Ellie is continuing to nap, but with much protest. Today, she only cried for a couple of minutes. But she seems to be sleeping less. She used to sleep 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours. Then a month ago, she started sleeping 2 hour 30 minutes to 4 hour naps until her sudden napping problems occured couple of weeks ago. Her nap time went down drastically from 3 hours to 1 hour...then to 45 minutes...now at 30 minutes. Hmmm...
Does any parent know what's going on? Is this normal?
Tuesday, July 26
Monday, July 25
Day 15 (Progress)
We are finally making some progress! Ellie only cried for about 5-10 minutes when I put her down for a nap. Strangely enough, she wanted to go to her crib during mid-day when she seemed a bit tired and bounced in her crib. I was even able to walk away from the crib to pick up her room while she played in there.
I'm hoping she will sleep for more than an hour, but I will take it over no sleep at all. I must sleep as well. I've been sleeping at midnight this past month even though I try to sleep earlier. I look at the clock that reads 10:00 and somehow, by the time I'm in bed, it's around midnight. And Ellie's been waking up at 6 in the morning. How does she make it through the day with little food and sleep? I'd be climbing the walls.
I'm hoping she will sleep for more than an hour, but I will take it over no sleep at all. I must sleep as well. I've been sleeping at midnight this past month even though I try to sleep earlier. I look at the clock that reads 10:00 and somehow, by the time I'm in bed, it's around midnight. And Ellie's been waking up at 6 in the morning. How does she make it through the day with little food and sleep? I'd be climbing the walls.
Sunday, July 24
Our "Harry Potter"
The Harry Potter glasses I received on July 16th.
I know I said I wouldn't post pictures of Ellie, but even after these past two weeks of sleep deprivation, I wanted to show the world that this is the face...the personality...the charm...the magic...that gets me through it...that makes me love her more.
To update...Ellie took about an hour nap in the car today as I ran errands. She fell asleep and woke up content. In the evening, she held Jae's fingers for a few minutes and fell asleep. Although I'm not thrilled about the idea that she needed Jae's finger to fall asleep, I am glad that she fell asleep without tears. I may have to cut off Jae's fingers for tomorrow's nap.
I know I said I wouldn't post pictures of Ellie, but even after these past two weeks of sleep deprivation, I wanted to show the world that this is the face...the personality...the charm...the magic...that gets me through it...that makes me love her more.
To update...Ellie took about an hour nap in the car today as I ran errands. She fell asleep and woke up content. In the evening, she held Jae's fingers for a few minutes and fell asleep. Although I'm not thrilled about the idea that she needed Jae's finger to fall asleep, I am glad that she fell asleep without tears. I may have to cut off Jae's fingers for tomorrow's nap.
Saturday, July 23
Day 14
Ellie took a nap today! Finally! She cried for about 10 minutes or so when I put her down, but she did it. I'm so proud of her.
She was extremely cranky for the most part of the morning (her lack of sleep caught up to her) but then started to lighten up as her lunch time neared. Unfortunately, she did not eat much of her lunch...maybe a bite or two, but then I don't know what she had for breakfast since dad got up in the morning so I could sleep in a bit. Did I mention she's been getting up earlier these days?
I'm just glad that she slept ON HER OWN. And I'm sure we will have to deal with it again after our trip to Maryland. I hope Jae stays consistent while I'm away the next weekend.
I wonder how long she will sleep today.
She was extremely cranky for the most part of the morning (her lack of sleep caught up to her) but then started to lighten up as her lunch time neared. Unfortunately, she did not eat much of her lunch...maybe a bite or two, but then I don't know what she had for breakfast since dad got up in the morning so I could sleep in a bit. Did I mention she's been getting up earlier these days?
I'm just glad that she slept ON HER OWN. And I'm sure we will have to deal with it again after our trip to Maryland. I hope Jae stays consistent while I'm away the next weekend.
I wonder how long she will sleep today.
Day 13
As expected, Ellie did not sleep on Day 13 (Friday). But she did not cry as long and intensely as the day before. We then spent some time on the couch lying around having a good quiet time. Maybe that's all she needs. I can't entertain the thought that Ellie may not need naps anymore since she isn't even 2 years old yet and still very cranky during the day, but I'm not sure if her tempermant is due to lack of sleep or because she's hitting her terrible two stage. I don't want to force her to nap if she doesn't have to.
Anyways, I was a little hopeful thinking she handled naptime better than the day before, but it sank as soon as bedtime neared. She did not want to sleep. I tried to be as firm, yet gentle as possible, but she insisted on watching Pingu. I told her that was not possible and it was soon time for bed. She was obviously so exhausted throwing fits here and there. Jae and I somehow managed to calm her down. I took her to bed and kissed her goodnight. She started crying as soon as I put her down, but did not try to get up. She was just lying there crying...she was obviously so sad. I covered her and left the room. She continued to cry for about 5 minutes and fell asleep.
