Month 15 (December 2017)went by very fast...so fast that I didn't manage to blog. Not only did we go to Munich for the first time together with Dillon, we also saw snow and lots of snow. The trip was highly anticipated as we were worried that Dillon would be tough to deal with for such a long trip/flight. The flight went surprisingly well, as we managed to entertain him with iPad. He got cranky after 1,5 hours but didn't throw a temper. During our stay in Munich, he cried more than 30 min for every sleep and was very clingy to mama. But overall, he enjoyed being there around other family members. Mama got some rest too, thankfully.
Language development:
Last month he could say around 40 words. This month, he could say at least 70 words. He insisted that his versions of some words are correctly pronounced. He was still very keen on reading. I have to admit I didn't speak as much as I used to and my sentences were short (shorter when I was ill or tired). I made sure I read him books everyday and responded to his words when he said something. He knows how to say things he really likes, such as car and digger, in both English and German.
Body:
He said poopoo after/during pooping and peepee which means penis. He likes pointing out body parts on plushies. He is very sensitive to tickling and doesn't like to wear clothes that really confine his body (like gloves).
Eating:
In Munich, he developed a liking for pickles. He also eats small pieces of meat (marinated), especially drenched in soy/teriyaki sauce. His favorite is "nuunuu" which means noodles :P When you let him choose between two things ("do you want apple sauce or yoghurt?"), he beams with a big smile and chooses 1 of the 2. He loves getting choices. What he doesn't do is trying to eat with a spoon or fork.
On 22 January, I succeeded to wean off breastfeeding....for just one day. There was enough distraction on that day. Daddy was home, we went to an indoor playground, and grandparents came in the afternoon. The next day, however, was Monday, which means that he whined all morning for milk and I eventually caved in. I don't think I have much milk left and the nipples become quite sore as well. Definitely time to wean off....slowly >_<
Playing:
He is still crazy about vehicles...I have lost count of the number of toy vehicles at home. He played really well with Opa S and Uncle D, but was a bit scared of female relatives. It took him a while to getting familiar with Oma D. He can walk for a short while but still gets tired and demands sitting down in the buggy. When it was snowing in Munich, Dillon went down a hill on the sledge for the first time. Unfortunately, he landed face down in the snow and was traumatized from it XD. At home, we can't go far (as soon as his hands become red and cold, he will cry) and mostly play inside. Peek-a-boo is still his favorite.
Behavior:
He is a baby who is very cautious, shy and observant. He doesn't have much patience but is willing to try difficult things more than once. He has a strong will but is willing to give in if he sees that mama is getting angry at him :P He is quite polite and doesn't throw a tantrum when another baby takes away his toy. He waves byebye and knows how to call those close relatives who he likes.
donderdag 24 november 2016
14 months
Many changes have taken place this month. Besides the fact that we were ill almost the entire month (stomach flu, flu and cold), Dillon has changed a lot and seems to communicate his needs better than before.
Language development:
Whereas last month he made attempt to walk, this month he is very interested in learning vocabulary. I'm so proud to say that by now he can say at least 40 words, although some with poor pronunciation. He knows almost all the words in books like My first 100 words and can point at the correct item when you ask him where it is. Although he has trouble pronouncing "s," he loves saying spider, bus, and sky. Every day he seems to learn a new word or surprises me with saying something new.
Body:
He can clap his hands, shake his head, dance, stomp his feet, and "jump" up and down. He is also interested in learning the different body parts. He repeats "hair," "nose," "eye" and so forth almost every day, especially during breastfeeding. When he plays with a plushy, he points out its body parts.
Eating:
I notice that he has become less messy with eating. I don't need to change his outfit 3 times a day anymore. Instead, he wears the same undershirt and pants several days. He puts food that he doesn't want back on the table or plate. And he is more clear about what he wants to eat and what not. Although his favorite fruit is now grapes instead of blueberries, he still prefers fruit over all other options of food. He likes corn, slightly salted fish, and Chinese BBQ pork/beef and he loves to eat out. I guess he is just like his mother: 重口味！ I have given up on giving him cow's milk, but add it to his breakfast oatmeal and tea instead. In general, he eats what we eat.
Playing:
He is crazy about vehicles, like trucks, tractors, trains and cars. He would cruise a toy around the flat and makes sounds of the engine or siren. He is still not a good self-entertainer and wants to play together most of the time. We read books and go out for walks. We also go to a playgroup every Monday morning. Unfortunately, there is not much else to do during the cold seasons :( We are often cooped up inside, playing with iPad. Dillon loves some apps on the iPad and wants to play on it everyday.
Sleeping:
He still sleeps through the night unless in pain or being sick. He takes a nap everyday but resists napping every day. The world is too fun to miss out ;)
Language development:
Whereas last month he made attempt to walk, this month he is very interested in learning vocabulary. I'm so proud to say that by now he can say at least 40 words, although some with poor pronunciation. He knows almost all the words in books like My first 100 words and can point at the correct item when you ask him where it is. Although he has trouble pronouncing "s," he loves saying spider, bus, and sky. Every day he seems to learn a new word or surprises me with saying something new.
