The Un-Domesticated Mom

I've Moved by URL

2010-12-06T05:57:00.002-05:00

I finally decided on a name of my blog and identity and UNDOMESTICATED MOM, http://undomesticatedmom.blogspot.com/ best suits me. Please visit me there for future updates.

I've Moved by URL

2010-12-06T05:57:00.000-05:00

I finally decided on a name of my blog and identity and UNDOMESTICATED MOM best suits me. Please visit me there.

A New Favorite from My Stash

2010-12-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

I love rusty brown eyeshadows. It's the perfect halo for my eyes and skin tone. Gives warmth, while highlighting my eyes without being overpowering.

When I had lighter hair, I loved MAC's Coppering eyeshadow. It's one of those shadows I wore for months and months, never got tired of it and always got complimented by strangers. It's a highly pigmented Veluxe Pearl and because the color is so bright there's hardly I a sign I've used it even though it was a staple for me.

Sometimes, Coppering seemed too bright so I searched for another similar color which was toned down and found Lancome's Model which I also love. I always paired both colors with MAC's Mulch, another favorite of mine.

When I said good bye to light hair (which will be forever unless I have a mid-life crisis), coppering did not have the same effect as it used to. It was too bright and didn't blend in well with my look. I was sad to put it away but I had to. Than, I moved onto MAC's Mythology which is also a beautiful color but the fallout is horrible. The last thing I need at my age and as a mom is a glitter landing on my cheeks from my eyeshadow. So, I hung up the coppery, rusty brown addiction and moved onto taupes. Taupes are lovely and frame almost every eye beautifully but sometimes you need that "pop". I was fulfilled when I went through my eyeshadows and saw MAC's Antiqued. I never used it much but thought, I'll give it a try and I fell in love! It is the perfect rusty brown color for my skin and hair color. I love it on it's own for a day look or as a glammed up look with MAC's Carbon and Reflects glitter pigments. If you also love coppery browns and have dark hair give MAC's Antiqued a try. I hope you love it!

Here are some pictures to illustrate my descriptions.

w/ light hair wearing coppering & mulch

w/ dark hair wearing mythology & mulch

my new favorite, the smooth, creamy, highly pigmented rusty brown, MAC's Antiqued

with Antiqued & Carbon & glitter accents from Reflects Copper & Reflects Bronze

Jessica Simpson 22" clip-in relaxed curl extensions

2010-12-05T13:29:00.003-05:00

If you have read a previous post of mine on hair, you already know it's been a long road to getting my hair length back.

In October 2008, I chopped off my long waist-length hair because I wanted a short do. I loved my cut and would still have it if it weren't such high maintenance. What I didn't know about going short was the pain it is to grow it out. There are many phases of awkward looking hair to do go through. Sometimes I tried not to cut it thinking it would get me to my goal faster.....but only lasted 6 months without a cut. Avoiding the trim only makes hair look messy and weighed down. Fast forward to December 2010 and I am still growing my hair. Maybe I will have the waist-length hair I dream about by Summer of 2011.

To view my video review on the hair extensions, click this link.

Key Points:

Purchased for around $40.00 on www.hautelook.com
Wouldn't pay $80.00 (full price) for it
Great for those days you just want long hair
Very easy to use
Feels heavy on, not too heavy but there is an obvious difference between not having them on
Can make you feel hot (not recommended for hot days)
Best for shoulder length hair

Wearing the extensions, IMMEDIATELY after UPS delivered them. I couldn't wait to try them on.

Wearing them with concentration on how I did my hair (blow dried, than curled with a 1 1/2" barrel curling iron). Ready for a girl's night out!

If you've been waiting patiently for your hair to grow, just want long hair for an occasion or got a haircut you don't like, these extensions are a fun option to try. Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Day to Night Warm Eyeshadow Palette

2010-11-30T16:08:00.002-05:00

For a full review please watch the video:

Colors are very warm as the name of the palette suggests. Quality is wonderful, fine-milled, almost as fine as Dior shadows but not quite. Very blendable and lasts all day. I wish there was a taupe-ish color in the mix besides the two very dark colors (espresso & black plum) so there would've been more all over the lid colors to use. Regardless, it is a good palette to have for days you don't feel like wearing much makeup and would like a polished look. I find it hard to over-do a look using Bobbi Brown shadows - they are perfect for daytime or the modest makeup wearer.

