E.A.S.Y. = Sleep Schedule

Hey there ladies, here's the lowdown: Day 1 through 16 weeks: This is the schedule for the first 6 to 8 weeks or if the baby hits 11 pounds, whichever comes first.  It should take about three days or less to get this schedule down.  Always swaddle baby with a miracle blanket (I just use a receiving blankie) every time they go down.  They outgrow or wiggle out of it around 4-5 months or earlier if the baby rolls over in the swaddle.  Now, when you wake baby from a nap (except for the 10pm feeding), you'll immediately unswaddle him/her, and if you want, change diaper and then feed.  Or, however you want to do it... we've taken the schedule and made our own changes to fit our lifestyle, and this is just how we do it. 7am - Feed Playtime (Just a note on "playtime": me and my husband were wondering how we could play with our daughter, being that she was so young! Well, we just started by laying out a blanket on the floor, brought out some rattles, books, stuffed animals, etc. and would talk silly to her, show her toys, sing, put on music and just kept her occupied. Turns out she LOVES playtime now. She "talks" a lot more, and just loves being engaged! I'm so glad we were pushed to find this out. But, sometimes my daughter just likes to sit in her swing and chill out-- we don't ALWAYS do such vigorous play, as they like to just chill out too! Plus, sometimes she's just not into it.) 8:15-8:30 to 10am - Nap 10am - Feed Playtime 11:15-11:30 to 1pm - Nap 1pm - Feed Playtime 2:15-2:30 to 4pm - Nap 4pm - Feed Playtime 5:15-5:30 to 7pm - Nap 7pm - Feed Playtime (great time for a nice, soothing bath) 8:15-8:30 to 10pm - Nap 10-10:30 - Feed  (Note: no playtime here, and this feeding is a dreamfeed, this means you keep baby swaddled, lights low, no talking or engaging him/her, so they go right back to sleep with a nice, full belly. 3am/4am - Feed (Note: if baby wakes up earlier, try to keep him/her asleep with a pacifier (if you use one-- we do) until at least 3am. I will feed my daughter if she's really hungry and I  know it, I don't condone starving the poor kid! The person who gave us this schedule recommended using a (pumped) bottle for this feed, as it's easier for baby... I just nurse her, but that's just what works for us. ____________________ Your goal is to make sure baby gets a full feeding each time, as this keeps him/her cozy enough to sleep through naptime and through the night. Newborns are super sleepy, so the challenging part is waking them up from naptime.  Try blowing on face, use a wet washcloth, change diaper or tickle ears. I HATE that part, it is hard when I see my girl sleeping so well, so it's hard. I give her time to wake up, and don't do it too fast, or try to rush her. Additional playtime activities: bouncing, mat, tummy time, watching mobile, walking around with them showing them stuff, bath, listening to music & dancing (they like the motion you give), very limited TV (baby likes seeing the colors, but obviously we use this in moderation) The 3am/4am feeding is the first one to go when they hit 5/6 weeks or 11 pounds.  Try to keep them down with a pacifier (if you like) until you get to 4am, then 5am... all of a sudden (it just happens one night) it's 7am! Remember: don't change diaper if you can help it, and don't talk. Now, the diaper changing thing... I only change my daughter's diaper if I know it's too much. She doesn't mind, but sometimes it bothers me too much and I'll change it. Most times, she's really woken up after that and it's harder to get her back down (especially late at night), so for her last awake diaper change, I'll slather on the Desitin or Butt Paste to protect her little buns from moisture and that helps with rash. The 3am/4am feeding is dropped at 7-8 weeks.  Once it's dropped, the 10/10:30pm feed becomes the dreamfeed. Around 11/12 weeks, you can change to a 4 hour schedule: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm, and 10/10:30pm. Naps are from 9-11am, 1/1:30-3pm, and a catnap at 5 to 5:45/6pm. At 16 weeks, you can drop the 10/10:30pm, they start not to consume as much because they'd rather sleep.  Remember, all babies are different, so you can change the program to fit your needs!    Each feeding is different, sometimes it takes half an hour, sometimes 20 minutes, it just depends how hungry my 9 week old is. As it says below, I unswaddle for feedings, except for the dreamfeed at 10pm and in the middle of the night. I burp her when I know she has one, I can usually tell 'cause she's fussy. She's fine and we haven't burped her after every feed, but when I have, I just picked her up swaddled - easy. I always wake her at correct time even if she's sleeping. It's part of why she sleeps so well. And if she didn't eat enough at a feed, she'll fuss early and sometimes I will get her up before scheduled time and feed her. As I said, it's not to be taken super rigidly, sometimes you'll improvise according to your baby's needs. GOOD LUCK, mamas! We are sleeping so well here, it's so worth it. Just know that at first (and even later) it's not easy to keep such a strict schedule, so it does take determination and patience, but it's worth it for us. Also, don't force things (feed times, etc) if you think you need to let him/her eat a bit earlier or later. I'd love to hear if it works! Much luck to you all, Angie Rindge PS: If you have any questions, feel free to email me: angierodriguez77@att.net PPS: Someone asked how to get baby to sleep, here's how I do: I swaddle baby, place her on a pillow and rock her. Sometimes it's quiet, sometimes it's just low noise level, and she still cries when it's naptime, but just give him/her time. She will whimper until I quiet her by rocking, shushing, stroking her head/hair, and she always has her pacifier. I know some of you don't use one, but mine loves hers! Also, sometimes I'll rock her in the rocking chair and when it's time to put her in her crib (she sleeps there always), she might need a bit more comforting, and it takes time, but she'll eventually fall asleep. This is something that takes time and training, so have patience! I feel for you mamas whose babies have to sleep in your arms, it must be rough... good luck!