Body:
He can clap his hands, shake his head, dance, stomp his feet, and "jump" up and down. He is also interested in learning the different body parts. He repeats "hair," "nose," "eye" and so forth almost every day, especially during breastfeeding. When he plays with a plushy, he points out its body parts.
Eating:
I notice that he has become less messy with eating. I don't need to change his outfit 3 times a day anymore. Instead, he wears the same undershirt and pants several days. He puts food that he doesn't want back on the table or plate. And he is more clear about what he wants to eat and what not. Although his favorite fruit is now grapes instead of blueberries, he still prefers fruit over all other options of food. He likes corn, slightly salted fish, and Chinese BBQ pork/beef and he loves to eat out. I guess he is just like his mother: 重口味！ I have given up on giving him cow's milk, but add it to his breakfast oatmeal and tea instead. In general, he eats what we eat.
Playing:
He is crazy about vehicles, like trucks, tractors, trains and cars. He would cruise a toy around the flat and makes sounds of the engine or siren. He is still not a good self-entertainer and wants to play together most of the time. We read books and go out for walks. We also go to a playgroup every Monday morning. Unfortunately, there is not much else to do during the cold seasons :( We are often cooped up inside, playing with iPad. Dillon loves some apps on the iPad and wants to play on it everyday.
Sleeping:
He still sleeps through the night unless in pain or being sick. He takes a nap everyday but resists napping every day. The world is too fun to miss out ;)
maandag 10 oktober 2016
13 months
At times things seem to get worse but overall Dillon behaves better than before he turns one year old.
Food:
He is not too picky with eating and is willing to try new food (surprisingly he likes fresh figs and passion fruit). He still examines the food with scrutiny and dissects it into pieces before putting it into his mouth. He doesn't eat much and seems to be forever 9-10 kg. Snack (fruit and rice/corn crisps) and noodles are his favorite. He also loves nibbling on corn.
He doesn't seem to want to wean off for now and still shows the utmost excitement by handing me the dog pillow.
Play:
Dillon doesn't entertain himself very well. He loves attention and showing whatever he finds or has in his hand. He loves balls, vehicles, trikes and books. We go to the playground regularly and to the city. He doesn't mind sitting in the stroller as much as before. Dillon doesn't really play with other babies.
Sleep:
When he is healthy and there is no teething going on, he sleeps around noon for 2 hours and at night from 7 to 6. He doesn't wake up that often at night anymore, unless he is suffering from something.
Food:
He is not too picky with eating and is willing to try new food (surprisingly he likes fresh figs and passion fruit). He still examines the food with scrutiny and dissects it into pieces before putting it into his mouth. He doesn't eat much and seems to be forever 9-10 kg. Snack (fruit and rice/corn crisps) and noodles are his favorite. He also loves nibbling on corn.
He doesn't seem to want to wean off for now and still shows the utmost excitement by handing me the dog pillow.
Play:
Dillon doesn't entertain himself very well. He loves attention and showing whatever he finds or has in his hand. He loves balls, vehicles, trikes and books. We go to the playground regularly and to the city. He doesn't mind sitting in the stroller as much as before. Dillon doesn't really play with other babies.
Sleep:
When he is healthy and there is no teething going on, he sleeps around noon for 2 hours and at night from 7 to 6. He doesn't wake up that often at night anymore, unless he is suffering from something.
12 months
Dillon is able to put blocks in the shape sorter (but gets frustrated easily if it doesn't fit in);
He hands me wet wipes during diaper change;
When he really wants to sleep, he would behave very cooperatively and even hands me a new diaper, t-shirt and his sleeping bag XD but since this is rare, normally he runs around the bed, making your job of drying and changing him harder -_-
He loves to find stuff and shows it to whoever is around (yes, even strangers).
He can say "ball" and can scoop up food from a bowl and puts the spoon in his mouth....with all the food falling out from the spoon the process.
He can climb really well...up the stairs and down.
He hands me wet wipes during diaper change;
When he really wants to sleep, he would behave very cooperatively and even hands me a new diaper, t-shirt and his sleeping bag XD but since this is rare, normally he runs around the bed, making your job of drying and changing him harder -_-
He loves to find stuff and shows it to whoever is around (yes, even strangers).
He can say "ball" and can scoop up food from a bowl and puts the spoon in his mouth....with all the food falling out from the spoon the process.
He can climb really well...up the stairs and down.
zaterdag 3 september 2016
11 Months
In terms of intellectual development this month definitely hits the hightlight! I notice that my little caveman is becoming smarter and smarter day by day. He understands most daily sentences; he knows how to get my attention (either positive or negative, hah); he is curious and points at things that he has interest in or recognizes ("mom, a scooter! a truck!"); he even knows how to pull out grass and feed it to goats, not to mention pushing buttons in the elevator!