Here are some pictures:

3 Matte Shadows: Ivory, Oat, Espresso

2 Metallic, 1 Shimmer: Burnt Sugar, Velvet Bronze, Black Plum

On lid Velvet Bronze, Burnt Sugar on lashline, Ivory on browbone, Black Plum on lower lashline

The Perfect Shoe for a Mom Who Loves Heels

2010-11-22T23:18:00.000-05:00

Just recently, I started to wear heels again. Noah is 15 months now and on the go but I still need to chase him and carry him here and there when we go out. I love wearing heels especially since I am 5' 3". Flats aren't flattering on me, particularly ballerina flats. On long legged girls they look very chic but when I wear them I end up looking stubby.

Over the weekend, I decided to wear heels on a shopping trip with Noah and it felt nice to feel a little glam. But stiletto heels (even though they weren't too high) doesn't work out too well with a toddler. I still managed but it wasn't the best scenario for me.

These were the shoes that enticed me to wear heels on our recent outing:

It is a modest heel compared to the ones I wore pre-pregnancy. I love these shoes (purchased for under $30.00 at LoveMyShoes years and years ago) but don't wear them much because of the color. The gold buckle and blue do add some life to an outfit. Sadly, I found out the hard way, carrying a toddler in a thin heel is a workout for my feet!

I'm tired of wearing UGGS. No other shoe compares to the comfort and warmth but I don't want to be tied to UGGS every time I go out with my son. A mom wants to have some style too!

Most of my shoes are heels like these minus the UGGS and sneakers.

As much as I love these shoes, I cannot hold Noah for a long time while wearing them. I was so happy when I tried on the Tory Burch Sophie Wedge Heel shoes. I always thought the flats were cute but not for me. This shoe gives you the little edge with the buckle but cuteness at the same time with the rounded toe. Most importantly, it has a good heel height enough to feel a little glam but not dangerous. From trying it on they felt very comfortable, much more than the Reva flats in my opinion. I will update on how comfy they are after I wear them for an entire workday. I adore these shoes and am happy to have found them. I would've never thought I would like these but they are very different on than on display. This is my new mom heel!

The rubber sole makes this shoe extra comfy and safe

If you are a mom who loves heels this may be an option to explore.

I Deeply Love My Son

2010-11-19T00:12:00.001-05:00

It took me 6 weeks to fall in love with my baby. I always thought mothers immediately feel "in love" with their baby the moment they give birth. My experience was that I wanted to do everything right for my baby and protect him. I felt immense responsibility but the emotions didn't hit me until 6 weeks. Even than, I was extremely exhausted from sleep deprivation and the big change in our lives. Everything changes after birth. During pregnancy the concentration is spent on having a smooth and safe pregnancy to give birth to a healthy baby. All preparation is taken for labor and when you bring your baby home. Not much thought is given to how it will all be when your new family is at home. Words cannot express how hard it is.

Maybe for some moms it comes very naturally and is a breeze but it was a lot of hard work for me. I went from being on the go, working many hours, socializing with friends to breast feeding, swaddling, rocking, pumping, cleaning/sterilizing bottles. Unless you have lived through this drastic change yourself, no one can fully understand what a first time mom goes through. Plus, there are so many emotions involved.

Once I started to get more sleep when Noah turned 6 months I was able to relax a bit and enjoy my time with him more. But it was still hard for me to adjust. I would pray to become more comfortable with this new way of life. It was hard for me to work from home and not see adults as much on a day to day basis. I felt guilty for complaining about the pressure I felt but I cannot hold things in because it's not right to say. I said all the things a mom shouldn't say and expressed how I felt about everything. I really wondered when I would feel good about how things are. Now, almost 15 months after I gave birth I can truly say from deep within my heart I love my son like never before. Everyday I look at him and my heart melts and I can't believe how cute he is. Even when he is causing mischief and making a mess for the 10th time in a day, he brings a smile to my face. Being a mom is a lot of work and it is OK to admit it. It is absolutely normal to have bad days and it is true that one hug, one smile or one kiss from them makes it all worthwhile.