Currents & Recent Works

CURRENTS (and then some of my recent workings below!):

time: 9:30 pm
location: in my bid, three pillows behind me, two under my swollen feet :/
eating: just finished a Fiber One Oats & Chocolate granola bar -- the best ones out there, folks.
drinking: some good ol' unsweetened iced tea
listening: to "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"
creating: Aha, I finally have something to share! I've been having tons of fun with embroidery (on paper, of course).  I realized on our last trip that I could lightly pencil ANYthing onto a card front, poke holes in it along those lines, take some colored embroidery thread and do the do!  I've been doing simple phrases, but plan on trying some simple drawings.  You can check them out below.  I should also post pics of the banner and sea creatures I made for my baby shower -- maybe next time. ;)
wishing: for a rootbeer float... seriously.
wanting: to get going with putting our crib together!  After that, baby's room will just about be done!!! :) 
needing: to get going with having this baby.  Seriously, my feet aren't looking so good, and I'm a whale.
thinking: about the kid in my belly who is doing jumping jacks... again.  I guess I can't complain -- I get worried when he or she is too still, so this way at least I know he/she is okay.
doing: relaxing, about to call it a night... it's been a long day!


Now, here's the stuff I've been working on...  I plan on finding some baby clothing patterns this week and begin trying to make some clothes on my sewing machine.  I can stitch simple stuff on paper, but I'm ready for a new challenge ;)

This was the first one I did... on the Amtrak, it was so relaxing to be on a moving train, sewing...

This one is for my husband's grandfather, but commissioned by his mother, so that's why it's made out to "Dad".  I think I'll put it on a light blue background, or brown.... we'll see.

This one I had in mind for a card (for a friend who is away for the summer) at first, until I started thinking about using it for a scrapbook page.  We've had so much fun this summer, I'll need something like this for at least one layout... not sure yet.

 

 This can be for a few different people who I have reason to thank recently... we'll see!

That's all for now.  Hopefully I'll have lots more to share very soon, all this embroidery has gotten me back in the crafty mood, and I'm ready to go!

