So it turns out that Cooper did’t really “need” to be swaddled to sleep. In fact, all this time he’s been begging us to set him free… and let him sleep on his tummy. For three days now, he’s napped like a champ – falling asleep on his own after only a little crying, and has slept much better at night, waking only close to 5 to nurse and then sleep until 8. He’s been waking up happy, too. Whew. What a difference a few days makes!
I am a little nervous about the tummy thing, still. I know that he can roll himself over if he needs too, but the “back to sleep” mantra keeps drilling in my head. The extra time and sleep I’ve been getting, though, has nearly wiped the nerves away.
I’m interested: are there any medical folks who read this blog? Doctors, PAs or Nurses who’d like to give some input? I’ve been reading about baby sleep positioning and SIDs nonstop, and the general consensus seems to be that “back is best” but that after 6 months, many babies roll onto their tummies anyway to sleep.
So what else is new this year? Well, for those out there who have been long-time readers of MommyBlog, I have commissioned the artist who drew the funny cartoon at the top banner of me watering a “Kenny Tree” to draw up a new cartoon of the whole family. It should be appearing sometime near the end of the month. And Casey, ever the business genious, is working to expand MommyBlog to become a portal for readers to start their own blogs. That should be developing (hopefully) by MommyBlog’s 3rd birthday in June.
I am also in the process of revising my blog roll – I’ve never had many blogs on there to begin with – just a few of my friends – and I’m looking for some new blogs to sink my teeth into. I don’t have time to read too many, so I like to find a few hearty ones to really get to know. And though a read many blogs here and there, I tend to only blog roll the ones I read on a very regular basis. If you have a favorite blog – or if you write one – please send me a link! Though I can’t add them all to the list, I’d love to check yours out! (a post script to that: on general principle, I won’t add any blogs that use foul language !)
On a more personal note, for those who have been following our move – then move back – to and from Atlanta, we are contemplating another move – this one about 17 miles from our current home – into the historic district of town. We have put in an offer on a house, which was haughtily countered, and are in negotiations to meet at a happy sales price. We purposely didn’t unpack about 50% of the boxes from our October move, hoping to find an historic home, so this move should go much smoother. The timeline is a little sketchy, but if all goes well, expect to hear much more about this change of pace for our family. We currently live in a medium sized house with a large yard on the water, and this move would take us to a spot with a about 3/4 the square footage, no yard (except a token patch of grass for Dudley to pee in), and a city address. That alone will lend for some interesting writing!
So much to look forward to in 2009!
Comments
14 responses to “Cracking the Cooper Code”
Looking for mommy stuff and hearing about a cyber world called blogging, I generically typed in http://www.mommyblog.com and happened upon your site several months ago. I must admit, I got really addicted after just a few post reads and had to back read for a few days to get caught up. I find your entries to be compeling reads and enjoy your topics of conversation. … After seeing your site and being urged by a friend, I started my own little blog on blogspot. As you have requested, I share with you my link to review, if you so wish to post it, you have my approval: http://www.somuchtobethankfulfor-jessnstuff.blogspot.com.
Regardless of your decision on my blog, I thank you for your candid sharing and look forward to following your blog as you continue to update!
Congrats on the sleeping and thanks for your unknownst encouragement to let my 6 month old “cry it out” a bit more – it has proved to make her sleep longer; fingers crossed that tonight is the same and I haven’t jinxed a good thing. *grin*
My husband is a doctor and I am into health care also, we have a 6 month old baby girl and a 2-1/2 yr old boy and since day one we have put them both to sleep on their tummies. Our mothers told us that babies sleep better in their tummies and they have both loved it, when I put my baby to sleep for naps and for the night we always put her in her tummy. The medical community every couple of years flip-flops on the way babies should sleep. First they said on their tummies and now on their backs, they just can’t make up their minds. Our grandmothers used to put their babies to sleep on their tummies and so did our mothers, I wouldn’t worry about it since I believe that your baby is a healthy one. Don’t stress much and enjoy the time to rest because God nows we need it…. 🙂
Hi…I’m a regular reader and just had to add my take here. I have children ranging in age from 15 yrs. – 9 mos. and can tell you the advice has changed a few times over the last 15 yrs. My Mom (who raised eight of us) gave me the great advice that if they can turn their head, they will not let themselves suffocate….it’s just a reflex action. Since then I have ALWAYS at least tried the tummy with my kids to see which they prefer, and amazingly, they all slept best on their tummy. Just like you, I saw a big difference in sleep pattern once we went to tummy. Hope you feel very rested soon!