The Never Ending Advice & Words of Wisdom Once You Become a Mom

2010-11-15T04:04:00.002-05:00

I think every mom has experienced getting loads of advice and words of wisdom from other moms and even from people with no children because they think they know best. It first starts off with how to get sleep or dealing with breast feeding and never ends. Sometimes it's welcoming, other times overwhelming or can be down right annoying.

The two best pieces of wisdom I received during my first year as a mom were:

1. My operating doctor for my unplanned c-section told me this was the start of things not turning out as a planned when I was quite upset I had to get a c-section to give birth. I still clearly remember to this day she said "this is the start of parenthood, you will learn things won't turn out as you planned as you raise them". I thought back to her words many times during my first year as a mom. In my mind I would've expected my son to just eat solids not realizing there was a process of getting used to eating from a spoon vs. a bottle. I didn't think he was going to crawl backwards for a month until he started moving forwards. These are just small examples and I hope I grow to become a more patient person as he grows to let him discover who he is and not what I expected in my mind.

2. A grandmother told me whatever way you choose to gain sleep, you can do it but don't complain about the arrangement later. She was referring to sleeping with your baby in your bed. I know many parents who do this - but the idea of it is much nicer than how it actually turns out. My son slept in our bed briefly when he went through a 10 month sleep regression but..... it didn't last long. I got no sleep when he was in our bed from the wild sleeping; constant rolling, kicking and being worried he would roll off. It seems like the better way to console your child but it did not work for me and I have heard other parents complain from lack of sleep of having their child in their bed. The grandmother who told me this had direct experience of her granddaughter sleeping in the "family bed". Since many parents are exhausted and do not want to hear their baby crying, they bring them to bed because it seems like the easy way out as opposed to sleep training. Yes, sleep training is hard for about 3 days than you get most nights of good sleep but you need to put in the work. However, she meant if you are not willing to for whatever reason you may have than don't do it but don't complain about sharing your bed.

I've received loads of advice from just about anyone even strangers on the street who start conversation but these 2 have stuck with me. I wonder which other words of wisdom will be words I think back to as time goes on.

Real or Fake Pillow Pets?

2010-11-11T11:33:00.002-05:00

Many moms out there are probably aware of the popular Pillow Pets. If your children watch Sprout, you're bound to see the commercial with the catchy jingle, "It's a pillow, it's a pet, it's a PILLOW PET". When I noticed the pillows are made of chenille, I decided I had to get one for Noah. He loves his blanket from Little Giraffe, if he could walk around with it all day.

When I googled "pillow pets" to purchase online, there's a handful of sites selling them and other sites advising not to buy fake pillow pets. I bought one from Target since I felt it's a trusted source and one online at www.mypillowpets.com. Both are supposed to be the real thing but there is a quality difference.

For more details, watch my quick video between the two.

My Baby Turns 1 Tomorrow!

2010-08-22T00:12:00.001-04:00

It's been 1 year since Noah was born. I can't believe I am saying time flew. This was the most eventful year of my life. I felt every emotion and brought to my limits physically and mentally. Time seemed to go too slow and I thought 1 year was so far away but here we are, almost all set to celebrate Noah's 1st Birthday. I don't know if I learned patience or if it was just that Noah was patient with his impatient Mommy. I am blessed to be a mom to such a sweet and affectionate baby.

In Korean culture, a baby's first birthday is called a DOL. It is a big celebration where family and friends come and celebrate the child's first year. There is a lot of work put into preparing for a dol. We are having ours at home. To comfortably seat all our guests we rented a tent, tables and chairs from a tent company. I took on some DIY projects to make it personal for my baby. If it weren't for www.Korean1stBirthday.com, I would've been at a loss of ideas.

First, I chose Shooting Stars as the theme based on his nursery:

The DIY projects I decided to do were:
1. Dol Towers
2. Centerpieces
3. Photos for walls
4. Candy Buffet
5. Hanging Poms
6. Doljabi Board

Here are some photos of the preparation work:

Dol Towers - Made from mini jawbreakers, mentos and Goya beans (white & black) on oatmeal boxes

I saw another mom who did this for her daughter's dol and loved it. Each globe represents a member of our family - Dad, Mom and Baby. The pattern and instructions on how to make the globes are available at - http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/. The boxes are small cake boxes with star, moon and cloud stickers from Martha Stewart Crafts bought at Michaels. I also cut out stars on cardstock paper and glued them on and also added some quotes:

Today, we celebrate our Ordinary Miracle.

