Sleep, sweet sleep

Adelais has now become one of those babies that doesn't like to sleep through the night. Mostly she is waking up every 1-2 hours, just enough to wake up Andrea so she can't sleep. Andrea then gives Adelais alittle to eat and she is back asleep; of course, it takes Andrea another 20 minute to fall asleep and Adelais is awake before she knows it. She usually doesn't cry at night (I mean, Adelais), but is just alittle fussy. Though earlier this week she was really cranky and I had to take her downstairs so Andrea could get some sleep. Adelais started to cry, and because my best tactic to keep her happy is to put her in the stroller and take her for a walk Adelais and I (still in my sleeping clothes) were walking the mean streets of our neighborhood at 2:30am. It kept her quiet and content, but it is certainly not ideal. Additionally, Adelais isn't sleeping hardly at all during the day - a couple of 20-30 minute naps with an occasional longer nap. But thankfully, she's relatively happy and alert. We've tried to keep a similar routine so Adelais understands when it is night time and ready to go to bed, but I'm not sure this is sinking in yet. Hopefully she'll shift soon back to sleeping longer periods at night - it kind of seems that she is working so much out right now that her little mind is in overdrive and can't turn it off at night...

late night ditty

Adelais has been alittle cranky lately in the evenings. So, last night, while I was up walking around with her I made up alittle song...

There is a girl named Adelais
Who is so sweet, most of the day
But when its dark, when its night
She becomes such a fright
She'll begin to fuss and wiggle around
Doesn't want to be held or set down
She'll yell, she'll scream, she'll even shout
sticks out her lip and begins to pout
Ther is a girl named Adelais
Who is so sweet.... most of the day

Imagine singing it like a Shakespearean bard.... : )

This Morning

Adelais and I had another morning together and we had a pretty good time! She got alittle fussy now and then, but I do feel like I've gotten one new strategy when she gets like that and that is to put her in her stroller and take her for a walk. It use to be that if she was in a good mood she'd like the stroller, but if she was in a bad mood it would just make her mood worse. Now it seems that that motion is helpful, even though she doesn't always go to sleep, she usually is content. Having this tool is such a relief, as I was getting frustrated with my inability to help her when she was getting up set. At least now I have one thing I can try that has some chance of success! So, while Andrea was teaching, Adelais and I were walking the street of Mount Rainier.

Chest, no.

Over the last week or so Adelais has become very resistant to being chest to chest with me or lying on my shoulder. She is fine, for the most part, with Andrea, but just gets more and more upset when I put her in this position. It is quite strange - though we do think she is starting to recognize when she is not with her mommy and that may have alot to do with it. But, she will sit facing out OK much of the time and she has a great time playing on her mat with me - watching me shake her toys or otherwise playing with her. It is, most of time, difficult for me because I want to soothe her, but it is hard with her resisting me holding her. I'm sure it will shift and change and work itself out, but it is frustrating.

Other Firsts

It has been a week of firsts! Yesterday Adelais rolled from her belly to her back for the first time - actually, for the first three times, right in a row! Of course, she decided to stop rolling by the time I was able to get the video camera. But, it was really cool and she seemed more surprised than Andrea and I. She is also pretty regularly rolling from her back onto her side as she hasn't quite figured out what to do with her arms. As soon as that happens she'll be rolling onto her belly in no time. It is quite incredible and humbling to watch this little girl learn and grow and acquire skill after skill. Even though they seem simple things, you know they are important building blocks for her as a mover and individual. I'm just in awe...

Catch Up

Oh, it has been too long since I've written! I've been overly busy the last two weeks, so there is alot to get caught up on...
1. Adelais is still incredible!
2. She is now grabbing things and has just started bringing them to her mouth.
3. Today, actually, this evening she laughed for the first time. We were in the living room and I was playing with her as she lied on her back and she gave a short, small laugh. Now, it could have been just her playing with making noises, but Andrea and I looked at one another and we both thought it was a laugh. We'll see if she laughs again soon and then we'll be sure. But, regardless, it was pretty cool.
4. Today Adelais attended her first dance rehearsal. I had rehearsal with my company for a show next weekend and as I directed the rehearsal I held Adelais in a front carrier. After awhile she had to get out and Andrea had to feed her, but she did so good sleeping for the first hour or so of the rehearsal. Of course, everyone wanted to hold her so she had a good day socializing as well!
I think that is all for right now - I promise to not be away so long! : )