With sleeping he is down to 1 nap somewhere during the day. There is still some nap resistance and he prefers to play until he is really exhausted. It's important for me to get the timing right. Too early, he will scream for a while in bed until you pick him up again. Too late, he will be too tired to eat, too cranky and will also cry in bed ("wah wah I'm so tired I hate this feeling"). After the afternoon nap, he is often very clingy and cranky after waking and refuses to play alone contently. Because of this, it's getting harder for me to get household chores or cooking done during the day. At night, I remember some short period of sleeping through, but most days he wakes up one or twice for milk and would comfort suckle for aaaaages.
My little champ is still around 9kg in weight, despite good eating toward the end of the month. Why o why won't he gain any more weight?!?! Is there perhaps a very hungry caterpillar in his tummy? He eats almost everything...from cottage cheese to scramble egg and corn, although he still can't chew down pieces of meat.
He would still look at new things with a sense of scrutiny and would examine them carefully before taking any action (Oma Lin has the same expression) but isn't afraid to approach strangers.
We go to a playground in the neighborhood on almost every sunny day and he enjoys swinging and climbing in jungle gyms. Sometimes we also go to the animal farm in the weekend or the library. I wish there were more green areas nearby but Dillon doesn't seem to mind the busy streets that much. In fact, he loves spotting trucks, scooters or other vehicles that make noisy sounds. Of course, he also likes pointing at flowers, trees and street lamps :P When he is in a good mood, we have such a great time together and I wish time would stop ticking.
*mama mama, look what I found!*
*I love being in the swing*
With sleeping he is down to 1 nap somewhere during the day. There is still some nap resistance and he prefers to play until he is really exhausted. It's important for me to get the timing right. Too early, he will scream for a while in bed until you pick him up again. Too late, he will be too tired to eat, too cranky and will also cry in bed ("wah wah I'm so tired I hate this feeling"). After the afternoon nap, he is often very clingy and cranky after waking and refuses to play alone contently. Because of this, it's getting harder for me to get household chores or cooking done during the day. At night, I remember some short period of sleeping through, but most days he wakes up one or twice for milk and would comfort suckle for aaaaages.
My little champ is still around 9kg in weight, despite good eating toward the end of the month. Why o why won't he gain any more weight?!?! Is there perhaps a very hungry caterpillar in his tummy? He eats almost everything...from cottage cheese to scramble egg and corn, although he still can't chew down pieces of meat.
He would still look at new things with a sense of scrutiny and would examine them carefully before taking any action (Oma Lin has the same expression) but isn't afraid to approach strangers.
We go to a playground in the neighborhood on almost every sunny day and he enjoys swinging and climbing in jungle gyms. Sometimes we also go to the animal farm in the weekend or the library. I wish there were more green areas nearby but Dillon doesn't seem to mind the busy streets that much. In fact, he loves spotting trucks, scooters or other vehicles that make noisy sounds. Of course, he also likes pointing at flowers, trees and street lamps :P When he is in a good mood, we have such a great time together and I wish time would stop ticking.
10 months
So far Dillon managed to poo a few times in his potty.
Poo disaster: Dillon pooped in his potty. then while I was cleaning his poop, he crawled inside the laundry basket and peed there. cried cos he was stuck and wet from his pee. then crawled around with poo and pee mashed out under his knees.
This month he really shows his hatred for the stroller more prominently. He immediately stands up in the stroller when I put him in and I can't walk further than 100 meters with him, worrying that he would fall out any second as he squirms and turns around. The only time he would sit quietly is when he has a Squeezy to suck on. He really seems to dislike everything that straps him down, suck as a bib, the highchair, his sleeping bag and even his t-shirt (when I try to dress him). My little Tarzan is the happiest when he can run around naked and unconfined.
He has been waking up in the night regularly and insisting on milk...once or twice in the night. If he doesn't drink after midnight he would wake up very early around 5 and wants to eat. During the day I have been trying to feed him as much as possible, to no avail. As soon as he feels slightly full, he wants to get out of his highchair and play -___-
This guy is also so spirited and isn't afraid of showing his temper. He would throw a tantrum if he doesn't get what he wants.
What is his weight?
He also seems to be stuck at 9 kg forever!!! He was 9kg when he was 10 months old and now he is almost 11 he is still 9kg...
What does Dillon understand?
He understands words like Mama, Papa, where is..., look, banana, strawberry, lion, dog, water, (teddy)bear
What food does Dillon like or dislike?
Dillon likes to slurp noodles and he loves lasagne sauce with any kind of pasta. He prefers strawberries over all other fruit. He doesn't really like food with rough or hard texture, such as minced, meat or veggie with skin. He is very picky about what he eats and he prefers to feed himself rather than being fed.