CURRENTS:

time: 4:25 pm
location: kitchen
eating: just finished a nice big bowl of rice krispies with strawberries... mmmm!
drinking: a little bit of chocolate milk -- gotta be careful of high bloodsugar :/
listening: to my husband trim the palm trees outside, just finished an awesome 80's cd mix
creating: I'm guilty of not having created jack s@#t in a very long time.  I will make birthday (or any other occasion) cards when family or friends order one, but it's been a very slow few months in the way of crafting. The funny thing is, my husband just got me this awesome sewing machine for my birthday, so I should be having fun in my craft room, but I haven't been. That's going to change... I'm feeling VERY motivated today!
wishing: I could take a break from gestational diabetes and have a huge banana split... just this ONCE? I've been so good since my diagnosis!
wanting: Some Mister Huey's mists and some stencils from Studio Calico -- they are on point lately with their kits, I may have to cave and finally get a monthly subscription. 
needing: to figure out what to make for dinner... the "gardener" will be hungry soon! :)
thinking: about making banana bread... or maybe some oatmeal cookies.
doing: relaxing for a minute after having taken my mom to breakfast for her birthday, going to my sister's house to pick up some hand-me-down baby stuff, and a light cleaning of the house... I feel like watching a scary movie tonight!! :)

Stay tuned for some projects... I actually have pics to post of cards I've made in the last few months, which I'll do on my next post.  (whoever you are that I'm talking to!)

CURRENTS:
time: 8:21am
location: office/craft room
eating: nothing. having a spot of tea and wishing I had a nice blueberry scone to go with it. :/
drinking: see above
listening: the quiet house... love it
creating: still in the planning phases of making a new scrapbook layout, scouring awesome blogs for inspiration
wishing: for a tidal wave of said inspiration... and the momentum to keep it movin'
wanting: endless spending privileges at simonsaysstamp.com - dies to die for!
needing: to do some gardening this morning... all in due time ;)
thinking: that I am so happy in my life today, I mean, here I am crafting on a weekday morning! life is good....
doing: today? visiting with the soon-to-be mother in law and niece for swimming & lunch, tending to my new snapdragons in the backyard, picking up a finished piece of jewelry, digging up old photographs for a slideshow, (hopefully) getting going on a project, and doing a few loads of laundry. i have a mind to go and see "The Raven" tonight at Triangle Square :)

Again.. been awhile.

I haven't made many cards in the last few months... it's been due to many things, but I hope that will change very soon.  I remembered I HAD a blog yesterday, and so here I am.  Let's get to it.

(The description to each card will appear underneath the photo)

This card was created for Tom's mom's friend/neighbor, who I found out later is a woman, not a man, named Billy.  I tried to stay within the manly colors of blue, brown, red, etc... I guess it all worked out, because I put glitter on it, ha!  I got into a bookmark making phase there for a minute, and now all the readers close to me have new ones.  Oh well.

Here's a card I made using the Everyday Pop Up Cards cartridge.  I like it, no mystery there, but I do have to say: the cartridge as a whole was sorta disappointing.  I have NO idea how to actually USE the pop-up feature, and so I haven't yet.  It's nice to have something new and challenging to work on, but this is sort of silly, it's so confusing.  Anyway, I like this card.  I have to admit, the simpler ones are ALWAYS my favorites.  The scalloped circle was made from a Spellbinders Nestibilities die, and I definitely need more of those, so much fun.  Plus, I get to use my Vagabond more... win-win.  (Uh-oh, just realized I posted two cards in a row that I used the same polka dots paper for... well, it's a pattern I liked, sue me!)

Now, this card is another one that really made me smile... it's for Tom's sister-in-law, and since I haven't met her, and only know OF her, I had to guess as what she might like.  You're thinking girl=flowers, right?  No, not really how I meant it.  I just found those jars (on a patterned paper) and was dying to use one... the dots were lonely all by themselves, and so... well, so what if we like flowers?! :)  I am also realizing I need to utilize more of my Sew Easy stitching heads, and not just that boring one (above).  Again, simple is best, I think.

Again with the Pop Up cartridge that I claimed not to have had any fun with... am I losing credibility here?  I guess it's not so bad. :)  I used colors on the text and the sewing machine that matched with the stitching that I had done FIRST.  I think I stitched that little square about five months ago... so much has changed since then...

That's all I have today!  I'm going to face my first day without a job and not much to do... YIKES! :/  I guess that means: expect more cards! :)

It's Been A While...

