'No Paci' Update & Sleep Separation Anxiety Trouble-shooting- Any tips/suggestions??

Maybe we could have given up the paci months ago?!? He just doesn't care. I was expecting a 2year old hysteria, yet he's barely made a peep. I'm wondering if I became so accustomed to giving it to him that I need more 'no-paci' training than he does. He came to us from the hospital nursery with the MAM paci (I have kept it for his baby box) by his side and so we just kindof figured he needed it from then on. Eh, oh well. I'm just excited that I won't have to take another picture with it dangling in his mouth :) This whole 'no-paci' training began about a two weeks ago when I read that poking a hole in the tip of the paci (reduces suction) sometimes promotes kids to give up the pacis themselves. Loved the idea, so I poked a pretty big hole in his. I almost got to cutting off the bulb (which was another trick I read about). My whole thought on getting rid of it now was that we don't need two babies using a paci, and it certainly wasn't going to be easy on E if we waited any longer because he might then see C with a paci and get upset, and we definitely don't want to have to deal with a new baby/toddler situation plus giving up the paci. And, after C is born, then we have to deal with potty and big-boy bed training. Yes, this is how much I think these situations through- this one has been on the mind since shortly after his first birthday.

E has not napped AT ALL for the last 3 days. He's been in great spirits so I can't complain (minus that I'm totally exhausted and have been drinking coffee to keep up) or worry that he's not getting enough sleep. I'm really hoping that this is a short lived phase because I would certainly like him to nap for at least another year, especially once C is born. At the same time I am entirely grateful that, for as hard as it is dealing with pregnancy fatigue and holding the weight of two babies, C is not here yet because I have no idea how I would handle both of them all day AND night.

On top of the no naps, he's waking up somewhere between 5:45-6:30am. Way too early. 7-7 is his sleeping time (till he's in college- Ha)! A week ago I would have written that he was an amazing sleeper. Sleeping sometimes till 8:30 in the morning, napping between 12:30-3:00 (sometimes so long that I was getting worried he wasn't going to wake up), and promptly going to bed around 7pm. And the best part was it was He who was diving into his crib. The last couple nights E has had serious sleep separation anxiety!!!!!!!!! I don't know what to do. I've been doing lots of research online- to no avail, more so reassurance. I've been sticking with routine(I highly believe in this), the paci doesn't seem to be the issue at all, he cries/screams the second I try to put him in the crib and clings like a baby monkey. I've tried letting him cry it out two nights for 1-2hours. I feel that this is doing more harm than good in this particular situation (it's not the problem with routine or teaching him to sleep/self soothe). For whatever reason he just wants to be held, cuddled, loved on and misses me (I don't know why/how since I spend gobs of time with him throughout the day). Tonight I didn't let him cry or leave him stranded. I held him in the rocker while he sat on my lap, belly to belly, next to his baby brother, and I just let him fall asleep in my arms. I of course dozed off (his breathing is hypnotizing) and at some point I woke up and he was fast asleep. I tucked him into his bed. It was 8:00.

I wish I knew how to bring the nap back and make him feel comfortable to fall asleep by himself in his own bed again. It's been a long last couple days, but I'm just hoping this is a short-lived phase. I'd love to hear tips/suggestions/thoughts from other mommies/daddies out there who have been through this similar situation!......

No More Paci- Day 1

Well, it is 8:28 and I just managed to lay E down in his crib. My fingers are crossed. The poor little guy is exhausted. We've both been up since 5:48 this morning! That's right, no nap (break for Mommy). Minus the fact of waking up super early and the lack of a nap, E had a great day (no wining, no missing Paci, very cheerful, lots of fun). I tried putting him down for a nap for about an 1.5hr today, but to no avail. Even though he was obviously tired, and I had purposely tuckered him out, it just wasn't going to happen, so I opted for 'quiet, cuddle time' instead.

E seems to go through sleep phases every couple/several months (I'm assuming most babies do this). Either he wakes up super early (before 7), and as early as 5:45, or he goes through separation anxiety and needs to be held for an extended period of time before going to sleep
(a week ago he was diving into his crib, not even wanting to be held). Unfortunately, right now, he seems to be having both issues. His 'paci-to-the-babies' doesn't even seem to matter- sweet! But, this is the worst that I've seen his separation anxiety during bedtime. I need to do some research/trouble-shooting on this issue tonight. At least I know that it will come and go, like all other phases. I've let myself just kindof accept it over the last couple days and realize that it makes for extra cuddle time with the little one who just loves me- I know at some point I won't be able to cuddle with my babies in my arms anymore.

I think though, we can safely say that E has said 'bye-bye' to Paci.

