Obsessing around schedules

[mommyoftwo]

This is my 3rd child on easy.  I did easy on my first LO when he was about 3 months and he was on a routine quickly.  The 2nd was my easiest -- on a good routine on the 2nd month --- good feeding, naps, etc.  My 3rd time around is not so easy.  I am still dealing with short naps and challenging feeds and she is going to be 4 months next week!  I started easy on Day 1 and I really think that it might have to do with the age only because I didn't have as much issues with my first two when I did easy.  I am still persevering on the easy though but, yes, I can understand the anxiety and stress that goes with having the 'perfect' routine.  Easy is not easy sometimes.  I have been so committed to getting this right that half my friends haven't even been able to see my DD because I am so obsessed to getting her naps down before I go back to work.

[BabyBensMom]

This was a great thread for me. I have followed the 3 hour easy from day 4 and it was working great. I'll admit, I did not put my ds down for naps until a week ago, he used to just fall asleep on his own end/during A and I would leave him wear he lie.
He's now 11 weeks and crying a lot, usually during the time that he used to take naps. I try to get him to sleep in his crib for naps now and he cries a bit then falls asleep ... but at least one nap time a day he just screams at me and I don't know what he's telling me ... back to the schedule, "you're supposed to be sleepy, please take nap" I tell him as he "yells" at me for not understanding him.
I feel like it was so easy for the first 9 weeks that I don't actually know my babies cues. I thought I did, but I'm feeling like I'm missing somthing the last two weeks. Has anyone felt this way and how did you reconnect with your lo?

[marilyn73]

I would maybe start this post as a new topic, instead of continueing this thread, because it's been around for awhile.  Try putting it under naps, and include your routine in the EASY format.  Some lovely mom will be able to help you sort things out for sure!

[sherry lynn]

I agree with Marilyn73. Start a post under naps or EASY and somebody will help you out. My guess is he needs just a small routine tweak to get back on track   Also when you are working on sleep training things can go a little haywire, but we can help with that also.
If you would like you can place a link to your post on these board and those of us that are still around can check it out.

[lokloktang]

good to know I am not the only one who cannot live without a watch with the minute hand. I know EASY is not meant to follow a strict schedule by the hour, but I don't understand how we can avoid following a schedule for EASY to work. If she naps longer or shorter, wouldn't that affect the rest of the day and hence bed time? my issue is the catnap, if she stays up a little longer before catnap, then do I still give her a catnap or should I make her stay up longer for an early bedtime? if I make her stay up longer, wouldn't she be overtired and hence cannot fall asleep and thus a delayed bedtime? I do find myself looking at the watch from 9-midnight everyday... and it's really tiring.. especially I am going thru the short nap stage and I have to httj for 30 minutes each nap... I have absolutely no Y time... how do I relax from watching the clock and still be able to implement EASY?

[sherry lynn]

Yes, it is enough to drive a person mad

The good news is it gets soooooo much easier as they get older

[*Liz*]

If she naps longer or shorter, wouldn't that affect the rest of the day and hence bed time? my issue is the catnap, if she stays up a little longer before catnap, then do I still give her a catnap or should I make her stay up longer for an early bedtime?

It is absolutely fine if bedtime varies by 30 mins or so ineither direction everyday. Your LO cannot see the clock - so on days like this I would just look at your baby and decide what is best. If she seems tired then do a CN and slightly later bedtime, if she is full of beans then she will likely handle a slightly later bedtime just fine anyway. Use her cues to guide you. Sometimes you will make the wrong call and it will backfire - BUT you can only do the best you can.

EASY will vary every day even when they are older. The short napping will end as it always does. I personally found HTTJ too much for both of us.

You honestly really CAN implement EASY without watching a clock all the time.

I've BTDT and most of the time found routine fixes when I have watched Jacob's cues more.

[musicgal03]

It really does get easier but even knowing that it doesn't make it any easier when you are in it.....:-)

My Ds1 is now 2 years 4 month and an incredible sleeper! He naps well and even if he doesn't nap he stays put in his big boy bed until I come and get him. The night sleep is amazing and i NEVER has to fight with him at bedtime.He hasn't had a NW in over 1 year.

I really feel this sucess IS because of the "sacrifices" I made early on. Yes it was stressful watching the clock and not being able to take longer outings but BOY is it nice now!!

I am now going through the EASY process with my 3 1/2 month old DS and somehow I "forgot" what to do......LOL!
Now though I know the results and it makes it easier to pull though. Hang in there all you mommies!

[lhosk]

great post.  i have missed baby showers, moms groups, hair & ob appts not to mention time with dh....  so it helps to know what everyone else does/thinks.

[nursemeg01]

I am so glad that I read this post. I know I'm obsessed and now that she is taking 45 minute naps I find myself consumed with her sleep. I didn't even go out today because I was focused on trying to beat the OT monster. I asked my husband today if there was such a thing as post-partum anxiety disorder. I feel that I can only relax once she's past the 45 min mark...it's like a breathe a sigh of relief at that point. I haven't read all of the posts on this topic but just the first page made me feel like I'm not alone. I think I'm going to get a good book from the library to take my mind off of sleep training for a bit. I think when it's all that you do all day, it's EASY to become obsessed with EASY. glad to know I'm not alone :O

[Kiwi_one]

I've heard that it's worse for nurses and teachers -- we're so used to a structured day, getting lots done, and we've been trained to find things wrong! I'm finding Rescue Remedy helps when I get a bit panicky and being out a lot I take things as they come more than when I'm at home all day.

[nursemeg01]

That's good advice Kiwi_one. As a nurse (and Type A personality) I can relate. I'm trying to get out more and I've found when I'm less stressed, my DD sleeps better!

[*Liz*]

That is great advice  , getting out and about (and getting some fresh air as well) is great for all of us  . And if you are gtting super stressed with sleep it is a good idea to take a step back from it and enjoy doing something else instead.

[roseola]

Sometimes God just puts things where you need them. I have never seen this thread b/f, but boy o boy...I was actually crying last night b/c for the 1st time since we started EASY my DS slept about 2 hours all day. He typically sleeps 4-5 hours, but we painted his nursery and were sleeping in a somewhat bright room that made shh/pat almost impossible, and then daylight savings, and he started have 3h total nap time. Yesterday was the worst. It seemed everything and all our efforts were out the window.

I finally realized that he was in a sleep deficit and needed to catch up. I stayed next to him today for 2 hours holding him through every jolt and shhing anytime I thought he was stirring...he did sleep 1h50min and then 1 hour and the 2h 20 min! I was elated. It literally changed my mood and made me just breath easier. Let's hope it last!!!

One thing I can say for sure is that we all really love our LO's.

[Kiwi_one]

Or are control freaks *raises her hand*