One year ago, we welcomed our baby boy, who gave us his full trust asking for nothing but love.

Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him.

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.

Noah's Photo Table

Doljabi Board (we stayed with the traditional items)

Candy / Dessert table (before cupcakes & pudding cups)

More pictures to come after the celebration!

9 Months Postpartum Stomach

2010-06-10T23:59:00.002-04:00

First Week of June - Stomach Shot

2010-06-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

I started getting serious about exercising in May. In April I was a bit wishy washy in my routine, maybe running 1-2x per week. In May I was running about 3-4x per week and stopped snacking.

My stomach has gotten flatter and is not mushy but there is still some extra skin. It is not as taut as I'd like it to be yet. In the photo below if I move my abs to the side a bit you can see the skin is not very tight. I'm just hoping with exercise it returns back to it's pre-pregnancy state. I have read it would and some women invested in tightening creams for their skin to go back. I might have to read up on those.

Starting last week, I discovered the Tracy Anderson Method and have added it to my routine of running. It is different and her mat workout definitely hits my muscles in a way I haven't felt. The dance routine is a bit difficult but once you get the hang of it, it certainly gives you a good workout. I still won't give up my running though because when I run I feel it all throughout my body and it's no brainer (no dance moves to remember or practice).

Some Progress in Post Pregnancy Body

2010-05-19T17:04:00.002-04:00

So, I cut down to almost no snacking, consistently running 3x a week and doing planks.

Still not at pre-prego ab state but better than having a round belly.

Being Able to Have Fun as a Mom

2010-05-14T21:36:00.000-04:00

There are so many different views on what a mom should do and what a mom should be. Some people think their entire life should change because they became a mom. Of course, you have more responsibility, see life differently and think more about your actions but when did that mean you have to be in sweats all day, with messed up hair and a bare face? What is wrong with a mom who still takes care of herself? I do not think that means you are selfish. Take the time and energy to take care of yourself this equals having respect for yourself. Just because you became a mom doesn't mean you have to look like a slob and be a homebody. It's given you can't socialize like you used to but who doesn't need some time for themselves.

For me, I definitely need some girl to girl chat time but sometimes that's not enough, I still like to hit the dance floor and have some fun. The next day I ask myself WHY WHY WHY did I do that?? It's absolute torture suffering from little sleep, a hangover and having to take care of your little one but a break is well needed. However, I think it's fine, I am going out while my LO is sleeping. Maybe I won't be as interesting or talkative the next day but I will still do what I have to. I don't know any person who doesn't need a breather here and there plus you need regular contact with the adult world minus baby from time to time. I read another mom who had written the question ....do you even know who you were before you had a kid?.... and I see a lot of moms who I would ask that question too. Becoming a mom doesn't mean letting go of who you are. You are still you but with more love and responsibility. If you or someone else gave you the notion you had to change completely they are so wrong (minus the fact if you an extreme person doing harmful things). I think as moms we will always feel some guilt but we definitely feel good and some relief whenever we do take some time for ourselves.

New Video: ERGOBaby Carrier Front Carry

2010-05-02T12:18:00.001-04:00

New Video: What's in My Diaper Bag

2010-05-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

The Perfect Postpartum Gift Basket

2010-05-01T06:51:00.000-04:00

If I had to make a postpartum gift basket, I would include:

