Little One

This little one is so fun. She just lights up our life! And she's one spoiled little baby to show for it - but thanks to a bunch of tips on Facebook, I'm learning how to be the mom of a baby again.

We've been struggling with naps and although I fear we have a long way to go, I received a bunch of great advice and am putting some of it into play.

Watching for tired cues was a big one I completely forgot about after all of these years - and that really helped today for getting her to sleep better. I really appreciate that reminder! It's amazing the things you forget after not having a baby for this long...

I was trying the whole method of putting her down, walking away, going back after a few minutes, laying her back down, and walking away again... etc... but she was screaming her head off and hysterical every time I'd walk away again.

It wasn't working. And it was breaking my heart to listen to her that upset. So today, I ended up putting her down, and stayed near her crib reading my book so she could see me and she settled down much better and only fussed a little. Although, it was a good 20-30 minutes before she actually fell asleep because she's used to sleeping with us and even for naps, I'd been lying down with her. (One of the luxuries of having older kids - I sure wasn't able to do that with my oldest three!) But it's progress. Now that she's a little older, I'm trying to break her of the habit of needing me to get her to sleep...

I mean, seriously, though... I have such a hard time resisting that sweet little face...

{Everything Aria's wearing is thrifted, including her yellow ruffled socks, with the exception of her moccasins from Kaboogie. Her dress and sweater are vintage. Her onesie is probably thrifted, too, unless it's a hand-me-down from her siblings. I've thrifted most of her onesies and socks so far.}

Her favorite place to be. Okay... maybe it's mine, too, but after nine months I'm getting a little antsy to start getting things done around here and to start doing some projects once in awhile. {My necklace is from Chewbeads. I love it because it's perfect for her while she's teething and she can't rip it off and break it like my vintage necklaces.}

Comments

[Laura]

Hi Jen, looks like everyone in your end of the world is doing well, Babies are so sweet she looks like her Mommy. Stay cozy this winter.

[Sara]

oh my goodness - these pics are melting my heart! I miss this. She is just way too cute!!! Love the one of her lifting up her dress! I wouldn't want to put her to bed either, she's way to squish-able!!

[Cyndi]

She is so adorable!! Isn't it amazing what we forget when it's been awhile since having a baby in the house? Good luck to you as you teach sweet little Aria to sleep! You'll find what works best for her and YOU.(:

[sandy koivisto]

Hey Jennifer,

I found your blog recently. I want to snuggle your Aria...so very darling with those huggable legs and chubby cheeks. lucky you!

I think I'll visit this site every once in awhile....just to take a peek at you and yours.

Do you mind?

love you, aunt sandy

[Heidi]

Love Auntie Sandy's comment. (Is it funny that I still call all my aunts "aunties?")

Aria is so precious! Glad you're making some progress with getting her to sleep. Does she have a lovey/security blanket? Both of my boys have loveys and I wonder if that's part of the reason they've been so good at going to sleep on their own.

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Jennifer here: Not weird at all! Or maybe we're both weird... I still call all of my aunts 'aunties', too.

She doesn't have anything she's attached to. I mean I always have a burp cloth with her but she's just never clung to it or anything. None of my kids have had any attachment items that I can think of (maybe their burp cloths...) - with the exception of their pluggies...

[Emily]

What a sweetie! I just want to snuggle her up!