Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Strong Man


MVI_4191
Originally uploaded by dbussert
Here's a quick video of Benjamin's new skill- pulling himself to standing on momma's legs! He is really strong! He will walk around a little when holding onto your fingers and really looks like he wants to be able to move on his own.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Changes


IMG_4183
Originally uploaded by dbussert

There are two types of changes going on- diaper and life!

I found a really good deal on these gdiapers (www.gdiapers.com). They have an inner lining that is flushable (put the poo where it belongs!) and the outer shell is super cute and soft and comes in lots of colors. You can wash in the washing machine when necessary. We are going to try these out and see how it goes. I will probably still use disposable for night time since they are more absorbent and reliable. But these are a great alternative to disposables that take 500 years to decompose (these take 50 days).

Life changes- Benjamin has TWO teeth. Count that TWO! In less than 2 weeks. Poor little guy. So the sleep training stopped during that time and he got smarter. He is now able to withstand many different forms of sleep inducing: stroller walks, car rides, swaying to music, humming, pretty much every trick in the book. So we are back to crying this week. Night one, 40 minutes of non-stop top of his lungs crying.

We went in a consoled him a few times without picking him up. Another thing that is helping is his lovey. A little blue towel that he holds when he naps. I hope it helps comfort him! (and I need to find backups, just in case something happens to it!) Speaking of naps, they are about 2 45mins naps a day. That is not acceptable for a little baby! He should have at least two 1-1 1/2 hours naps and I think that is why he isnt sleep well at night. We need a complete sleep overhaul.

Also, the little man really really wants to crawl!! On his belly he can do a full pushup onto his toes and he lunges forward. When he gets moving for real, I'll get a video and post.

Ok enough for tonight. Pray for mommy and daddy, we want peace!

Go Hokies!


IMG_4174
Originally uploaded by dbussert

We are SO ready for football season! I hope Benjamin enjoys watching and cheering. This is a 12 month old outfit but its fits now, so we are using it!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Sunny day!

Benjamin got some sunscreen (and sunglasses) and went on a stroll with daddy today.
Day 4 of cry it out lasted 25 mins. He sure is stubborn.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Sleep Update 3

Just in case you were wondering, night 2 of crying it out went ok. 20 mins of crying. We did his routine and then he just got super fussy and wouldnt let me rock him or sway him so I put him in his crib and went downstairs. Poor little guy. But alas, he is asleep.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Sleep Update 2

Well, he's into his 6 month and in general, is more mature. He reaches for everything and recognizes a lot of things. Especially the cats :)

After about 3 BAD weeks of crying at night (in our arms and screaming), and getting over a cold, Benjamin finally started responding to his bedtime routine. Bath, nursing, book (sometimes) and dancing/rocking by daddy got him down easily every night last week.

Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been a roller coaster for him. Grandma Allie babysat all last week instead of Grandpa and then Easter weekend was really busy and this week Daddy is traveling and Grandma Bussert is here. Needless to say, his little brain is tossled and he is having a little trouble sleeping.

Its really hard for me to dance/rock him to sleep because Dillon usually does this and ...well, Dillon doesn't remind Benj of nursing. And, afternoon naps are hairy for Grandma Bussert. So today, we let him cry at naptime (even though we promised Daddy we wouldnt) and it took about 45 mins.

At bedtime, after the routine he was soooooooo tired but wouldn't relax in my arms so I just put him in the crib to cry. He flipped over on his belly, cried 3 mins and passed out!

We were also having issues with the "45 min intruder" which is where he would wake up 45 mins into his bedtime sleep and naps. Glad to say he has been asleep over an hour! I wonder if he will sleep through the night!!!

All that being said, I'm thankful for the instincts God gives us and that there is no universal way to get babies to sleep. Thankful that God promises a peaceful mind to those who trust in Him.

Broccoli


Apparently broccoli makes a good teething toy!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Here I come!


IMG_4077
Originally uploaded by dbussert

Well here he is. Up on hands and knees. He hasn't figured out what to do from here, but he's strong enough to push up and hold it for awhile. I think its just the fat rolls on the arms that provide a column of strength. He also has mommy's chin!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Good morning

Cute lion outfit!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Nanny cat

Luffy really does have an affection for Benjamin. During his nap today he came over and placed a little paw on his back. Also, when Benjamin cries, Luffy is always pacing nearby looking for some way to help (or maybe he just wants the noise to stop).

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Sick day

Benjamin has had a really stuffy nose and has been whining for a few days now. I know a stuffy nose sounds like nothing, but for a baby, it affects everything- eating and sleeping - since they predominately only know how to breathe out of their nose. He had a little fever but nothing too serious.
His voice is pretty hoarse too. Its so sad to hear him cry.

In general, he has pretty high spirits though - here he is posing:


Mom got him to sleep in the stroller today but had to tilt it back to keep him asleep :)