I have not commented in a long time, but i am still a devoted follower of your blog! My daughter was a tummy only sleeper. We suffered through months of restless nights until she could roll over. We would always put her to sleep on her back, but she would roll over. There was no way to keep her on her back. I did notice that even at 6 months she would move all around the crib, which made me feel better that she could move around. My son (second born) is a much more relaxed sleeper, will sleep almost anywhere. Yet, he still rolls on his tummy. Follow your mommy instinct and you will be fine. Good luck with the offer on the house. Happy New Year
Hi! I have been reading your blog for about a year now, and I love it. I get so excited when I see a new post!
I don’t know if my blog would qualify as “meaty” as I use it as a way to document my life as a mom of three boys, but if you would like to see it, I am at http://lacklusterlife.blogspot.com
My son Charlie was (and still is!) a tummy sleeper. It was like magic once we finally started putting him down on his stomach. All of a sudden, he slept through the night, and we were all MUCH more energetic about life. I was really nervous too, but it all turned out fine. Good luck with Cooper! You deserve some sleep!
Hello! I am an avid follower of your blog. I so enjoy reading about your family’s adventures. I would like to share mine with you. I started my blog so that friends and family can keep up with the happenings of my three daughters. You can find us at elizasophia.blogspot.com
My 2nd slept on her belly from the time she was 2 weeks old. My dr. said 3 of her 4 kids slept on their bellies too, so I did not feel so bad. Sad news though- since having her, I met a friend who lost a son at 9 months old to SIDS. He was perfectly healthy otherwise. By that point, there is no way to keep them on their backs, so it would have happened regardless. But it makes me think if I will have my 3rd sleep on her belly. Really, you can’t make a decision until you are in the scenario.
On a lighter note, think about the yard situation in your potential new house. During the spring/ summer, my kids live in our yard. I can’t imagine not having room outside to let them run around. It seems okay during the bleek of winter! Is a historic home really worth it to you?
I’m not a dr or nurse, but my second son is mostly a tummy sleeper. I watched him close for his afternoon naps (on his tummy) in the first few months. Then at night I put him on his side. He’s never been a back sleeper. Then he rolled on over to his stomach. He has done SOO well. If I’d done that with my first son, I’d have had alot more sleep and he’d have been happier. Everytime I check on my second son, he’s got his head turned. But you test it out when you’re comfortable with it. :o)
I would love to be on your blogroll! http://www.nolamom.blogspot.com
Hi. First I’d like to tell you that I really enjoy your blog! Second, I have 2 children (5 yr. old daughter and 2 yr. old son) who were both belly sleepers. Like you I was completely freaked out. The advice my Mom gave me was 1. never mess with a sleeping baby (like trying to roll them over, which I constantly tried to do) 2. when you were a baby the Drs. all told us to put babies to bed on their bellies. So I relaxed and everyone slept alot better. Hope everyone sleeps well tonight.
Your blog is a lot of fun to follow. We have an 11 month old and he’s been on his tummy since about 5 months old and I had no idea that rocking my baby to sleep would result in such disaster now! Ugh – my little man cannot put himself to sleep and will scream for hours if I try to let him “cry it out”. It helps me to read your posts and others comments about their kids. We have a blog for our little one – mainly for the grandparents, but I enjoy doing it just to do it. http://www.minilyon.blogspot.com. Happy blogging!
I have been reading your blog ever since the post about your blog and how you are perfect on beingsara.com which is another blog I read. You are actually on my blog roll along with a few others that I read all the time. I don’t know why I like some and others don’t suit me. I have read some and writing or subject matter doesn’t appeal to me. Yours is wonderful and your kids are cute and you are always doing something interesting which makes it interesting to read. I also like reading blogs of people who are different than me (ie live far away, are stay at home moms, etc.) You can find me (Mary) at http://marykatherine80.wordpress.com You might even like some of the ones I read. Also, I remember my daughter turning over early and my doctor saying if she can get herself on her stomach, she can get herself back. Just to avoid soft things in the bed like blankets, stuffed animals and bumpers. Good Luck and Happy Blogging!
Just wanted to let you know that I heard a news report recently that said if you run a fan in the room, it reduces the chance of SIDS by 70%. I think the moving air keeps the carbon dioxide (or is it monoxide? not sure) from pooling around their mouth and nose. I’ve always used one for white noise, but now I feel even better about it, especially since once they roll over we don’t mess with rolling them back. Hope this year is wonderful for you and your family. I look forward to reading all about it!
I enjoy reading your blog, too! I’m a mommy of 3, a runner, and a believer in God. I feel I have alot in common with you! Really – soo much! My blog is at:
http://www.theriestererfam5.blogspot.com – you may add it to your blogroll if you’d like!
Good luck with getting the running going again – it took me a good year or so to feel like I was back in the swing of things – my son is nw 19 months ol! Be patient with yourself – you have all the time in the world – I have had to learn that, too. But once you start, it really does feel so good and you do start feeling like the you before you were just “mommy”. I SO get you! 🙂
Blessings!
Angela