one more question....

When do/did your baby go to sleep for the night? Meaning he/she goes to sleep and then only wakes up to eat. And when were they up in the morning? Reed is 2.5 months old; how many hours should he be sleeping at night (not necessarily sleeping through the night). Also, he only takes catnaps (like 20-30 min. usually). So does he need more catnaps for not taking longer naps? Or is he still too young to establish anything yet? I guess that was more than one question.

I still don't know what I'm doing

Okay, so remember when I posted a couple months ago about all these baby-related/breastfeeding questions? So it's going to be another one of those posts.

So I'm not as worried about a lot of things as I was several weeks ago. I think I've finally figured out the breastfeeding thing and don't have to strip down completely to do it anymore. Still leaking though. Grr.

Now for the topic of interest: naps. Let me just start by saying that Reed is a good sleeper at bedtime. He usually only wakes up once to eat (around 4am) and then wakes up at 8am for the day. So I know I am luckier than some on that issue. And I am grateful. However, he is not a good napper. First of all, he naps a few times a day but only for like 20-30 minutes at a time. Lately, he'll be "drowsy" in my arms ("hurry, put him down!" the experts say) and the moment I put him down, he wakes up crying. So, here are a few questions:

1. Should babies be sleeping longer than 20-30 min. for naps? Or is it baby-by-baby basis? A magazine article I just read said if they're not sleeping for at least 45 min. during naptime, it "messes them up". Nice.

2. Should he nap in his bassinet/crib? I used to think he should (but he never would), so he'd sleep wherever--boppy, swing, etc. I don't want him to have to sleep in his own bed for naps all the time, and I don't want him getting used to it being quiet all the time when he is sleeping. What do you think?

3. He naps irregularly. I tried to track his naps recently and there is somewhat of a pattern. Is he too young to have scheduled naps? Although I read somewhere that babies shouldn't be awake for more than 2 hours before sleeping again...or it "messes them up." I hate books.

4. So I've come to a conclusion about letting babies "cry it out." Everyone (except the guy who came up with it) claims to be totally against it. But then it seems that parents always get to the point that they use it. And after a few days, things are great. So the reason I ask is this: yesterday was a rough day. Reed was so tired but only would sleep if I was holding him (remember, I don't want to do that). So I'd put him down, and he'd wake up screaming. After the 100th time, I couldn't take it anymore. Luckily, my good husband got home from work and took over. We put him in his bassinet and let him cry it out. I think it took at least 30 min. Naturally, I had to leave. He did finally fall asleep. Is that the right approach, even for naps? I have a really hard time listening to him cry that long, but if it will help, I'll do it. What are your thoughts on the "cry it out" method? A lot of experts, of course, claim that your baby will lose trust in you, blah, blah, but holy cow, how many of you remember being a baby?! That's what I don't understand.

Anyway, there's my rant. I'd love to hear some comments/suggestions. I already feel like a bad mother and that I've forever messed up my kid.

Long lost friend

One of my best friends from IL (Katie) came out to UT this past weekend. She got married a couple months ago, and I haven't seen her in a couple years. It was so much fun to see her again and meet her husband. I would tell you some stories/memories, but I probably shouldn't. ;) Anyway, here's pictures of a cute baby too (that "Little Big Bird" is a replica of the one I had as a tyke. Cool, huh?).

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Christmas! Well, I get that obsession from my dad. Back in IL, he would keep up Christmas decorations all year long (in his apartment and his work office). We find no problem listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies in May...and we do. My dad had us up to start decorating the outside trees, have a BBQ, and watch a Christmas movie. Sadly, most of the lights were dead, so we only finished about half a tree. But we still enjoyed a steak dinner and "The Night They Saved Christmas" (anyone remember this made-for-TV movie)? You will see my apartment decorated for the Christmas season starting on Nov.1 (I actually enjoy Halloween and its festivities). And Christmas music started months ago. :)
Reed enjoyed the celebration too. ;)

Cheap Ice Cream

FYI: I just wanted to share my knowledge of where to get cheap ice cream in the area...we just discovered one last night. Artic Circle Sundaes. Their shakes are pricey, but their sundaes are only $1.50. But here's the best part--you can have as many toppings as you want! Yeah! How cool is that?! I was so excited (and surprised) that I almost said, "Everything." For real. But I still got fudge, caramel, oreos, and cheesecakes chunks all for $1.50. It was a beautiful thing. Coldstone is still the BEST ice cream out there, but I know how it goes when you just don't have the $4+ to dish out all the time. Here are a few other places to get cheap ice cream:

Macey's--HUGE soft serve cone for under $1
BYU Creamery on 9th
Smart Cookie--cookie/ice cream sandwich for $2
Hogi Yogi--" for $1.50 (I think)

Any other places you know of?

Vinyl Party

This month's vinyl party was supposed to be FHE/Family Chore Boards. Jayna and Tera were the only participants, and they chose some other fun projects instead. We each made a Halloween/Thanksgiving project (which will be the party next month). Here are the finished products.

Everyone loves a fat kid

Reed came in at 13 pounds and 24 inches at his 2 month appointment! We were so happy and so proud! Even the pediatrician commented on his hugeness. (Notice the "binky ring" in the picture. I love that).

Game Day

We have a BYU fan in the making (naturally, with parents like us). Reed watched the football game with Kevin as the Cougars destroyed Northern Iowa. Notice how Reed already knows the BYU song (ra, ra, ra-ra-ra). ;)

Captured

I finally got a few good smiles caught on film. Most of these happen on his changing pad staring at his "friend" Mr. Outlet.