Hi Shannon, Tell your DD I like her name- I'm Jessica too! It's nice to have family to watch your kids when you go back to work-my mom may be able to watch my DS, but not full time as her health isn't the greatest and my mil still works (and her health isn't the greatest either
) Here in Canada they pay unemployment for 12 months for maternity/paternity leave. It's not very much money, but my work (union) tops up my first 6 months off to 83% of my pay. So it's a pretty good deal, and yes I have my job when I go back!
Well, I think someone possessed my DS last night in a very good way
He had dinner at 6:45, to bed by 7:30, and then didn't wake at all until 3:00 am!!! A full 8 hour stretch-that's a first! I was just going to feed him whenever he woke (so I wasn't going to wake him for the DF) and around 10pm I heard a little peep but that's it. Then some rustling around midnight, but didn't wake! He took 6oz at 3am, and then another 4 oz at 7am when he woke! Finally a breakthrough, but I shouldn't jinx myself. I know he had a couple good naps, but I honestly think skipping the DF is what helped (quite often he's gassy or spits up after eating and I'm sure that's what wakes him).
Shannon, I know it's hard to extend your Joshua's naps (it is for us too); have you tried Wake to sleep? It's not working all the time for us, but I figure he's gonna wake anyway, so I might as well try it. I go in after he makes his first stirring sounds and touch him lightly on his cheek. He stirs again, and then sometimes goes back to sleep. My guy also hates patting, and lately I don't even shhh. I find he's best if I do our winddown routine (quiet play for 15 min, they into his room with lights dimmed, quiet music on, swaddle and hold for a bit), and then I just put him down and leave. For the first couple weeks I would stay crouched over his crib, holding his legs down (he thrashes them up and down!) and covering his eyes (even with blackout drapes he can still see me) to help him sleep. But now I have a major sore back, and he seems to sleep better with less intervention. Is your LO spirited as well? Maybe this would work too? (who knows, you've gotta try every trick in the book it seems!)
Thanks for the link (I'll check it out during Adam's next nap) and talk to you soon
Jessica