Our First Non-Seuss Seuss Books

Today I ran to the library to pick up Baby's newest Dr Seuss books they had on hold for us. Usually we go every Tuesday morning and hang out with friends for about an hour. But the non-sleeping Baby decided to take a good nap this morning. And I wasn't about to argue!

For her afternoon nap (might I add nonexistent afternoon nap) we read two of them: Gerald McBoing Boing and All Aboard The Circus McGurkus.

Although both these books are Dr. Seuss books they aren't technically written by him. They were both based on and inspired by one of his books. Or in the case of Gerald McBoing Boing, a movie Dr. Seuss came up with.

So neither of these books are considered to be one of Dr. Seuss's main, original books. But they're still cute and worth a read.

Baby Sleep Solutions: A Review in a Way

Lately Baby M has decided naps and sleep are only for babies. A few months ago we did a slight sleep coaching week where we helped her try to fall asleep on her own (i.e. not being rocked).



We tried attachment parenting and Dr. Sears Nighttime Parenting the first time. Baby M had some struggles early on in her short little life health wise. Because of this she responded better to attachment parenting. She began sleeping almost 12 hours. It was wonderful!!!!

Until now....







So we tried the No Cry Sleep Solution and Elizabeth Pantley's conceptions. We are not allowed to let her cry for lengthy times because of her health issues and this was recommended to us because, well, because of the title! But.... Every time I laid her down I got "Oh Mama, you really think I'm ready for bed!" She did not respond to this at all! Not even a little bit. I did the pick up and put down thing a hundred times a night. She'd wake up about a half hour later ready to play.

So now what!!??



So here we are. Trying something new... We are right here about now: The Sleeplady Shuffle. So far so good. She's been falling asleep on her own. She cut that time down from an 1 hour to about 15 mins in just two days. YAY!!!



I haven't bought the Sleeplady's Book. I bought the other two. They did have some awesome advice and information for sleeping. Baby sleep habits and cycles are much different from adults. And she really isn't just being stubborn. She doesn't know how. And I, as her Mama, have to teach her. This is why the SleepLady calls it sleep coaching not training. We're gently helping her learn.








A few things to consider before starting any kind of sleeping coaching or training.
To full out coach make sure they are about 6 months old. Little teaching sessions can occur before 6 months but nothing major until then.
Take care of pain first. This will keep babies awake. Baby M never slept more than a 1/2 hour until she was diagnosed and got her MSPI managed. Teething is HUGE. Watch for that.
If they aren't ready, don't push it. In a few short years she won't want you to rock her at 1am. She won't want you to hug her for that matter!! Soak it up. Enjoy it.

Check around. Different methods work for different babies.

And pray! : )

Book Review: Everything Romance

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I was very excited to receive this book. And it didn't fail! It was probably the cutest book I have read (besides children's books). It is jam packed with little facts about love, history of traditions and ideas on how to revamp your relationship with your spouse.

 This little book, Everything Romance by David Bordon and Tom Winters is a fun, quick read. Inside they have chosen numerous quotes about love to get your mind thinking. One of my favorites is found on page 91: "Love isn't like a reservoir. You'll never drain it dry. It's much more like a natural spring. The longer and farther it flows, the stronger and deeper and clearer it becomes" by Eddie Cantor. How thought provoking and true!!

The authors also include little known facts, 'did you know', and love busters and boosters. Did you know that Thomas Edison and his wife Mina used Morse-code at parties and he even proposed to her using Morse-code? Recipes and stories are littered throughout. Some stories are Bible stories retold in language that reads like a story. Others are about historical figures or every day people.One story I loved. It was the story of Annie Oakley and Frank Bulter (pg 104). Did you know Butler let Annie Oakley shoot a cigarette out of his mouth!? Talk about trust! Other fun facts include conversation starts for couples on page 127 and the top 100 love songs of all time. I would tell you what the top song is but I'd rather have you read the book.

 As I said before this is a small book. One you can stick in your purse or backpack and read at the bus stop, lunch break or while rocking your sleepless, teething child to sleep (guilty!). It will have you smiling, and crying. You'll recognize yourself in some of the stories. Or you'll pick up an idea for dessert tonight for your husband. You'll be convicted and encouraged. Amazed and stunned. It's just a great little book!

More Info
Read Chapter One
About the Author

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multomah Publishing for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.