Poo disaster: Dillon pooped in his potty. then while I was cleaning his poop, he crawled inside the laundry basket and peed there. cried cos he was stuck and wet from his pee. then crawled around with poo and pee mashed out under his knees.
This month he really shows his hatred for the stroller more prominently. He immediately stands up in the stroller when I put him in and I can't walk further than 100 meters with him, worrying that he would fall out any second as he squirms and turns around. The only time he would sit quietly is when he has a Squeezy to suck on. He really seems to dislike everything that straps him down, suck as a bib, the highchair, his sleeping bag and even his t-shirt (when I try to dress him). My little Tarzan is the happiest when he can run around naked and unconfined.
He has been waking up in the night regularly and insisting on milk...once or twice in the night. If he doesn't drink after midnight he would wake up very early around 5 and wants to eat. During the day I have been trying to feed him as much as possible, to no avail. As soon as he feels slightly full, he wants to get out of his highchair and play -___-
This guy is also so spirited and isn't afraid of showing his temper. He would throw a tantrum if he doesn't get what he wants.
What is his weight?
He also seems to be stuck at 9 kg forever!!! He was 9kg when he was 10 months old and now he is almost 11 he is still 9kg...
What does Dillon understand?
He understands words like Mama, Papa, where is..., look, banana, strawberry, lion, dog, water, (teddy)bear
What food does Dillon like or dislike?
Dillon likes to slurp noodles and he loves lasagne sauce with any kind of pasta. He prefers strawberries over all other fruit. He doesn't really like food with rough or hard texture, such as minced, meat or veggie with skin. He is very picky about what he eats and he prefers to feed himself rather than being fed.
maandag 11 juli 2016
9 Months
Dillon has changed a lot. He has become more like a little human instead of a little alien/thing. He starts to put his hands up as to ask for hugs and he embraces me when I hold him. He no longer crawls like a soldier but on hands and knees. He likes to talk to his toys in the morning and stands up by holding on to something. He smiles when he sees Oma in the webcam and he understands many words, such as "Dillon," "look," "strawberries" and "do you want some milk."
Unfortunately, he doesn't really sleep through the night yet. Around 9-11pm he wants milk and occasionally around 2-3am as well. As an early riser, he waits impatiently at 5am for us to take him out, even though sometimes he is still tired. He takes two naps on most days.
He has three friends, Hyuna, Joshua and Amber.
At the beginning of the month, he met his grandfather Sasha (papa's father) for the first time. Grandparents came all the way from Germany to see Dillon for a few days. Being shy initially, Dillon soon showed his usual self and got familiar with them. Still, he doesn't really smile to them when they skype.
22 June: first bits of teeth on the lower side came out! Could that be the reason why he became incredibly picky at eating, woke up frequently and cries after putting in his bed?
27 June: visited a children's farm. Got soaked on the way back. All three of us ill again (papa was already ill)
Toys: no interest in plushies, but simplistic toys with hard texture. Love exploring new areas/rooms and peek-a-boos.
Unfortunately, he doesn't really sleep through the night yet. Around 9-11pm he wants milk and occasionally around 2-3am as well. As an early riser, he waits impatiently at 5am for us to take him out, even though sometimes he is still tired. He takes two naps on most days.
- 5-6am wake up
- 6-7am breakfast
- 9-11am nap #1
- 11am fruit
- 1pm warm lunch
- 2-3pm nap #2
- 5pm dinner
- 6pm bed time
He has three friends, Hyuna, Joshua and Amber.
At the beginning of the month, he met his grandfather Sasha (papa's father) for the first time. Grandparents came all the way from Germany to see Dillon for a few days. Being shy initially, Dillon soon showed his usual self and got familiar with them. Still, he doesn't really smile to them when they skype.
22 June: first bits of teeth on the lower side came out! Could that be the reason why he became incredibly picky at eating, woke up frequently and cries after putting in his bed?
27 June: visited a children's farm. Got soaked on the way back. All three of us ill again (papa was already ill)
Toys: no interest in plushies, but simplistic toys with hard texture. Love exploring new areas/rooms and peek-a-boos.
dinsdag 7 juni 2016
8 Months
- He reacts when you call his name
- He can eat food in chunks (that includes stuffing his face with big pieces of melon). I started with giving him strawberries in pieces. Then one day I just stopped blending his fruit, and then his dinner. His first unblended dinner was chicken couscous. He even eats fried rice!Gradually
- He does a lot of push ups and will try to stand up by climbing unto your legs (May 19: he stood up by himself (using something as support)
-Toward the end of the month, he started to resist napping. He would pull himself to a sitting position and screamed and cried. He dropped the afternoon nap but most days I would force him to take a second nap, hah.