Loss of S-U-C-T-I-O-N: saying 'bye-bye' to Paci

And so began my attempt to have E bequeath his Paci(s) to the babies of the world....
...Tonight.

I need some extra sleep. Why tonight?!?! It just seemed like it was time. At nearly 21months, E is completely capable of sleeping without his paci- he's done so numerous times in his carseat, or during the night when it has either fallen out or, ssshh, don't tell him, Mommy or Daddy plucks it out.

As I put on his pjs I told him that he could have Teddy but since he was a big boy now he didn't need paci anymore, that pacis were for little babies. He seemed to take it all in stride. We continued on with his bedtime routine. I read his book, turned on his fan, turned off the lights and began sing to him and he just rested his head on my shoulder. No wining or whimpering, just pretended to suck on an imaginary paci and then decided that his Teddy might taste better.

I held him extra long, figuring we were in this together, till I thought he was good to go. Not so much. Unfortunately the last several nights he's struggled to want to stay in bed after we lay him down- just wants to be held and cuddled. Yet I was very determined to make a go of the no-more-paci, but his remained within arms reach if I decided to bail (for the greater good of my sleep).

From 7 until 940 I had to continuously go into his room to hold him till he felt asleep, laid him down & let him cry for 10-15min, repeat. But the second I went in his room the crying stopped- obviously it wasn't his paci he was missing! Yea! 9:20 rolled around. I went in for one more time. Gave E the ultimatum (he had to go to sleep or cry till he fell asleep, and that I could only handle holding him for a bit longer). My back, now thrown out from holding what I think is a 35lb 21month old, plus carrying the little one inside, couldn't handle standing any longer. I sat down with both my babies cuddled in my lap. At least one of them fell asleep, while the other one kicked and squirmed around inside.

He is sleeping. I have no idea whether/how often I'll be up tonight. I don't know what my 'plans' are for tomorrow, especially nap time (do I give him the paci then??), and what about tomorrow night (is it going to go just as smoothly?). I wasn't planning on having him give up the paci for another week or so. Never thought giving up the paci would be so hard.... on me-ha.

Colin Emerson

We finally decided on Colin's middle name about a week ago and I'm excited to share it!!

Colin Emerson

(Emerson, as in Ralph Waldo Emerson, is one of my Dad's, as well as one of my, favorite American writers and thinkers.) I look at Colin's 20week profile and think that he looks so similar to his big brother, yet at the same time he is his own. He has his father's chin as well. I am beyond ecstatic to hold Colin, and am anticipating his arrival more so than I was E's, which is ironic. I have always wanted a 'Colin', and two boys, and it is so sweet to know that we have the two boys we always dreamt of. They couldn't be a more perfect reflection of our love for each other. Unlike with E, B & I have hardly done any nursery planning (we were done with E's by 20weeks). B is holding on to his office (the third bedroom) until the last minute, which have it note, makes him responsible for moving all the office furniture, electronics, painting, and setting up the nursery;) Yes, this means that the office needs to be relocated, but we've yet to determine where that will exactly be- most likely the living room which we never use anyways. With everything that has gone on the last several months we have no plans to purchase a crib or dresser anytime soon; fortunately, Colin can sleep in the playpen/bassinet for a little while if need be. I did see this bedding set in the Baby&Child (Restoration Hardware) catalog and I think it is just perfect for Colin (cloud blue and white).

I love the soft colors and the pickstitch- simple, but perfect for a baby boy, and not too similar to E's nursery colors. And, I think it would look good with the Sandstone paint color we have for the walls. When we do get the crib we are still going to go with a dark (espresso) color for the furniture, as well as the drapery.

Closer look at the pickstitch bedding.
Wonder if this the quilt/bumper/bedskirt is something I could make myself (and by that I mean would I have enough time before he arrives).
I was floored that B actually pointed this out to me the other day at the Kohl Children's Museum. Side by side, and Colin was even spelled with one "l".

