Catch up~

Well, it's been awhile since a posting. Not a lot has happened, Sofie is still teething and sleeping in her crib! ALL BY HERSELF! We had a little bump here and there but for the most part. She is a "ferberized baby".

Sofie is doing well in her daycare. It's too cute, she already has a few friends that she plays with. This is another friend of Sofie, her name is Kaylin. Kaylin is a few months older than Sofie but it's too cute seeing them play with each other and get along. We know they are gonna be best buds!

This was on one of our outings. Just the two of us.

Sofie is rambunctious as ever and has developed a new found talent. YELLING! Yes, ladies and gentlemen she is gonna have a temper like her mama. I guess it's the Irish blood in us.

It's so funny, we'll be in the grocery store getting ready to check out and out of nowhere- "HEYYY" or "AHHHR" Sofie is trying to get someones attention or just growling at the poor bag boy. What's really hilarious is when I'm feeding her and if I take too long getting that rubberized spoon full of pureed goodness in her mouth...boy do I hear it! She has developed such a unique personality. Totally different than that small silent infant we use to swaddle.

We took Sofie to her first "midget car race". Well, it was the fist time for us as well. We had lots of fun. These cars looked like those Hot Wheel cars. We took her Uncle Ryan with us and we all had tons of fun!

Well, some bad news; Sofie has her very first cold.

She has been such a trooper. She started feeling warm on Friday. And sure enough, Saturday she had a fever of 101.8 with a nose full of snot. Nick and I had to become experts with a rectal thermometer. We watched her all weekend and tended to our little snuggle bug.

She is getting a little better but still under the weather. We feel so helpless. There really is nothing to do for a baby except give lots of hugs and tons of kisses.

Her appetite is still good. She can still put back a bottle of formula!

So close!

Well, we are believers in the Ferber Method. At first we had our doubts but now, after sleep has been restored to the Allen household we LOVE IT!! Sofie has been able to sleep in her crib through the night for the last four nights. She is still crying when we lay her down for bed, but she only cries for less than five minutes. She is still fussing around 3 a.m. but is able to put herself back to sleep and remain sleeping until about five. Which is perfect because with our new schedule both Nick and I are getting up at that time.

Yesterday was Nick's first time attempting the "routine" and he did a magnificent job. He has become such a wonderful, loving father. I always knew he would be a great Dad, but he has far exceeded my expectations. He is involved, patient and concerned as much if not more than I.

As we continue the Ferber Method we are trying to hit another milestone. Sofie is so close to crawling! I think my camera has become my permanent accessory. She is able to get up on her knees and rock back and forth but has yet to take that first crawl.


Keep posted for any updates.

Day 2 of mission "Ferberization"

Well, I almost cracked. Sofie is running a slight fever and I nearly caved in and was going to have Sofie sleep with me tonight. With some much needed advice from a friend I was able to suck it up and stay the course.

We think Sofie is getting in some teeth and that is causing a fever. She is showing all the signs of teething...drooling, irritability, tugging at her ears and not really wanting to eat. After last night I think I am just looking for reasons to pick her up and keep her close. But, this is the best thing for EVERYONE!

After last night 2 a.m. awakening, she went back to sleep and woke up again around 4:45. I fed her and put her back in the crib until she woke up again at 6 a.m and then we both fell asleep until about 9 a.m. I know, I know...it's a SLIGHT slip. I'm still proud of myself!

This afternoon we continued with the method. I put her down for a nap around 1:15 p.m. and she cried for less than five minuets and fell asleep until 2:30 p.m. This was a breakthrough! Sofie never takes naps like this. At most she would sleep for 30-45 min.

Tonight our routine changed slightly. Sofie did not get a bath but did get her story. She did not last long... after a dose of Tylenol she fell asleep during our bedtime story. As I put her down in her crib, she cried for a minute or two and then was out.

Tonight, I think it's gonna be a little rough but will only get easier with practice. I will keep my trusty monitor right next to me. Meanwhile, reminding myself it's for the best and will make her happier in the long run.

Sleep little Sofie.

Well here I am, it’s 2 a.m. and I am trying to “Ferberize” Sofia.
Dr. Ferber is a Pediatrician and Director of The Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston's Children's Hospital. His practices are tried and true. There are dozens of "sleep methods" out there but Nick and I decided to attempt this one because it promotes "self-soothing". Meaning, a child has the natural ability to put themselves to sleep rather than having to be patted, rocked or other form of soothing. The link below gives some great advice.

http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/june04/sleepless.html

I am trying to get her to sleep in her own crib and begin the task of taking back my bed. I have loved snuggling her and having her hug me in the middle of the nights…but I think I’m just being selfish. I want her to be a good sleeper and have healthy sleep habits.

So we started this long and painful night with our new bedtime routine. Dr. Ferber says it’s the best way to signal it’s time to go to sleep. We fed Sofie a good meal, gave her a nice warm bath. Told her a nice and loving bedtime story, gave her kisses and hugs and gently placed her in the crib. Well, two seconds later as we were walking out of the room she figured out we were not taking her with us and immediately began to scream. According to Dr. Ferber…parents must wait it out. We waited five minuets, went in and “soothed” her and walked out of her room…meanwhile she is still sobbing. I waited ten minuets and then, like magic…she was out. During the entire time I’m watching my poor little snuggle bug on our video monitor wanting so badly to rush in there and grab her and hold her!

Sofie woke up at 1:20 a.m. rested and ready for round two. Well, 45 min. later…she has fallen back asleep and I’m feeling the dark circles starting to gain momentum. I can only imagine what I’m going to look like tomorrow. What ever happened to the “glow” a woman gets during pregnancy? I think it’s our body laughing at us, as if it knows all the sleepless daunting nights we are in store for!

According to the HUNDREDS of sleep articles that we've read, it normally takes about three nights...well see! Cross your fingers and say a prayer for both Sofie and me.

Seventh Month posting

CALIFORNIA 2008

Sofie spent her seven month mark back home in California. We were in town for a very special wedding and we took advantage of a free day and spent it soaking up the sun. Just our family.

"Mothers Bay" Huntington Harbor

I took Sofie and Nick to Huntington Harbor, to this secluded bay where I spent a lot of time with my mom growing up. The weather was perfect and brought back a flood of wonderful childhood memories for me. Taking Sofie to the beach were I spent so much time as a kid was special. I still can't believe this special little girl belongs to Nick and I.

Sofia is a wonderful traveler! This kid was born to travel. Much like Nick and I, we love to experience new and familiar, but forgotten places. We can't wait until she is old enough to enjoy going to new places and making her own memories.

Huntington Beach Pier

Our little girl is growing before all of our eyes. It seems like it was just a few short months ago that I was posting blogs about her arrival. She has been such a blessing and the carefree baby Nick and I prayed for. She is PERFECT!