In a mess

[~Emma~]

 So I got really slack with things. Dylan was giving a good am nap then a good afternoon nap and that suited us fine, sometimes a wee CN squeezed in. I think OT has built and I also think the swaddle needs to go but I dont know where to start here. Now she has only done 2 x 45 min naps today so far. Her feeds are all over the place too. She was never a chronic 45 min napper ( DS used to do them for EVERY nap when he was this age), always a good nap a day but has has just given me a 45 min nap there after a stonking 3 hour A.

 I just kind of wanted to come here and jot down my days and hopfully get things back on track here. Well as much as I can, it aint never going to be perfect having DS to consider too.

 I'm figuring weaning the swaddle now whilst things are rubbish anyways wont hurt either. No? She likes to suck her fingers.

 

[empowered mama]

hugs Emma honey - let me say that you are a champ for doing EASY with 2 LOs!

Personally if you are going to crack down a bit on the routine, then I would say to nix the swaddle at the same time to save yourself that in the future.  What kind of A times is she generally doing?  You think those 45 min naps are UT? 

We also had a heyday with the 45 min naps at this age until 6 months and I do believe I remember you coaching me through those god-awful days of HTTJ.  Can't imagine how you would pull that one off with a toddler running around 

[~Emma~]

Hiya Lovely. 

 HTTJ isn't an option here. I can probably give it a 10-20 min bash but for the most part might just have to run with them until they have gone.  Thing is too is that she is such an independant wee thing and wont be helped to sleep, she has to do it herself or not at all. She's stubborn like that! 

 I think the first of the day must be OT as she went down only after 1.5 hours but she was so crabby and desperate for bed. Tried a change of scenery but a no-go.

 A times have been anywhere from 1.5-2 hours preceding a good nap. I've not been logging like before which is why I need to come here and get a grip on things and jot it down.

 Thing is with the swaddle is she has bad skin and scratches at her face until it bleeds and thats why I've put it off. Tried all sorts of creams and things.

 OK, I start tomorrow, today is a bust for sure. Going to do that first A at 1 hour 45 and see what gives. She rarely gives cues unless she's been awake for about 4 hours! I'll leave a hand out too.

 Thanks for holding my hand. 
 

[empowered mama]

Does she tend to be lower on A times?  I say that because the average is 1.75-2 hrs for this age so perhaps she does need a titch of an increase?  Unless she is having NWs and is waking up extra tired...

Thing is with the swaddle is she has bad skin and scratches at her face until it bleeds and thats why I've put it off. Tried all sorts of creams and things.

That is just terrible  Does clipping her nails help at all?  I just hate when they do those things to themselves.

I think shooting for 1.75 may be good to start and see if that helps things.  Maybe if we can get some good naps out of her we can then take a look at the feeds. 

Thanks for holding my hand.  Kiss

Of course!  You held mine for so darn long it's about time I reciprocate the favor

[~Emma~]

The joy of BW....its all about the karma! 

 Nails are clipped right down, she has a wee touch of excema(sp?).

 She is an angel baby through and through, touch of spirited maybe....vary rarely ( touch wood) had NW from OT...some pretty hellish bedtimes but no NW. Although today has been pretty shocking on the sleep front so tonight might be interesting.

 No idea about her A's if I'm honest. She gives no cues so i tend to do alot of guesswork. By the time the good nap has finished I forget what the A was!

I think shooting for 1.75 may be good to start and see if that helps things.  Maybe if we can get some good naps out of her we can then take a look at the feeds. 

 Plan. 

[~Emma~]

 Today didn't go too bad, well compared to yesterday anyways.  

 Awake - Not too sure, went in at 7.15 and she was wide awake!

 E.7.20
 A.? - 9.20 ( took 20 mins to fall asleep)
 S. 9.20 - 10.05

 E.10.30
 A.10.05 -11.20 ( again took 20 mins to fall asleep)
 S. 11.20 - 1.25 ( had to wake her   )

 E. 1.30 ( I would have stretched this E but like to feed if she's sleepy)
 A. 1.25 - 3.30 ( again took 20 mins to fall asleep)
 S. 3.30 -4.00

 E. 5.00
 A. 4.00 - 6.30
 E. 6.15
 S. 6.30

 So now I just dont know what to make of these 45 min naps. She CAN nap longer. I dont think this AM was UT. I almost got her back off to sleep but the white noise CD skipped to restart and made her wide awake again. I do think its a transitional thing for sure but I just dont understand why now.

 That crazy A before bed wouldn't have happened if she'd napped longer and its dinnertime and bathtime etc for B so I cant get a CN in.

 This taking 20 mins to fall asleep is new too. She mantras and fusses on and off. Used to be that she would mantra for maybe 1 min and that would be it....conked out.

 I didn't ditch the swaddle. i tried last night for her CN and she wouldn't settle at all. I know she was particularly OT yesterday but still I chickened out...

 Forgot to add also that she went down at 6.30pm last night and we didn't hear a peep until 3am, quick feed then she had a babble for 20 mins and back to sleep. Quite shocking considering her day yesterday really.

[empowered mama]

I dont think this AM was UT.

It does sound like maybe OT or transitional.  I don't know, but my LO also started having issues around 4 months with transitioning to the 2nd half of the nap.  I kid you not, it was a day or two after he turned 6 months when he started doing it on his own. 
 
I do wonder if she woke earlier than you thought in the morning and we missed the window.  Your 2nd A was 1.25 after a short nap, so I would guesstimate plus 30 minutes would be close to her normal A, so maybe the 1.75 would do the ticket.  Kind of tough when they wake and you don't know it - do you have a monitor in her room?

This taking 20 mins to fall asleep is new too. She mantras and fusses on and off. Used to be that she would mantra for maybe 1 min and that would be it....conked out.

I'm still thinking on this one.  Could be OT or UT thing, but it's not very clear 

I didn't ditch the swaddle. i tried last night for her CN and she wouldn't settle at all. I know she was particularly OT yesterday but still I chickened out... Embarrassed

There's always tomorrow sweetie (or whenever you're ready for it   Do what you need to do first and that will come when it's time.  Be gentle with thyself 

Hopefully she'll give you another good night - crossing all fingers for you!