Big Brother-in-Training!
I am seriously terrified of how E might react to Colin's arrival and not being the sole focus of my attention every waking second. My biggest fear was that he was never going to get used to 'independent play', but since 18mths he has surprisingly gotten used to, and enjoys, playing by himself for an extended amount of time (30min+) several times a day, and more comfortable with me leaving for a few minutes and coming back. The second issue is how he is going to react to seeing me hold and cuddle another little one. So, I pulled out my old baby doll (which is about the size Colin is currently). I let E play with the doll and pretend that it is 'Baby'. I hold it from time to time so he gets used to that, swaddle it, and 'dress' it. Hysterically, E has just started wanting show Baby all his toys and how to play with them, read him books, and make sure that his socks are on. And, sometimes he'll bring me 'Baby', like he is in this picture.
That would be B's Banana in Pajamas- Ha!
I already have E turning on/off the bouncer's music and vibrator so I won't have to when my hands are full ;)

E has been amazing with the 'idea' that he has a baby brother on the way. He knows that 'Ca'/'Ca-in' is in my belly and likes to try and 'see' him through my belly button. He loves reading all the library books I get from the library about baby siblings, particularly the series by Rachel Fuller. Recently he wants to include Colin- a couple of times when I reach to pull him out of the crib in the morning he just pulls up my shirt and gives Colin a kiss (oh, I cry), or he shares his beloved Teddy by waving him against my belly, presses his cars against my belly to share with this little brother. The sweetest was that he now wants his nighttime storytime to include Colin- he lifts up my shirt and opens the books against my belly. Oh, I do hope these two boys are the bestest of friends.

Tiny Dancer

Wanted to include this video in the last post but it just wasn't uploading.

E LOVES to dance and listen to music. I think he has an incredible appreciation for it. His favorite kid-music includes Ralph's World, Raffi, Laurie Berkner, and Jack Johnson's Curious George. and he'll dance to it the second it is turned on. He used to 'bounce' but now he loves to spin around till he falls over- Ha. Sometimes he plays his guitar or drums as he spins, but mostly just hums, immitates, says a couple of words he hears, or claps to the singing. Caught this on video and it is just hysterical. No worries, no little one was hurt at all at the end ;)

Let's Play!

Cars, Trucks, Trains, Planes!

(Click on pics to enlarge)

That is E's fleet in the lower right. When did he ever collect this many?!?!

E loves his train tracks: putting them together, pulling them apart and rebuilding, making tunnels with books and legos (taught him how to do it the old-school way). He recently discovered that his big dump truck from G Auntie P. makes for one fun scooter. His first scooting experience. I do feel a little bad that we don't have a scooter for him.
Admittedly, we have not been outdoors much at all this year, and not nearly as much as I'd like to get outside. Last year, I think we were out nearly every other day. This year, I'm exhausted at the end of the 15min it takes to get us ready- Ha. One fun family excursion was to see a petting zoo they had at a local store. I thought he was going to be a bit intimidated by the animals but he just charged right on in, chasing the chickens and head butting the goats. Our neighbor had E all excited about shoveling and E was his biggest helper!
Ah, the Kohl Children's Museum. Can't spend enough time there.
Still haven't decided if we are going to get a yearly membership. With Baby Colin on the way I'm not really sure how much time and energy I'll have over the next half year to enjoy it.
Then again, it might be the ideal place to take our boys.
Friends and more friends.
Can't wait till it warms up and we can meet up with his 'playground' buddies.

Christmas 2010, Part III

After we had a tasty breakfast of orange rolls & coffee, we got all dressed up for an afternoon of festivities with the relatives. We are so glad that we live close enough to the rest of the family to be able to enjoy Christmas mornings at our house, and then scoot on over for a family gift-opening. Unlike my side of the family that lives ALL across the U.S., B's entire family is all within an hour drive!! We spent the afternoon with the extended family eating a delicious buffet and playing games. Sadly, this was the first year that Granddad P. did not feel well enough to join us, but we certainly hope to be able to celebrate with him next year. Poor little Ethan, though, lost it around noon. He was so overwhelmed by all the festivities and number of relatives that he just tired himself out, barely ate, and then just couldn't nap no matter how much Daddy & I tried to lay him down to rest. He was just exhausted by the time we drove home in the evening! But, it was such a fun Christmas this year, and he slept well into the next morning, only to take a three hour nap in the afternoon. Now that was a Christmas gift for me!

This was as still as I got this soon-to-be two year old to pose.
E & Daddy opening a gift at the Cousins while Cousin T. looks on.

All he wanted to do was play!

Getting help from Cousin M. opening another of his presents.
It is the EverEarth garden activity cube. I know both of our boys will enjoy playing with it.

Pondering.

E began to tucker out right around noon.

He found a very comfy spot in the cat's dog bed and pulled the blanket up- Ha.

As close as I got to a pic with my little guy.

A bit overwhelmed, young-and-restless, hungry, and currently not enjoying taking pictures.
But, oh so cute!

A gift from Great Auntie P. that he 'opened up' the following day.

He actually broke into it a week early (sounds like me when I was little), but I managed to confiscate it after much to-do, and re-wrap it. He loves these little trucks (he received a different set for his birthday)!

And this is how he plays with them.

Our neighbors were sweet as always. One gave him an adorable, little workshop with tools.