-He caught a cold when he turned 9th month :(
-Has become quite clingy
Love:
- peas, chickpeas and potato coconut milk soup with koriander
-strawberries
New food this month:
-croissant, raisin bread, yoghurt with flavor (he really begs for it), beans and lentils
- He can eat food in chunks (that includes stuffing his face with big pieces of melon). I started with giving him strawberries in pieces. Then one day I just stopped blending his fruit, and then his dinner. His first unblended dinner was chicken couscous. He even eats fried rice!Gradually
- He does a lot of push ups and will try to stand up by climbing unto your legs (May 19: he stood up by himself (using something as support)
-Toward the end of the month, he started to resist napping. He would pull himself to a sitting position and screamed and cried. He dropped the afternoon nap but most days I would force him to take a second nap, hah.
-He caught a cold when he turned 9th month :(
-Has become quite clingy
Love:
- peas, chickpeas and potato coconut milk soup with koriander
-strawberries
New food this month:
-croissant, raisin bread, yoghurt with flavor (he really begs for it), beans and lentils
vrijdag 6 mei 2016
7 Months
On the day that he turned 7 months he had a fever in the night. That lasted for two days and then he had rash all over his body. Fortunately he didn't seem to feel too ill because of it. It turned out to be Roseola.
He can sit without support
When daddy feeds him food, he eats so slowly and is constantly distracted so daddy eats up his food instead XD
He can crawl around and wiggle on his knees.
He is in a much better mood since he became mobile.
He is much more connected to his body...which means it's time for tickling :D
Favorite dinner:
-herb-infused turkey/chicken (or baked with onion and garlic) and steamed peas and pear
-beef with tomato, carrot and sweet potatoes (and a bit of formula)
-steamed broccoli and apple
-herb-infused chicken with tomatoes and carrots
-turkey with kohlrabi, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and a bit of mushroom
-minced beef with chickpeas. carrot and eggplant
Favorite games:
-the suspense game (tum tum tum then allow a sudden drop)
-hide and seek/peek-a-boo (use a blanket or towel)
-the Spanish tongue (rumbling your tongue in and out of the mouth very fast)
fascinating:
-mama brushing her teeth
-animal farm
He squirms (out of your grip) if he doesn't want to eat for instance
He blows his lips when he is unhappy/bored
He takes two naps during the day, one at 9am and one at 1pm and goes to bed around 6-7pm
He can sit without support
When daddy feeds him food, he eats so slowly and is constantly distracted so daddy eats up his food instead XD
He can crawl around and wiggle on his knees.
He is in a much better mood since he became mobile.
He is much more connected to his body...which means it's time for tickling :D
Favorite dinner:
-herb-infused turkey/chicken (or baked with onion and garlic) and steamed peas and pear
-beef with tomato, carrot and sweet potatoes (and a bit of formula)
-steamed broccoli and apple
-herb-infused chicken with tomatoes and carrots
-turkey with kohlrabi, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and a bit of mushroom
-minced beef with chickpeas. carrot and eggplant
Favorite games:
-the suspense game (tum tum tum then allow a sudden drop)
-hide and seek/peek-a-boo (use a blanket or towel)
-the Spanish tongue (rumbling your tongue in and out of the mouth very fast)
fascinating:
-mama brushing her teeth
-animal farm
He squirms (out of your grip) if he doesn't want to eat for instance
He blows his lips when he is unhappy/bored
He takes two naps during the day, one at 9am and one at 1pm and goes to bed around 6-7pm
woensdag 6 april 2016
6 months
- My baby sleeps through the night! Longest stretch was from 11pm tot 6am
- He starts to like massage, which has become part of the bed ritual. Yay, my months of effort finally paid off ^^
- We made a huge progress on the sleeping front
- He eats chicken, turkey, beef and salmon; even a bit of yoghurt and sometimes strawberries
- The "big poo poo" reeks horribly >_<
- He can scoot around with ease
- Went to grantparents' for the second time and slept well in the night
- He crawled for the first time on 31 March
- He ate:
-peas, green beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet and normal potatoes, spinach, avocado
-white fish, salmon, chicken, turkey, beef
-yoghurt, cinnamon, bread, rice waffle, macroni, buckwheat flour, lentils, tangerines
-strawberries, peach, mango, pear, apple, kiwi, banana, plum
woensdag 16 maart 2016
Successful sleep training: how we changed my baby's bad sleep habit
For the past six months, I had been suffering from anger, frustration and mild depression. I didn't feel like a mother but more like a slave as I accompanied my baby for his sleep 24/7. Every nap or sleep took about 1,5 hours before he fell asleep and then he slept lightly, waking up easily. I would lie next to him in our bed, putting pacifier in his mouth every 2 minutes and waiting for him to close his eyes. Despite my great effort, he slept only 11-12 hours on average and was still rubbing his eyes when he was awake. As a result, I didn't quite enjoy being a mother and lamented the lack of joy and freedom in my current life. My baby was tired all day long (and so was I) and he cried more than 5 hours a day. Of course there were better days, but towards the end of the 5th month the situation has worsened. He seemed to have stomach ache constantly and we landed in a vicious circle of bad sleep and no play. As the main caretaker of my baby and his milk dispenser, I couldn't take a break or regain my strength. Worrying about his well being and mine, I also lost my sense of balance. It was time to reach for help...I could not do this any longer.
