sleep & new puppies make everything better

Ben and I read pretty much every sleep book and they all tell you to have a schedule and not to put your baby in bed already asleep. We were not following either of these basic rules until recently.

We started having Finley fall asleep on her own in our bed recently and we reluctantly decided to also have a schedule. We started the schedule a few weeks ago and it goes something like this: wake up at 7:30 am, nap at 9:30-11:30, nap at 2 pm-3 pm and then maybe another nap at 5:30 and then bedtime at 8:30. Naps are supposed be at home, so to follow the rules perfectly, you really cant leave the house much. This does not work for me. We follow the rules as much as possible. She always gets at least one nap at home and we decided that this is good enough. When we are home we are good about following a routine before sleep time that she can get used to, for getting her relaxed. At bedtime Ben gives her a bath, puts PJs and sleep sack on, then I feed her, read her a story and then put her in HER OWN CRIB for bed time and her swing for naps.

Eventhough this whole strict schedule thing its pretty annoying and not natural for us. IT WORKS! ITS AMAZING! Last night I put Finley in her bed at 8:30, she fell asleep at 8:35 and she got up at 7:30 this morning with one short wake up at 5 am.

My only complaint was with eliminating the 3 am feeding. I have an oversupply of milk and whenever I cut out or skip a feeding, its super uncomfortable for me. Going 11 hours without feeding her, caused me big problems and led to me getting mastitis (fever, flu-like symptoms, feeling horrible). Im fine now, but have a feeling it will come back the next time we eliminate a feeding. My doctor and lactation consultant both suggested pumping in the middle of the night....NO WAY! I am sooo not doing that! I hate pumping and I hate gettting up a 3 am!

21 weeks. we missed 20 weeks while in Reno :(

Finley spends her morning in her jumperoo and jumps when she is happy. its very cute

We are working on getting Finley used to sitting at the table with us and giving her food to play with. Gotta get those family dinners started early.....

22 weeks

Oh look, Epic has a new buddy! Meet Pax! Pax is a 5 month old whippet. He is VERY different from a border collie, but lots of fun! He is moving way faster than expected in flyball training and is a star in puppy class. He will also be starting agility soon and we are hoping to give lure coursing and whippet racing a try too! We are working on some separation issues, as Im assuming he has never spent much time alone. As soon as everyone leaves the room, he starts howling!

Here are some of the summers harvests...

shallots

I made lots of pesto with garlic, basil and parsley from the garden! it will be good on meat, pasta, sandwiches or as flavoring for grains or other italian dishes!