This sure is a busy board
Jo-Just one thing from my own experience with my touchy/spirited ds. He always seemed to need to go down for first nap earlier than the other naps ie he'd wake at 7 and I'd put him down arond 8:30, it took him ages before he could handle 2hrs uptime---he just took in so much information while he was awake, I used to miss his tired window all the time and he would become overstimulated extremely quickly.
It is so interesting to me how different little Si is---her nature is the exact opposite so far..I was always slightly jealous of these Mum's who had babies that would be just lying there in the pram one minute looking all around and then fast asleep the next, no fuss!! Now I have one!! Although having a touchy first taught me SSSOOOO much about being a Mum and tuning in to your babies body language.
But little Grumpy/Touchys do need high maintenance that is for sure- as a toddler ds is such a smart and sensitive/loving boy.
I sure wouldn't change a thing--even the hours of hanging over his crib doing patshhh pu/pd with a lot of tears mainly from me :shock: Hang in there and like your doing embrace his unique nature, he will give you so much love back in the long run
Naomi-About tantrums, I avoid them when possible by choices, choices, choices ie You can pull the plug(bath ending :shock: ) or Mummy can?
Do you want to walk to the car or will you need help??(not coming when asked :shock: ) But in my case it a little easier for us all I think, because Ky is ahead in the talking department(already learning to read) so this has helped a great deal because he is able to tell me what he wants etc so avoids frustration-
There are some great tips on the toddler board about tantrums etc has helped me heaps. I also personally love the techniques in a book called Love and Logic you may have heard of already.
I also know what your saying about making Jason to much of a caretaker with Riley and I totally agree, I found Ky just loves to be involved though and doesn't seem to resent it at all so far. I"m careful to keep it fun and not ask him to entertain her or watch her for me..but if he is playing and talking to her I let him know that she loves it...because she can't say it of course :wink: He was playing dress up the other day and I came in to discover Sienna covered in socks and scarves--she was a princess
Its so gorgeous to hear her crack up giggling at him!
Take care Bianca