Many experts came, a physiotherapist, a childcare nurse from the children's bureau, and a speech therapist. I was also referred to a pediatrician in the hospital, to who I complained about the frequent tummy ache and more than 7 times breastfeeding per day. The pediatrician immediately decided that the baby should stay in the hospital for close observation on the same day. This decision took me by surprise, as it implied that we'd have to stay overnight in the hospital for several days. I wanted a medical examination of his bowel system or allergy tests but they refused to do that. The pediatrician said that most colic babies' sleep problems are caused by behavior rather than illnesses. Thus they would observe his behavior before taking any further action. Reluctantly, I agreed to staying in the hospital. Turns out, it was the best decision ever.
The reason why I was reluctant to staying in the hospital was because of the hospital's method of solving the sleep problems. They used the Ferber cry-it-out method and strict day schedules. These principles were counter to my belief that we should not let babies cry as doing so could be psychologically and emotionally damaging. Babies cry as a means to communicate with adults. I had been applying Dr. Sears' attachment parenting with co-sleeping and plenty of affection. Also, I didn't feed on schedule but on demand. The doctor gave us the following day schedule:
6-7am breastfeeding --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone (in the box)
9-10am fruit --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone (on the floor)
12-1pm breastfeeding --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone
14:30pm snack (porridge/bread crush/rice waffle) --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone
17-18pm dinner --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone--> bathing or other bed rituals-->breast milk as dessert --> bedtime
22-23pm top-up breastfeeding when waking up
The key was to observe the baby closely and to put him in bed when he shows tiredness signals. It was confusing for me because my baby sometimes shows tired signals not long (an hour orso) after he woke up from a nap but he was apparently not tired enough to sleep again. He did 2 naps in the day and refused to take a third nap, even though he was very tired and cranky in the late afternoon.
So when he was tired enough, I put him down in bed, said "time to sleep. Mama will be back when you wake up" + pats and pacifier, and I went away.
Obviously the poor baby started crying as soon as I left. He wasn't used to sleep in his own bed, and alone. Next instruction given by the doctor was to let him cry for 7 minutes before going to soothe him. When he calmed down, I would leave the room and let him cry another 7 minutes. This went on for 3x 7 minutes and I would pick him up when he cried for another 7 minutes. When he cried 4x 7 minutes, I was supposed to pick him up and end the attempt to sleep. I would play with him until he showed tiredness signals again.
So the soothing ritual is the following:
On the second day, he cried less (3 times) during the night and didn't eat until the next morning. He was happy to see me in the morning and seemed well rested!
On the third/fourth day, he cried 2 times during the night and slept for long stretches. He also cried less than 30 minutes for nap times.
The nurses told me they saw an improvement in his behavior and that he often talked to himself in the early morning around 5. Later on I found out what they considered as talking was more like asking for a change of diaper ("eek, mama, please get rid of this big poopoo in my diaper").
Since he was in the hospital, he has been consistently sleeping on his tummy. I believe this change in sleep position plays an important role in the success of the sleep training. He probably sleeps more soundly on his tummy. Until now he wasn't able to because he couldn't roll to his tummy until recently. Also because of fear of SIDS, we didn't allow him to sleep on his tummy before. He also has formed the habit of pooping in the early morning (5-6:30am?). Sometimes he wakes up in the night and cries when he can't poop.
Furthermore, it remained tricky to get the timing of putting him to bed right. Sometimes my baby showed tired signals but cried his balls out if I put him to bed accordingly. And if he went to bed too late, he would be overtired and therefore had a hard time falling asleep.One evening in the hospital, something went wrong with the dinner, and we had to wait 1,5 hours for his solid foods to arrive. In the end he was awake for more than 5 hours and was too furious to fall asleep. The nurses couldn't calm him down and told me to take him out for a short walk before trying to get him to sleep again.
I could not believe this strictly scheduled cry-it-out sleep method worked!!! It wouldn't have succeeded had I been doing the crying-it-out method at home. My husband and I are both softies and can't stand the crying of our baby for too long. And I would still be feeding him 2x at night, simply out of habit. after staying 4 days in the hospital, he no longer eats during the night and is able to sleep for more than 5 hours!!!! It was like a miracle to me. I could sleep longer than 2 hours at night and finally had energy to play with him during the day. He no longer struggles and pushes at the breast (I guess the tummy ache came from over-frequent feeding). I don't think he is much happier than before, but he doesn't seem to have any visible psychological or emotional damage either. In any case, I am a much happier mommy. I feel like this is what being a mother should feel like, happy to play with my baby and also have time to do my own things. I imaginatively waved goodbye to the slave-me who walked around in pajama all day with heavy eye bags and who had to suppress hurting my baby all the time because of frustration.
