4th of July

Happy 1st Independence Day, my American baby!!!

Sleep Training: Day 7

Dear Isabelle,

1 week has passed since we started you on some gentle sleep training techniques. Mommy can say that your night time sleep has improved TREMENDOUSLY! After our bedtime routine, you fall asleep within 10 min of hitting the crib and Mommy and Daddy can have dinner and hang out together after a long day! Thank you for some Mommy & Daddy time!

But we do have to work harder on naps. Apparently they are harder to tackle but should get better once you are older. At least we have 1 sleep schedule down!

Love, Mom

Sleep Training: Day 6

Bedtime was at 7 p.m. and only 1 nightwaking last night! Again, you woke up at around 4:15 a.m. Mommy really thinks it is due to a little bit of hunger but we had to hold out again. You fell asleep after Daddy turned on the Sleep Sheep. You stirred a little in your crib at 5:15 a.m and Mommy fed you then. After the feed, you slept till 8 a.m.!

Naps are kind of sporadic still. Sometimes you take 1 hour naps but other times the "45 minute intruder" creeps in and you only take 30-45 min naps. We need to work harder on naps!

Love, Mom

Sleep Training: Day 5

We are almost there! You had only 1 nightwaking last night. You were put down at 6:30 p.m because we were out all afternoon and you didn't have a good nap. Mommy dreamfed you at 10:00 p.m and you didn't wake until about 4 a.m. I think you were hungry. But we had to hold out till about 5:30 a.m. to feed you. You were good though, you fussed a little, babbled to yourself as if you were complaining about why Mommy hasn't come to feed you, and then fell back asleep. We fed you at 5:30 a.m., you gave a little smile after your meal and went back to dreamland till 8 a.m.!

It's getting better and better everyday, Isabelle!

Love, Mom

Adventure: First Bus Ride!

Isabelle,

Mommy took you on your very first adventure today! We strapped you into the sling and went on a bus ride to the Pump Station in Hollywood. We went there to attend another breastfeeding support group session because Mommy had some questions to be answered by the lactation consultant. You enjoyed your first bus ride because you actually got to see out the window, not like when you're in your carseat, you don't get a view.

It was a good session and we got lots of good information about bottle feeding, feeding schedule, maintaining milk supply and even solids.

And then your Daddy was being all overprotective over us and didn't want us to take the bus home. So he left work for a little bit to come and pick us up and drop us off at home. Oh Isabelle, I can just see the day when you want to take the public transportation out, your Daddy is soooo not going to let you!

Love, Mom

Sleep Training: Day 4

You are getting better at this, Isabelle! You went to bed at 8 p.m. and there were only 2 nightwakings (12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.). Both times, you put yourself back to sleep within 3 mins. Mommy feels more refreshed than ever as I am getting about 6 hours of straight sleep (and about 8 hours of sleep total).

We fed you at 5:45 a.m...you weren't awake, it was more like a dreamfeed. And you slept till 7:30 a.m. this morning.

With your better nighttime sleep, comes longer naptimes. Now Mommy has time to do more freelance projects!

Love, Mom

Special Day

Hi Isabelle,

July 1st holds a dear spot in our hearts...do you know why?? It was 1 year ago today that Daddy and Mommy went to visit the doctor to confirm that you were REALLY growing in Mommy's belly! The home pregnancy test gave us a positive on June 30. Once we got the confirmation, we shared the good news with close family members. Everyone was elated! We couldn't wait to meet you from that day on.

Love, Mom

Tiffany & Co. locket from Daddy! Something I will wear close to my heart