Well, what can I say?  Things happen and one forgets she has a blog at all.  What are you gonna do?  I have only a few cards to share from over the last couple months... well, I guess since right before Valentine's Day.  Lots going on, busy busy busy and the cards have taken the back seat for a moment.  I will be back at it very soon once I'm home from work (May 4th - woohoo!) and I'll be sure to share at least once a week then. 

For Valentine's Day, I made these cards for my three BFF's here at the office:

After I got my Sew Easy tool and lots of cute baker's twine, I sorta went crazy with the stitched edging, and it was on EVERYthing for a minute, there.  I got every attachment head that goes with it (unless there are more now, sheesh) when my local scrapbook store had a 40% off sale.  I ended up buying each for about 1.50.  What a steal!  But, I'd still rather have a little sewing machine... we'll see. :)

Here's a birthday card that I made for one of Tom's friends who he hadn't seen in many, many years.  I asked him what the guy liked, and Star Wars it was!  Here it is:

The inside reads, "He'd say, Happy Birthday!".  I had fun making this card, because it was like the old days when I didn't have a Cricut, and I had to make all my dies by hand, free form.  I seem to feel more proud of those cards than the ones where all I had to do is glue the pieces together.  Whateves, I still adore my Cricut!  (FYI: the Silhouette is pretty freakin' cool... is that something I should get?)

This next card is what I made for my sister's 32nd birthday, which just passed.  We celebrated at Benihana, and I am STILL thinking about all that rice and meat.  MMMMMM!  Here it is:

I made the cupcake die from my new Cricut cartridge, Everyday Pop-Up Cards.  I have yet to understand the dynamics of the pop up element, but I'll figure it out.  I have occasion to send out many thank you cards very soon, and I'd love to do a pop up for that... at least for some. 

I'm going to sign off now since I really need to get down to business at work.  I'd much rather watch You Tube videos and play in my craft room, but somebody needs to make a little money!  The way things are going, I'll surely be back after the beginning of May.

xooxoxoxoo

Valentine's Day Already?

I have begun making my Valentine's Day cards for this year's fiasco. I love Valentine's Day, but only because I get to tell the people I love that I love them, and not seem like a maniac.  I grew up in a home that those words were given freely, often, and I miss that.  One day, I'll give my own kid that kind of love. :)  For now, I'll just make cards so that other people can get the point across in a tasteful manner.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

This little card is a remake of one I made last week, the one I said would be perfect for duplicating.  It was easy enough, and if it sells fast, I'll make more.  I can use different paper, colors, etc.  I like the simplicity, and can see it being given to a person who isn't super mushy, like a guy.

Now, this is an idea I got off Martha Stewart's site, I think... she had the lollipops on birthday invites, or something and I couldn't resist knowing I had lollipop sticks from Christmas.  I used my glue gun to adhere the bow, and dimension dots to make the hearts pop. 

Here's a card I made in about one minute.  I used most of that minute trimming the frayed edges off the cut strips of paper, too.  I like the raw look of this card, it just might be another duplicated card made in bulk.  What a hustler I am! :)

After Valentine's Day, we have a little break from holidays, until Mother's and Father's Day, and this will give me time to work on the new website and get my arsenal built up again.  I've been thinking of making better use of my space in our shared office, and have some really good ideas. I need to organize my paper and have a better storage plan.  I found some paper the other day at the bottom of my pile(s) that I haven't seen in a year, so I'm thinking vertical files of some sort.  Separate them by size, color and pattern.  Project time.

Oh!  I will be making my niece's first birthday invitations next month, I just remembered.  I'd also like to do some party favors, or a banner... Anabella will be one year old, I just can't believe how time flies.  She is walking now, and wearing shoes regularly, look:

Look at those cool shoes!  I heard that over the last few days she began walking... YES! :)  I can't wait to see her, see her walking...

Here's Bella playing with the hippo that Auntie and Thomas got her for Christmas:

My sweetiepie!  Her smile is so sweet, I swear I could just scream.  It looks like she just woke up, or is ready to go down for a nap. 

That's all for now, as if I haven't rambled on for long enough. 
XO