The Ferber method seems to work for my baby, who probably is one of those babies who needs to cry himself to sleep. The isolation of baby from his mother in the hospital helped to wean off night feeding. This observation/sleep training at the hospital not only helped me to structure my baby's routine, it also showed that my baby has no serious medical problems. For other desperate mothers out there, please have a try of this method or ask for professionals to help you!!! Do not turn down a method even if it is opposite to what you believe. Try everything if you are really hopeless, haha. I'm so grateful that someone was there to take care of my baby and give me advice. My happy motherhood starts now...
Many experts came, a physiotherapist, a childcare nurse from the children's bureau, and a speech therapist. I was also referred to a pediatrician in the hospital, to who I complained about the frequent tummy ache and more than 7 times breastfeeding per day. The pediatrician immediately decided that the baby should stay in the hospital for close observation on the same day. This decision took me by surprise, as it implied that we'd have to stay overnight in the hospital for several days. I wanted a medical examination of his bowel system or allergy tests but they refused to do that. The pediatrician said that most colic babies' sleep problems are caused by behavior rather than illnesses. Thus they would observe his behavior before taking any further action. Reluctantly, I agreed to staying in the hospital. Turns out, it was the best decision ever.
The reason why I was reluctant to staying in the hospital was because of the hospital's method of solving the sleep problems. They used the Ferber cry-it-out method and strict day schedules. These principles were counter to my belief that we should not let babies cry as doing so could be psychologically and emotionally damaging. Babies cry as a means to communicate with adults. I had been applying Dr. Sears' attachment parenting with co-sleeping and plenty of affection. Also, I didn't feed on schedule but on demand. The doctor gave us the following day schedule:
6-7am breastfeeding --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone (in the box)
9-10am fruit --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone (on the floor)
12-1pm breastfeeding --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone
14:30pm snack (porridge/bread crush/rice waffle) --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone
17-18pm dinner --> playing together/cuddles---> playing alone--> bathing or other bed rituals-->breast milk as dessert --> bedtime
22-23pm top-up breastfeeding when waking up
The key was to observe the baby closely and to put him in bed when he shows tiredness signals. It was confusing for me because my baby sometimes shows tired signals not long (an hour orso) after he woke up from a nap but he was apparently not tired enough to sleep again. He did 2 naps in the day and refused to take a third nap, even though he was very tired and cranky in the late afternoon.
So when he was tired enough, I put him down in bed, said "time to sleep. Mama will be back when you wake up" + pats and pacifier, and I went away.
Obviously the poor baby started crying as soon as I left. He wasn't used to sleep in his own bed, and alone. Next instruction given by the doctor was to let him cry for 7 minutes before going to soothe him. When he calmed down, I would leave the room and let him cry another 7 minutes. This went on for 3x 7 minutes and I would pick him up when he cried for another 7 minutes. When he cried 4x 7 minutes, I was supposed to pick him up and end the attempt to sleep. I would play with him until he showed tiredness signals again.
So the soothing ritual is the following:
- 3x 7 minutes crying; 4x 7 minutes crying during daytime. whining is not considered as crying
- patting and shshing every 7 minute without picking the baby up
- when the baby calms down or otherwise after 5 minutes, leave the room
- on the third attempt, pick the baby up, soothe him and put him back in bed
- after that, end the sleep moment and play until the baby shows tiredness.
On the second day, he cried less (3 times) during the night and didn't eat until the next morning. He was happy to see me in the morning and seemed well rested!
On the third/fourth day, he cried 2 times during the night and slept for long stretches. He also cried less than 30 minutes for nap times.
The nurses told me they saw an improvement in his behavior and that he often talked to himself in the early morning around 5. Later on I found out what they considered as talking was more like asking for a change of diaper ("eek, mama, please get rid of this big poopoo in my diaper").
Since he was in the hospital, he has been consistently sleeping on his tummy. I believe this change in sleep position plays an important role in the success of the sleep training. He probably sleeps more soundly on his tummy. Until now he wasn't able to because he couldn't roll to his tummy until recently. Also because of fear of SIDS, we didn't allow him to sleep on his tummy before. He also has formed the habit of pooping in the early morning (5-6:30am?). Sometimes he wakes up in the night and cries when he can't poop.
Furthermore, it remained tricky to get the timing of putting him to bed right. Sometimes my baby showed tired signals but cried his balls out if I put him to bed accordingly. And if he went to bed too late, he would be overtired and therefore had a hard time falling asleep.One evening in the hospital, something went wrong with the dinner, and we had to wait 1,5 hours for his solid foods to arrive. In the end he was awake for more than 5 hours and was too furious to fall asleep. The nurses couldn't calm him down and told me to take him out for a short walk before trying to get him to sleep again.
