Supernanny

Huge huge achievement today. I have to write about it for motivation as I suspect I may need it tomorrow night. Baby boy had his first proper session of sleeping training. We've tried it before but the technique didn't work as I had hoped. So I did as any 21st century first time mother would do, I took to Google and found Jo Frost's sleep training technique. I'm talking about that crazy life changing idea of putting baby in his crib after bath, cuddles and any other night routines and having him self soothe. In my case that included breastfeeding. After more cuddles you say night night, place baby in bed. If your child is anything like mine, the tears will start flowing. You then sit cross legged on the floor, brave the screams, your profile to him, making sure to not make any eye contact and you lower your head. And keep this position till baby is sleeping. Easier said than done. It took 52mins for baby boy to fall asleep but it happened. This was the first time he's ever fallen asleep on his own without being rockedror nursed to bed. Jo says that the technique should not take longer than 7 days. I'm aiming for 3, in fact I'm praying for 3! Wish me luck.

Eternal decisions

A beautiful calm Sunday at home watching General Conference with family. Even though baby boy napped through the talks I know he could feel the Spirit. I can't wait to go back and study the talks in more detail. I already feel blessed by watching but I know that I'll be blessed even more by putting the messages given into practice. I feel really lucky to have chosen to be a member of this church. In between watching Conference we went on a short family walk around the neighborhood and popped by where Robdawg and I will be attending college. An overall good weekend. I'm anticipating an even better week.

Robdawg

I've been blessed with a brilliant husband. And that is where I shall leave it today.

Satisfaction

Friday admin day can be real satisfying. It feels good to start the weekend with a clean slate on the to do list. Enrolled in college...check! Something I've been planning to do for the passed 7yrs is now finally done. I haven't decided on what I'll be studying yet but I know it'll be something to develop my creative mind. Maybe a bit of graphic designing mixed with fine art...I still have a little while before making a decision. It'll be exciting to finally have an education. I think being a mother has made me want to learn more. Seeing how baby boy sucks up knowledge has increased my interest in self development. I don't have any big plans of what I'll do with the degree/diploma all I know is that it'll better me personally. And right now that's enough for me.

Busy baby boy

Ah yes! How happy am I to announce that today was a much better day than yesterday? Very! It's baby boy's 1st birthday in 2wks and I'm looking for ways to make it special. Something small and memorable. He's growing up super fast. And I know this is something you'd expect to hear from every mother. But he really is. And we've started to notice a new fascination with tidying up. He likes to put toys and shoes away which sounds great except he places them either in the bin or the hamper. He's a hard working little guy. Today we had a park day to make up for the missed play date yesterday. Amidst the chaos of the day I had to postpone his first play date. For some reason I'd planned it during his nap time, can you say mother of the week! And Robdawg woke up feeling real sick. Let's fast forward to a healthier day shall we. Baby boy loves the swing a bit too much. Some may call me slightly overbearing but the park is my worst nightmare when you consider the possible germs. It takes every part of me to not disinfect everything he touches. I'm still learning to relax and enjoy the moment. It's often easier said than done yet I believe it's possible.

Challenges

It's been a tough day. Sometimes it's good to admit that things aren't as perfect as you'd like them to be. This day kicked my butt. It might have been the blistering dry heat or the lack of sleep. What ever it was, I'm happy to know that tomorrow holds a perfect opportunity to do better and be better. And in doing better I hope to remember the following: 1) Life is not to be rushed - baby boy is going through a lot of changes. We're sleep training him and soon he'll be off the breast. In this quiet moment I see that this transitional process need not be rushed. 2) Listen to the still small voice - it really will guide you. 3) It's ok to be emotionally vulnerable - in a safe space. And most importantly, I need to remember that I may not have power over all my experiences but I certainly have the power to choose my reaction. Time to make better choices.

Good days

Today was a good day. We took to exploring Pueblo on foot which was both exhausting and incredibly fun. I think I've mentioned it before that baby boy loves being outdoors. He's a little traveller in the making. Seeing the world through his eyes is oh so refreshing. We're taking advantage of the time that Robdawg has at home, I'll definitely miss the luxury of hanging once he starts with work. But for now here's our day in pictures.