1. Mustela Postpartum Restructuring Gel

2. Belly Bandit (in all the sizes the new mom would need)

3. Origins A Perfect World Body Cream

4. Fresh Soy Face Wash

5. Fresh Soy Face Cream

6. California Baby Calendula Hand Soap (gentle on hands that will constantly be washed)

7. Comfy & Pretty pajamas (from Olian, Majamas & VS)

8. Pretty & Comfy Slippers

9. Shapewear

10. Lansinoh Lanolin Ointment (for breastfeeding mom)

11. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth

12. Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

Recent Makeup Haul

2010-04-02T22:28:00.002-04:00

Left to Right:
MAC Viva Glam GAGA (Lustre)
MAC Cremed'Nude (Cremesheen)
MAC Color Me Coral (LE - Frost)
MAC Underage lipglass
MAC Cremesheen Boy Bait
Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara
L'oreal Linear Intense Carbon Black
MAC Pearlglide Liners top to bottom (almost noir, undercurrent, black line, petrol blue & designer purple)
Sonia Kashuk Full Glam Lashes from Target (www.hollyannaeree.com favorite at the moment)

I love everything I got above. At first I was iffy about the Viva Glam GAGA because I thought it was too bright but I do like it a lot. I absolutely love the Creme d' Nude and will definitely be looking at other cremesheen lipsticks. Color Me Coral is great for a pop of color without being obnoxious.

Underage and Boy Bait glosses are both nudes. Underage having pink tones, and Boy Bait a bit peachish. Boy Bait is very light weight, it feels like a lipbalm. I know that is the reason a lot of beauty reviewers like the Cremesheens but I like my lipglosses to be gooey.

I like the Rimmel Mascara because it's very black and builds up volume on my sparse, short lashes. This has become my go to everyday mascara when I don't wear lashes.

The L'oreal Linear Intense has replaced my gel liners. It is very black which is great for me since I'm not so fair so extreme black looks best. Plus, the felt tip makes it so easy to wing out my liner. And I don't have to worry about cleaning a brush after I'm done. I have stocked up on this because it seems like it will run out fairly quickly and I will stock up again once CVS has their buy one get one half off again.

I picked up the Sonia Kashuk lashes since they look beautiful on Holly (www.hollyannaeree.com) and I had to try them but I doubt I would wear these for just an errand type of day.

Some pics using the pearlglides (I bought these to use on my lower lash line below my waterline. It gives a pop of color to my earthy toned shadows. I do not like wearing bright colors on my lids because I don't find it flattering. Also, I am monolid so if I want a pop of color the best place is the lower lashline not above.) I really love these liners because they are very smooth, have slight shimmer, are bold and long lasting.

BB Skin Foundation, L'oreal Linear Intense, Stila Kajal Liner Black, MAC Satin Taupe, MAC Showstopper, MAC Next to Nothing, MAC Petrolblue Pearlglide, Smashbox O-Glow, MAC Azaela Blossom

This is how my hair looks when not blow dried or flat-ironed. It does have curling mousse in it.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, L'oreal Linear Intense, Stila Kajal Liner Black, NARS Bellissma Eyeshadow Duo, MAC Brilliantly Purple Pearlglide, Smashbox O-Glow, MAC Azaela Blossom, LIPS ARE BARE

same as above with Color Me Coral Lipstick

Getting Back in Shape Post-Partum

2010-04-02T21:03:00.000-04:00

Yes, you can regain your pre-pregnancy figure! I truly believe this but, it won't just happen - there must be conscious efforts made and depending on how much time you can commit, the time it takes to reach your goal will vary.

Before I got pregnant I was in fairly good shape, I went to the gym 3 times a week doing HIIT cardio. I also did some weights but never more than 20 pds and Jillian Michael's Circuit Training (I also love her book In The Cut - it really pushes your limits). I was 105 pds and not skinny fat. At delivery I was 150 pds. I was pretty worried about this since I knew if I had 20 pds to lose I could definitely do it since I had done it before when I gained weight once I quit something. And the approximate weight loss after birth is about 12 pds (baby, placenta, blood etc...). I thought I was going to have 30 plus pounds to lose but to my surprise I was 123 pds when I returned home. My guess is that a lot of it may have been water weight? I have no idea. I had an unplanned c-section which put a delay on exercising. And since I had given birth in August, the weather got cold and I had only been able to go for one run before winter started. I also was tied up with work, watching Noah and he went through a very fussy period. From once I returned home, I was content if I had to lose 10 pds when March came around. I knew I could lose that by June and be prepared for bikini season. In March I was already 107-108 pds so I had about 3 pds to get to pre-prego weight. I just started running 1 1/2 weeks ago and it feels good!! I am going to start off running 3x a week, I don't think I have anymore time than that and all the running I am doing is outdoors.

