sterling silver sampling!

amidst all of the crib/sleep training drama, i've been working with some amazing sterling silver wire. half round, square, beaded, twisted, patterned, different gauges... such loveliness! in the stack to the left, i've incorporated several different types and the combination of textures is quite amazing. i've also been working with awesome domed floral patterned wire, which has made some lovely, baroque/medieval inspired bands! who knew that silver could be so versatile!!!

so... how goes the sleep training, you ask? meh, not so good. the mini has had NO problem returning to the crib, and i've somewhat overcome my "missing-baby-insomnia", but i realize that eventually halfway (or so) through the night, we end up together in my bed. oh well. i seem to have found a balance where we both get enough rest. when i'm better rested, i'm less moody and emotional about leaving her, plus i'm able to function well in the daytime. even the sleep training gurus say that nothing is worth it unless mommy is well rested... so i'm just going to go with it for now. survival, right????

i have learned a few things in the last couple of days:

1. thank God for the white noise machine

2. an early bedtime is best - darn you, cortisol!

3. i sometimes think i hear the mini crying when she's not

4. the battery in the baby monitor wears out very quickly.

5. an hour of alone time with the husband is quite restorative

6. the better she naps, the better she sleeps.

sleep. who knew it was so complicated???

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sleep training

since before xmas, the mini had been sleeping with me. she had caught a cold and was gagging or vomiting in her sleep, so i brought her to bed with me, figuring that i'd rather deal with sleepless nights rather than take the chance that she might choke or aspirate.

so, the sleepless nights are here. she's been in her crib for almost two weeks, but the first few nights, i couldn't sleep without her!!! it's weird how quiet the house gets. now, she's cutting another four teeth. seriously. and she has some power behind those teeth too. she still gets up a couple times a night, but i'll work on that in a bit. i'm psyching myself up for the crying.

it's been a little freeing to have my time back - i work on ring orders and crocheting, or spend some time with the husband - but i miss her next to me. who knew i'd be the one needing the sleep training???? i don't know what i'd do without my cheering section (thank you julieellyn and girly!)

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Dreams of Sleeping 10 Hours a Night...

for the last 5 nights, the mini has been going to sleep at 8pm and not waking up till 4 or 5 in the morning to eat. before, she wasn't doing that except on the days she got her vaccinations. i don't know if it's the rice cereal that we started giving her (she'll eat it, but seems kind of indifferent to the taste. i think she wants french fries.) or if she's just growing up, but it's nice.

problem is, the husband has also adjusted his sleeping schedule and goes to bed shortly after the mini does, leaving me awake. i usually use the time to fill orders and clean up, but tonight i was even MORE revved up and found myself scrubbing the hardwood floors on my hands and knees. the latest issue of "parenting" magazine suggested that you stop "working" at a certain time and enjoy something that you can't do while your little ones are up... but i don't think that they meant using your hands as a swiffer.

when i do fall asleep, i sometimes awaken thinking that i've heard the mini cry, but when i go to check on her, she isn't even awake. then i have to get up around 2 or 3 am to pump since she isn't going to get up for another couple of hours to eat. so now i'm not sleeping through the night!

i know one day i'll look back on these days and miss them. but right now i'll just settle for one night of 10 hours of sleep!!!! at least the baby's well rested!!!

p.s. they found out what is wrong with my laptop. the hard drive is fried. great.

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