And, his favorite ladies gave him this assortment of gifts. They know him more than most people and got him this with his favorite character- Curious George. We're not ones for 'character stuff', but we do find all of this super cute.

Miss N. got this way-fun fish plug for E's bathtime.

The fish swam all the way across The Pond (hahhaha- yes, N., Auntie E. told us just how far away this fishie came).

Auntie E. made the cutest ties for E. His very own which he sported over the next several days!

Not sure how often we'll actually have occasions to don a tie, however I'd like to request an order for more!!!!!! I'm excited that Master Colin will get to wear them as well.

Perhaps his favorite gift was just being able to play with Auntie E.
I think I realized this Christmas that no gift makes up for time not spent with the ones we love.

So all told, where in the world are we supposed to put all these presents!?!?!?!?!

This is E's new mass of toys & books, minus clothes and gift cards that he received.
B and I have been trying to come up with additional, innovative storage solutions for all of his new toys in the playroom. It might take us awhile.

Obviously our playroom is play-central during winter!

Even Colin received his first Christmas gift from Uncle C. and his family!

Thought it was really sweet. With all of E's toys Colin won't be needing any- Ha!

Found a new way to display the holiday cards this year, and we (B in particular) love it.

Typically they sit on the mantle or on top of the toyshelf, but they were getting messed by the little one. Card bowls/baskets are not my thing- I like to be able to see and read the cards often. I just took two strips of ribbon, stuck them on the wall, and then holepunched the cards and attached them to the ribbon with safetypins (so you can still take them down and read them).

I was really thrilled when we got our first card addressed to all four of us!

Lots of holiday cheer!

Christmas 2010, Part II- Christmas Morning

This year E walked down the stairs himself.

B and I are so looking forward to seeing our boys come down the stairs every Christmas morning!
"Mom, why are you taking pictures of me already?"
((hmmm, what's going on down here?))
He wasted no time looking at all the presents under the tree and the stuffed-to-the-brim stockings.
Oh SO fun watching him tear open his gifts this year!!!!!
His first present.
A stainless steel cookware set that matches Mommy's & Daddy's (minus the fact that it isn't Cuisinart). To go with his mass of fake food that he received as another present.
He loves to pretend cook & eat. I meant to make him a chef's apron, jacket, and hat, but with all the 'activities' that happened this past month I haven't gotten to that yet.
Now he can be a chef just like Daddy :)

Taking a break to finish up the cookies that Santa didn't quite finish.

Next present, along with his 'snack'.

Oh, his favorite present- from Santa- a train set!!!!!

He LOVES it!

He got these tracks, plus another set, as well as a 'passenger' train.
I'm just as excited about this gift since I had one when I was little, and I can't wait to add on to it over the next couple months (this earns me lots of 'mommy-time'!!, and I'll need it during this year)

He got the cutest little workbench and tools from our neighbors. Almost like Daddy's Craftsman.

Daddy and E put it together after all the gifts were open.

Stocking stuffers!

As always, we had a shiny new penny, juicy orange, candy cane, and toothbrushes (like I had growing up). E and B got many extras. Yes, Santa gave E an M&M pack but it was only for the snow shaker on top ;)

E opened the tracks immediately after all the gifts were opened.

He couldn't even wait to take it downstairs.

Most of the gifts from Mommy & Daddy, and Santa.

One of my favorites is the Melissa & Doug wooden clock!!: shape sorter, colors, numbers, time, counting, matching. E loves clocks, so this was a must-get. Debated getting him a watch since he adores everyone else's but figured that can wait another year or two.

...More Christmas pics coming...

2010 Christmas, Part 1- Santa's coming!!!!

Oh, the festivities on Christmas Eve!!!!! I had a fantastic time hyping it up this year for little E!!!! Right before bedtime we:

Got a carrot to put outside of our house so the reindeer would be enticed to stay for a while.

E loved the jingle bells I had around the house.

What reindeer could resist this tasty treat?!?
The stockings were hung on the mantle with care...
... while E put out some tasty treats for Santa and his reindeer!
I even gave him his own delicious cookie to enjoy. Then we sat down and read 'The Night Before Christmas'.

Just like last year- carrots for the reindeer (they can't go hungry), cookies & coffee for Santa's energy, and E's card he colored (see scribbles) for the jolly fellow.

He even signed his name this year!!!!

Who's eating Santa's cookies after a long night at work?!?!
Santa eventually made it to our home around 10pm- filled E's stocking, left a heap of presents under the tree, nibbled on some cookies, fed the reindeer, and even kissed Mommy ;)

Twinkle.

...more Christmas pics to come.