I feel that when I need the extra push to shed the last stubborn 5 pds running outdoors does the trick and I can feel the soreness in my body down to my bones! The site which really helps me when it's to get the lean look I want is www.thefitnessblackbook.com. This is not the place for someone who has 20 pds to lose, it seems to be for people who are fairly fit and need some extreme moves to get to where they want to be.

Now, I know everyone has different likes in body styles. However, I think we can all agree muscle is better than flab. I've heard all the remarks people make about oh it's better to have more to love, or you don't want to be too skinny BUT I like the very lean look. If someone else likes the "more to love" look than they can go for it and I would never say some snide remark to them. I am not doing anything dangerous, I am doing it the healthy way and it takes commitment and some strictness to achieve it. I do not like thick thighs or a big butt. Everyone is entitled to what they like but I think a flat stomach is a universally flattering look. I don't know one person who likes a flabby stomach that folds over when they sit down. Once I reach a nice toned stomach, I know I will be satisfied.

Summer of 2008

In Love with a Drugstore Foundation

2010-03-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

After seeing reviews on YouTube and my friend telling me about Revlon's Photo Ready foundation I caved and tried it. It was on sale at Duane Reade for $9.99. I wasn't expecting much but was very surprised. The face makeup I use is either Smashbox Halo Powder, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer or Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation with Bobbi Brown's being my favorite of the three. I also use MAC Studio Sculpt for nights out since it gives such a doll look. I really like the Revlon foundation, it's consistency is watery which is a plus for me since I do not like anything thick. It is most similar to the Bobbi Brown Skin foundation when compared to the ones I currently use. The difference is the Revlon one has slight shimmers. I don't mind it at all. Also, the foundation comes in a glass bottle just like other high end foundations which also surprised me. I would've never thought a drugstore foundation would work well but it does and at $9.99 who can complain compared to Halo $58, Bobbi Brown Skin ~$40 and same for Laura Mercier.

Some pics with Revlon Photo Ready Foundation (unedited except for cropping)

Face:
Revlon Photo Ready Foundation
NARS Deep Throat Blush
Laura Mercier loose setting powder

Eyes:
NARS Bellissima Duo
MAC Showstopper
L'oreal linear intense liquid liner
Urban Decay 24/7 liner bourbon
Stila Kajal liner black
Korean lashes

Lips:
MAC Viva Glam Gaga
MAC Underage Lipglass

Some Makeup Stuff because I Love Makeup

2010-03-09T20:06:00.001-05:00

Neutral Look Using Stack 2 Pigment from MAC Spring Colour Forecast

Face:

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Bobbi Brown Warm Natural Pressed Powder

MAC Hipness Blush

Eyes:

MAC Stack 2 Pigment (the 2nd One)

NARS Galapagos Shadow

MAC Blitz&Glitz Fluidline

Stila Kajal Pencil Liner

Ardell #110 Lashes

Lips:

Revlon Soft Nude

Trying to make Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick Work (I would return it but I don't want to since it's for a good cause, I'll save it for a club night)

Face:

Smashbox Halo Powder
MAC Azaela Blossom Blush
Eyes:
MAC Smut
MAC Beautymarked
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MAC Glitter pencil liner from Magic Mirth Collection
Stila Kajal Pencil Liner
Korean lashes

Lips:
Viva Glam Gaga

Noah's Sleep Log Progress

2010-03-09T19:40:00.001-05:00

3/7 Sunday

12:30 AM 5oz
3:40 AM 5oz (would not go back to sleep, this is when I realized after 3 nights of this habit he really didn’t need the feeding, he wanted the company)
7:00 AM Up
8:00 AM 2oz / 3.5oz Apple
9:45 AM 3oz
10:00 AM Put in crib for nap, cried for 45 min and fell asleep (did not log nap length)
12:30 PM 3oz, 2.5oz banana
1:00 PM Put in crib for nap, cried for 35 min with a failed nap
3:30 PM 4oz
6:00 PM carrot 2.5oz with rice cereal
7:30 PM 5oz
8:00 PM put in crib, cried until 8:50 PM
8:50 PM fell asleep

The mistake I made this day was putting Noah to bed too late. Since he did not nap well, he should’ve been put down for bed at 6:30-7:00 PM.