I could not believe this strictly scheduled cry-it-out sleep method worked!!! It wouldn't have succeeded had I been doing the crying-it-out method at home. My husband and I are both softies and can't stand the crying of our baby for too long. And I would still be feeding him 2x at night, simply out of habit. after staying 4 days in the hospital, he no longer eats during the night and is able to sleep for more than 5 hours!!!! It was like a miracle to me. I could sleep longer than 2 hours at night and finally had energy to play with him during the day. He no longer struggles and pushes at the breast (I guess the tummy ache came from over-frequent feeding). I don't think he is much happier than before, but he doesn't seem to have any visible psychological or emotional damage either. In any case, I am a much happier mommy. I feel like this is what being a mother should feel like, happy to play with my baby and also have time to do my own things. I imaginatively waved goodbye to the slave-me who walked around in pajama all day with heavy eye bags and who had to suppress hurting my baby all the time because of frustration.
The Ferber method seems to work for my baby, who probably is one of those babies who needs to cry himself to sleep. The isolation of baby from his mother in the hospital helped to wean off night feeding. This observation/sleep training at the hospital not only helped me to structure my baby's routine, it also showed that my baby has no serious medical problems. For other desperate mothers out there, please have a try of this method or ask for professionals to help you!!! Do not turn down a method even if it is opposite to what you believe. Try everything if you are really hopeless, haha. I'm so grateful that someone was there to take care of my baby and give me advice. My happy motherhood starts now...
zondag 14 februari 2016
5 months
- During the first week, Dillon finally gets into a predictable sleep pattern which follows:
wake up between 7-8am
nap #1 10am
nap #2 1:30pm
nap #3 5pm
bedtime 7:30-8:30pm
During the day he sleeps about 3-3,5 hours in total. In the morning he usually wakes up with a big smile, but becomes grumpy and fussy towards the end of the day. He still wakes up frequently during the night...almost every 2,5 hours. Sometimes he groans and whimpers, as if he suffers from stomach ache and it's very hard to soothe him. But the important part is that he finally naps longer than 40 minutes! I'm very glad about that as it gives me enough time to cook in the morning and to do something for myself.
Unfortunately, this pattern disappears again when he has a bad day...
And so there are more bad days that followed than good days... - in the middle of the month he suddenly rolls around like a pro. As long as there is something interesting to reach for, he rolls onto his tummy with ease...only to the right side though
- he does sit-ups all the time when lying on his back...does that indicate stomach ache?
- he cries during feeding...what in god's name is bothering him??
- he gains weight very slowly...6.9kg on the day he turns 6 months
- he becomes very active when I change diapers...rolling around and reaching out for things
vrijdag 12 februari 2016
3-4 months
- there are a few nights in which I sleep well, with only one or twice waking up for milk
- in week 10 I start laughing and cooing to mama. She loved it!
- I can finally move my hands according to my wish. I can rub my eyes and suck on my hands too!
- from 3,5 months on I start to sleep worse again and I feel very grumpy. I always have bowel cramps around dinner time and I feel restless during feeding times. I ache my back and push my head back while whimpering.
- in week 14 I refuse to eat and also are unable to fall asleep. mama is so angry at me! She needs four hours to get me to sleep for half hour...I'm so tired!
- I hate swaddling but I can't sleep without it. And where is my pacifier?
- I sleep on average 11-12 hours, bring on the rocking and shushing!
- development: I can bring toys to my mouth and suck on them; I can also roll from my back to my tummy, and vice versa, but I don't feel the need to do that.
- around 4,5 months I have stomach flu and have to stay one night in the hospital. mama and papa both got ill as well.
- I can scream mama when I'm in great discomfort or hunger.
- in month 4 I have started on solid foods.
I like:pumpkin, raspberry, apple/pear
I dislike: avocado, broccoli
I don't know for sure yet: beetroot, carrot
1-2 months
on 5 September 2015, I fell so much movement and noise while I was sleeping that I had scratch open the water bag I was floating in. I was scared, car sick, and I wanted out! Turned out mom was dancing furiously because I was supposedly one day overdue...pfff
I was so scared and fell miserable that I even pooped!
The next thing I knew I was being squeezed out of a narrow tunnel and ouch! It was so bright I couldn't open my eyes.
But I heard a familiar voice and I opened my eyes....ouch still too bright!
I was so scared and fell miserable that I even pooped!
The next thing I knew I was being squeezed out of a narrow tunnel and ouch! It was so bright I couldn't open my eyes.
But I heard a familiar voice and I opened my eyes....ouch still too bright!
- I slept a lot, and everywhere...in the pram, on papa's chest, in mama's arms, and in my own crib
- I had bouts of tummy cramps...ouch!
- My arms moved strangely and uncoordinated
- I had a grow spurt around 6 weeks and slept a lot
- in week 7-8 I started to eat less often, from 7-8 times to 5-6 times, breastfeeding exclusively
- I seemed to be very sensitive and had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I woke up multiple times, crying in pain or in hunger...
- I hate bathing and diaper changing
- In week 9 I have found my hands and I love examining them
- I can lift my head easily in early month 2
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