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Oh Christmas Tree

It’s about time for CHRISTMAS VACATION! Woot Woot! I can NOT wait to see my family. Eli’s already had one of his three Christmases, but it won’t feel real until the calendar reads 25 December. So, before we do his recap, here’s a little about our week.

On the sleeping front- we are trying out a little mash up or tips and tricks. Thinking from purely a learning perspective, I think Eli is waking often because he’s getting lots and lots of positive reinforcement in the forms of rocking, singing, nursing, snuggling, etc. So here’s our game plan- first we play detective. At first and second wake up we make sure he’s not in pain, that he’s not gassy, that he doesn’t need a diaper change, and that he’s not hungry. After that if he wakes we’re sort of doing the pick up- put down method and decreasing the positive reinforcement, so he’ll get rocked, then held, then patted and sung to etc. At last resort (after an hour) we let him cry it out for a max of 10 minutes then we start over. He’s also being night weaned and his nap times are being altered per the suggestions from the Baby Sleep Site.

The first night it took an hour and 15 minutes to get him to go back to bed, but then he had a 2.5 hour stretch of sleep instead of 1 hour. Last night it only took 20 minutes and he’s still getting 2.5 hour stretches. It’s still a lot, but I think it’s working. He even put himself to sleep THREE times since we’ve started. Hooray!

Josh and I celebrated Christmas today so we don’t need to pack/ship all our gifts. I got him an ice cream maker, a hilarious Christmas shirt, Growler, handmade tickets to the Mayday Brewery, and pilsners. Nothing too big with my tiny budget. Josh totally spoiled me with a new 24mm lens which I’m totally in love with, a tripod that is actually the right size (unlike my other one), this amazing camera scarf, an Audrey Hepburn print, and an old book candle I’ve been wanting for ages. He also got me a book and a ton of Burt’s Bees chapstick. He pays attention! I love that he does.
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I’ve got a party documentation gig this afternoon and I’ve been super busy crafting Christmas gifts and getting Eli’s party ready, so be on the lookout for those. I should have some party previews done this evening!

What we Bought: Nothing! Amen.
Valuable purchase: These spoons, I love them and so does Eli. Also my friend Nicole gave me some hand-cream that is invaluable in these winter months.
Most Awkward Moment: Finding a Mac and Cheese packet in the washing machine…after doing the wash. I’m seriously rethinking putting our trash in the laundry room. I’m too tired.
Best Moment: Eli standing on his own! I’m calling it (although I still need a picture with his milestone card).

Eli: Week 49
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I can reach the tops of the counters now I’m so tall. I am officially standing on my own and on purpose. I love how soft my stuffed animals are and am often found rolling around in a pile of them or snuggling them. I think it’s hilarious to ride my moose rocker and I can’t stop giggling when mom gives me eskimo kisses. I also figured out how to open the baby gate at the top of the stairs. I know how to make mom and dad extra nervous. For Christmas mom and dad got me a pull Zeebra, a singing flashlight, a learning puppy, a Grinch pull book, My First Christmas PJs, a toy iPhone, a new cup, and a teether. I couldn’t figure out why the cup was defective. It was fun opening it all, but my favorite thing was mom’s monopod. I love swinging it around.

Have a great break!
-Shantel

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