3/8 Monday

3:20 AM up and crying
3:30 AM 5oz
3:40 AM diaper change, back to crib cried until 3:55 AM
3:55 AM sleep
4:50 AM up, cried until 5:00 AM
7:00 AM up
7:45 AM 4oz pear
8:30 AM 1oz
8:40 AM in crib cried until 9:30 AM and realized he was hungry
9:30 AM 4oz and back to crib and cried until 10:00 AM
10:00 AM nap abandoned
12:15 PM 4oz
12:45 PM in crib cried until 12:57 PM
12:57 PM sleep
1:25 PM up crying, left in crib for 25 minutes to see if he would fall back asleep to extend the nap
Nap Length: 28 minutes
3:00 PM banana, 3oz
4:35 PM in crib, cried until 5:10 PM
5:10 PM abandoned nap since it was near bedtime and a late nap would not help
6:00 PM 3.5 oz sweet potato
6:40 PM 7oz
7:00 PM sleep
7:30 PM stirring, cried a little
7:34 PM sleep

Mistakes Made:

1. No proper wind down
2. Went out in stroller when he didn’t nap and he ended up napping for about 10 min

3/9 Tuesday

12:50 AM wave crying (was waiting 50 min before feeding)
1:14 AM sleep
1:18 AM cry
1:35 AM sleep
6:15 AM up 2oz (was not in the mood to eat)
7:30 AM apple and oatmeal
8:00 AM started wind down, went to room read 2 books walked around room singing lullabies
8:15 AM in crib, patted and sang lullaby
8:20 AM sleep
9:40 AM up
Nap Length: 1 hr 20 min
10:30 AM 5oz
11:00 AM carrots
12:00 PM start wind down, same as AM
12:10 PM crib, singing, crying, initially fell asleep to singing and patting but got up probably because he was hungry
12:50 PM 5oz
1:10 PM crib, yelling, banging legs on mattress, very upset but not hysterically crying, got very sweaty
1:45 PM failed nap
3:30 PM 5oz
4:00 PM wind down
4:12 PM crib, very upset, sweaty, banging legs on mattress
4:30 PM abandoned nap since the suggestion is no naps after 4:30 PM
5:30 PM banana & oatmeal
6:15 PM bath
6:30 PM 4oz fell asleep
6:35 PM sleep

I Never Thought I'd Be Using CIO as Sleep Training

2010-03-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

From the moment I brought Noah home, I never thought I would use CIO as a sleep training method but I am also a first time mom with no experience so it was a thought and judgment made partially out of ignorance. The first three weeks home Noah was a typical newborn eating every 2-3 hrs. At week 3 there was a big change and I came to know what witching hour was. He was inconsolable for hours and just would not go to sleep. We resorted to Dr. Harvey Karp's methods in the Happiest Baby on the Block but after 3 months those ways don't really work. Noah outgrew it but he still wanted to be rocked and fall asleep in our arms. Last week, I realized we had to put an end to this. There were many times I'd reason to myself that it was "ok" to do this since at about a year old he would drop to only one nap a day and rocking him for one nap and bedtime was fine. But he's a big boy now and needs to be rocked for longer some days. Either way I came to realize he should be falling asleep on his own - this is a basic function we take for granted. Luckily around the same time, I ran into a post on the August 2009 Board on BabyCenter and a member had posted about hiring a Sleep Consultant. After reading the advice of the Sleep Consultant I realized it was just like Dr. Marc Weissbluth's methods. I re-read his book and was ready to do this. My mind was set, patience ready and was willing to do the work to see the results.

The first day was hard but I was lucky to have read the cry types and what babies go through to put themselves to sleep. It was hard to hear Noah cry but they were not hysterical cries and than he would settle. However, naps are very hard and I have not seen much success so far and most say it takes weeks to months to see success with naps.

Last night I put Noah to bed at 8 PM and he cried until 8:50 PM and went to sleep. He did not wake up until 3:30 AM. However, I got up multiple times expecting him to wake up and I even went to his room to make sure he was OK. Now, once he starts sleeping through the night it will be awhile until I sleep through the night! I cannot wait to reach success with this.

