Matalene and Elijah

Matalene and Elijah
Big Sister and Little Brother

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thanks Rachel!! Funny you offer this advice because 2 days ago I decided to do this and she has had two naps FINALLY! She has never gone this long without a nap so I was getting pretty terrified! Since Mattie is NOT getting out of her bed, which I am very thankful for, I decided that I was going to treat her SITTING UP OR PLAYING similar to GETTING OUT OF THE BED. So for two days I got my TV monitor hooked up outside her door and when she sat up I quietly went in and laid her down. Finally she stayed lying down and after a LONG time she dosed off. Naps are running later than usual since I have to get Elijah situated first, but at this point and nap is better than no nap. Thanks again Rachel! I just hope I can keep this up and she begins to sleep easier. I also told her three days ago that we can paint if she sleeps during nap time. The first day she did not sleep no painting. The past two days she has woken up saying "Paint Ma Ma Paint"! She forgets NOTHING!
I took Mattie to Kindermusik today while Aunt Heather watched Elijah. We had a wonderful time together! She is the youngest in the class and is a little shy, but I know she will open up more and more!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Any advice???

We could use some advice about naps. Mattie has always been an awful sleeper weather it be too short of a nap, multiple night awakenings, early rising, and now NO NAPS! She has not been having any night awakenings, but wakes up anywhere from 5am to 615(on a good day!). For the past week she wont take a nap. She just plays and talks to herself in her toddler bed. She does not get out, but is beginning to run and jump in her bed. I have taken her lovey and blanket/pillow, I have given her timeout, I have rocked her, I have sung to her, I've read her stories, and I've even sat in her room to make her still. This is hard because a 3 month old needs attention too! He is usually sleeping during this, but I have had to leave Mattie due to his screaming from across the room. We are putting her to bed earlier when there is no nap. Mattie is 22months and those of you that know her really well knows that her mind won't stop. She is talking a lot and just wants to play! I am happy to have such a creative and intelligent child, but the afternoon grumpiness from no nap is awful! Any advice would be great. Leave me a note in the comment area or email me!

Thanks!
Elijah is doing great! We have learned how to keep his eczema under control with less baths, dove bar soap, lots of eucerine cream, occasional steroid cream, and we think the new formula is helping. He still has lots of spitting up and painful reflux but other than that very happy and laid back! So thankful for that!!! We go for his 4month check up and shots in Feb. so look for weight and length updates.




Monday, January 18, 2010

More pictures of our beautiful niece Hannah Grace! (she is wearing an outfit that Mattie wore in the hospital...makes my eyes water!)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Welcome Hannah Grace Walker!!! 6lbs10oz 18 1/2in. Isn't she pretty!!

Look at my new beautiful Niece. I would have more pictures, but I FORGOT MY CAMERA!! I forget things ALOT lately!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mattie assisted Daddy with the train table. She used her tools from her tool bench. She also made Daddy play in the Garden House! She found these sun glasses and wore them for about two days straight. She would put them on the tip of her nose so she could see over. She found a pair that ma ma had to wear too, they are missing now ;). I ran across this picture of Elijah sucking his thumb. He gets very mad when he can't get his thumb in his mouth. He also pulls on the last little bit of hair he has left with the other hand. I found pieces of his hair in his hand one time. Enjoy:)




Elijah is 3 months old! I can't believe how old he is and how much he has grown! I must admit it has been a very challenging three months, but he is worth it all! I have been very secluded to our house, and I am very ready for warm weather and for the flu season to pass so I can take my children out on adventures! I can't wait to take them on walks, go to the park, have picnics, etc.... The reason for this post is that I was very proud of Elijah. I have been slacking on putting him on his tummy because he has been sick and I hated seeing him so upset. So I was amazed at how fast he began lifting his head over the past week. He is strong! We worked very hard with Mattie and for a lot longer to get the same results. These two have already proven to be very different! We also had to move Elijah up to his room. I was not ready, but with the cold weather our room became very very cold! Elijah has done well in his warm and toasty room! I have not woken Mattie up for his feeding so that is great! Elijah eats a bottle then goes to bed for about 6 to 7 hours. One night he ate at 930pm and woke to eat at 530. This was great! However, when he eats at 8pm he wakes up at 230-3ish. Well, here are some pictures of "little man" in some cute outfits and practicing tummy time! As Mattie and I say "Go Elijah Go Elijah!" I am teaching her early to cheer for her brother!