably had it too.
Either way, I'm taking this new sleep one day at a time. Who knows, tomorrow he may be up four times again!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunshine, rainbows, and puppydogs
Nile bit Nate this morning. He came very close to breaking the skin. Nate is going to have a nice bruise.
And Novak was up at 10:30, 1, from 2-3, and 4 am. For the last few days he has been sleeping an hour or two at best at night. It may be from being sick, but I'm tired and wishing there was an easy solution. Actually, I'm kind of hoping that posting this will cause some sort of cosmic shift and things will change magically. It's not too much to ask, right?
See, life here isn't always rainbows, sunshine, and puppydogs.
Nice way to start a Sunday morning, right?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Bedtime questions
Nile: "Mom? If Novi wanted to sleep in my bed I would hold on to him all night."
(holds up arms in circle shape)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
How I got Novak to sleep today.
Ignore the fact that I haven't showered or put on makeup, I tried to strategically place the camera so I wasn't in the shot.
Have I mentioned I love the Moby Wrap? It's a beautiful thing.
Sleep, in any form
Well, the honeymoon phase is over. At least the one where the baby will sleep whenever, wherever.
The last few days, I've struggled to get Novak to sleep. Where just two weeks ago, he would sleep at the gym in his carseat while I ran on the track, now he will not. Yesterday I took him to the gym, he fell asleep in the car, slept while I dropped off Nile in the babysitting room, slept while I carried him up the tiny spiral staircase (bumping the car seat into the railing multiple times), and slept for about five minutes while I started to run. Then he proceeded to wake up, started to fuss, and the run was over.
Now if I were alone in the gym, I wouldn't be opposed to letting him fuss a little, because he might actually go back to sleep. But I just don't feel right letting him cry (even just a little) while there are other people trying to use the track.
So today, I thought "I will just get him to nap at home before we head in! That will work! He napped so well in his crib last Saturday!"
Right.
It's now 11:30, and after several attempts to lay him down for a nap (I've been trying since 8:45), I gave up, put him in the swing so I could make Nile lunch, and within five minutes he was sound asleep in the swing. I know, you're probably wondering, "So what? Let him sleep there! What's wrong with that?" It's the principle of the thing. I won't be able to put him in the swing to sleep forever, and I have this fear he will never nap in his crib if I don't start working on it.
But...I know I should enjoy this break, as long as it lasts. I have Christmas cards to address, gifts to shop for, and a 3.5 year old who needs attention. Off I go...
The last few days, I've struggled to get Novak to sleep. Where just two weeks ago, he would sleep at the gym in his carseat while I ran on the track, now he will not. Yesterday I took him to the gym, he fell asleep in the car, slept while I dropped off Nile in the babysitting room, slept while I carried him up the tiny spiral staircase (bumping the car seat into the railing multiple times), and slept for about five minutes while I started to run. Then he proceeded to wake up, started to fuss, and the run was over.
Now if I were alone in the gym, I wouldn't be opposed to letting him fuss a little, because he might actually go back to sleep. But I just don't feel right letting him cry (even just a little) while there are other people trying to use the track.
So today, I thought "I will just get him to nap at home before we head in! That will work! He napped so well in his crib last Saturday!"
Right.
It's now 11:30, and after several attempts to lay him down for a nap (I've been trying since 8:45), I gave up, put him in the swing so I could make Nile lunch, and within five minutes he was sound asleep in the swing. I know, you're probably wondering, "So what? Let him sleep there! What's wrong with that?" It's the principle of the thing. I won't be able to put him in the swing to sleep forever, and I have this fear he will never nap in his crib if I don't start working on it.
But...I know I should enjoy this break, as long as it lasts. I have Christmas cards to address, gifts to shop for, and a 3.5 year old who needs attention. Off I go...
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Quiet Time
I'm letting the boys have quiet time on the floor while we watch the Hawkeyes. They brought out their sleeping bags.
Novak is napping in his crib.
The Hawks are winning.
Life is good.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Genius Mom
Nile came running into the bathroom (as a mom I get no privacy)
"Mom, you're a genius. Novak is sleeping!"
"He's really sleeping!"
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...
Well, it's been exactly 7 days since we moved into our new house. Finally I feel like I can sit down and be on the Internet for more than 2 minutes...and finally it is starting to feel like home.
We love the new house. So far there is nothing that I don't like about it. I'm sure I will find something eventually, but in the first 7 days, nothing.
Both boys have settled in very easily to the new routine (or maybe just to any routine, the last few weeks before moving were CRAZY). Nile in particular has really adjusted well. We made the executive decision not to set up the crib in his new room.
Last week, before moving, we thought we might be able to find a twin size bed frame for him. Six, maybe seven, stores later, we did not find one which we liked. It's amazing how many bunk beds these stores sell. I mean, honestly? And to get away from the white "princess" beds to get a brown wood bed frame was pushing $700 or more at most stores.
So, needless to say, we don't have a bed frame for Nile. But, we do have a mattress. So, Nile has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor for a week. Without drama. Yes, my child...the overly dramatic one...has been waking up happy! (Flashback to just a few weeks ago) And so far, unlike his brother, he actually STAYS in bed once we put him down. I'm sure this part won't last, but it's wonderful right now.
I've been hoping to get a photo of him in his bed sleeping, but with the room darkening blinds it's just way too dark for a photo. And he has no desire to pose for me right now. So...maybe later.
We love the new house. So far there is nothing that I don't like about it. I'm sure I will find something eventually, but in the first 7 days, nothing.
Both boys have settled in very easily to the new routine (or maybe just to any routine, the last few weeks before moving were CRAZY). Nile in particular has really adjusted well. We made the executive decision not to set up the crib in his new room.
Last week, before moving, we thought we might be able to find a twin size bed frame for him. Six, maybe seven, stores later, we did not find one which we liked. It's amazing how many bunk beds these stores sell. I mean, honestly? And to get away from the white "princess" beds to get a brown wood bed frame was pushing $700 or more at most stores.
So, needless to say, we don't have a bed frame for Nile. But, we do have a mattress. So, Nile has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor for a week. Without drama. Yes, my child...the overly dramatic one...has been waking up happy! (Flashback to just a few weeks ago) And so far, unlike his brother, he actually STAYS in bed once we put him down. I'm sure this part won't last, but it's wonderful right now.
I've been hoping to get a photo of him in his bed sleeping, but with the room darkening blinds it's just way too dark for a photo. And he has no desire to pose for me right now. So...maybe later.
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