Some mistakes I made:

1. Rocking Noah to sleep
2. Letting Noah nap in his Swing instead of his Crib to try to get longer naps
3. Going to him as soon as he cried
4. Giving up on sleep training when I started at 7 weeks because it was too hard on me emotionally

All of these things I did more because it made me feel better thinking he needed it but he really didn't. He is a baby and can adjust after consistency. The longer I choose to wait to sleep train, the harder it would be since the habits would be tougher to let go.

Adjustments I have made in the last couple of days:

1. Moved bedtime to 7 pm from 8:30 pm
2. Spent more one on one time

How I feel:

It's hard to have my baby cry but I am not letting him cry when he is in genuine distress or needs something. He is crying because he is learning how to fall asleep on his own.
It's an odd feeling to have more time and not run to him at every cry to soothe him.
I miss him so much more now and hold him even more during wake times.
When I see him moving around while sleeping on the monitor I just want to go in there and hold him but I know that would ruin all the work we've put in so far.
Anxious to see if this method truly works

Cry It Out Day 2

2010-03-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

7:00 AM: Up
8:00 AM: Apple
9:00 AM: Down for Nap - Cried
9:45 AM: 3oz, Down for Nap - Cried
10:00 AM: Sleep
11:00 AM: up
12:30 PM: banana, 3oz
1:30 PM: down for nap, cried until 2:30PM
from BabyCenter Sleep Training Forum, very much like Dr. Weissbluth's methods in Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
For nap training, there's a 1hr limit. If your LO is not still not near settling within the hour, take her out for a quick change, feed and queit play; and try again for the same nap within the hour for another hour. For most babies, especially older ones who have more stamina and during the first few days of nap training, the first nap attempt tends to be very unsuccessful. Most nap training successes begin with the 2nd nap attempt.
3:10 PM Sleep
3:30 PM up, 5 oz
4:00 PM out in stroller
4:45-5:00 PM cat napped
6:00 PM Carrots & Brown Rice
7:00 Bath
7:30 PM Bottle 5 oz
8:00 PM Crib (cried until 8:50 PM)
8:50 PM went to sleep
3:30 AM up, crying
3:40 AM 5oz
3:50 AM diaper change, back to bed crying until 3:55
3:55 AM Sleep
4:50 AM Up, Cry
5:14 AM Fell asleep
7:00 AM Up for the Day

Tonight, I will put Noah in his crib for night time at 7:00-7:30 PM instead of the 8:00 PM so he is not over tired since he cried for about an hour before finally falling asleep.

Night Weaning is so Hard

2010-03-07T05:26:00.000-05:00

After much delay I am ready to let LO CIO. Most advice says to let them CIO from 45-1 hr and check up on them in 5-10 minute intervals.
At the 6 month appointment Noah's pediatrician said he does not need the 2 night feedings that it is a habit not necessity. I told her we are both ready to sleep normally or as close to it as we can get.

Noah's typical schedule is like this:

8:30 pm - bottle, bed
12:00-1:00 am - bottle
3:00-4:00 am - bottle
6:00-6:30 am up for the day (does power poop)
9:00 am - morning nap (can last 30 min to 1 1/2 hr)
1:00-2:00 pm - afternoon nap
5:00-6:00 pm - cat nap

With the 2 night feedings it is very hard to get any meaningful rest and after not sleeping much for the last 6 1/2 months I am ready to make a change. There is no way I would've ever thought of CIO at 3 months but now I see how much of a habit it is I want to change it before it gets even harder later or becomes a worse habit. I strongly believe the gift of sleep is one of the best things we can give our children - a well rested baby is a happy baby. I am willing to go this route if it ends up teaching Noah how to soothe himself and sleep through the night.

Most samples of CIO suggest to let LO CIO for 45 min at night before feeding.

Night 1:
Up at 12:00am, fed by Daddy immediately
Up at 3:00 am, waited until 3:40 to feed
Diaper change, burped
4:00 am down to sleep and did not want to sleep and cried in crib
4:50 patted, rubbed belly while laying in crib and fell sound asleep (no pick-up, no rocking, no pacifier)