Then I started to cry. Poor Ellie. What should I do? I feel like a monster...like I've abandoned her. What if she really is ready to give up her naps? What if she just needs quiet time with me? But what if she just wants to fall asleep in my arms? I can almost see the night wakings ahead. Am I being selfish? What has happened to her that she'd suddenly want me during her naps? What if something scary or uncomfortable happened during her naps and she's associating sleep with those fears? Hmm...a possible thought. In that case, I know time will do the trick. It's just tough not knowing...guessing...the whole trial and error method...she's a kid, not an experiment.
I guess there could be a bright side with Ellie giving up her naps...we will no longer be bound to her nap schedule and actually go to social outings and her bedtime would be set earlier.
I guess if there is more improvement with today's nap, I will have a better sense of what to do from here on out.
And if not, tomorrow is another day.
Anyways, I was a little hopeful thinking she handled naptime better than the day before, but it sank as soon as bedtime neared. She did not want to sleep. I tried to be as firm, yet gentle as possible, but she insisted on watching Pingu. I told her that was not possible and it was soon time for bed. She was obviously so exhausted throwing fits here and there. Jae and I somehow managed to calm her down. I took her to bed and kissed her goodnight. She started crying as soon as I put her down, but did not try to get up. She was just lying there crying...she was obviously so sad. I covered her and left the room. She continued to cry for about 5 minutes and fell asleep.
Then I started to cry. Poor Ellie. What should I do? I feel like a monster...like I've abandoned her. What if she really is ready to give up her naps? What if she just needs quiet time with me? But what if she just wants to fall asleep in my arms? I can almost see the night wakings ahead. Am I being selfish? What has happened to her that she'd suddenly want me during her naps? What if something scary or uncomfortable happened during her naps and she's associating sleep with those fears? Hmm...a possible thought. In that case, I know time will do the trick. It's just tough not knowing...guessing...the whole trial and error method...she's a kid, not an experiment.
I guess there could be a bright side with Ellie giving up her naps...we will no longer be bound to her nap schedule and actually go to social outings and her bedtime would be set earlier.
I guess if there is more improvement with today's nap, I will have a better sense of what to do from here on out.
And if not, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, July 21
Day 12
Today's nap incidence was no better than Day 11. In fact, she did not sleep at all. She cried for the most part and so did I. What to do.
I picked her up from the crib and almost instantly, she stopped crying. I'm really hesitant to grab her right away when she cries in her crib. I don't want it to become a habit and knowing that kids DO wake up several times a night, it is important for Ellie to be able to go back to sleep on her own so we are all refreshed in the mornings.
So I read some info online from "experts" and other moms on the message boards in hopes I would be able to find some answers. Here's what they had to say...
I picked her up from the crib and almost instantly, she stopped crying. I'm really hesitant to grab her right away when she cries in her crib. I don't want it to become a habit and knowing that kids DO wake up several times a night, it is important for Ellie to be able to go back to sleep on her own so we are all refreshed in the mornings.
So I read some info online from "experts" and other moms on the message boards in hopes I would be able to find some answers. Here's what they had to say...
- a teething toddler will be cranky, clingy, refuse to nap
- a "terrible two" toddler will be cranky, clingy, refuse to nap
- a toddler going through growth spurt will be cranky, clingy, may refuse to nap
- a toddler ready to give up a nap will refuse to nap
Thank you "professors" for those astounding observations.
Tomorrow's another day. Poor Ellie.
Wednesday, July 20
Day 11
I used to love the rain. Now I hate it!
So the scene was all set for Ellie to take a nice nap...hopefully a long one. Today, she hasn't even gotten the chance to fall asleep because of a rain storm that decided to let out one loud thunder. It woke her up. Darn it!
I guess we will have to try for another day.
So the scene was all set for Ellie to take a nice nap...hopefully a long one. Today, she hasn't even gotten the chance to fall asleep because of a rain storm that decided to let out one loud thunder. It woke her up. Darn it!
I guess we will have to try for another day.
Tuesday, July 19
Day 10
It's been 10 days since Ellie started waking early from her naps. We still don't know what the problem is and I'm so sleep deprived, I can't manage to read Harry Potter. Sucks.
I've tried exhausting all factors that could contribute to her early rising, but I have to say, in no way is Ellie ready to give up her naps or shorten her nap time since she's been waking up in a startled manner and has been cranky and clingy.
Today, I took my sister's advice and did not turn on her cd player. I had a suspicion this could be it. Her cd plays for exactly44 minutes in length and then turns off automatically. I didn't think initially this was the problem since she's been sleeping with music since the day she was born, but I've been thinking it's a combination of the music turning off...leaving the AC to sound much louder during her light sleep cycle...thus waking her up. I know it's a stretch of a thought. And also due to the fact that she's been dealing with a cold AND allergy AND possibly teething could have made it more difficult for her to sleep.
I also found her nice thin blanket she has been without for several days and also her stuffed lamb, which I found under her pillow. She embraced both as I put her in the crib.
Ugh...a loud plane has just flown by and she is awake.
I've tried exhausting all factors that could contribute to her early rising, but I have to say, in no way is Ellie ready to give up her naps or shorten her nap time since she's been waking up in a startled manner and has been cranky and clingy.
Today, I took my sister's advice and did not turn on her cd player. I had a suspicion this could be it. Her cd plays for exactly44 minutes in length and then turns off automatically. I didn't think initially this was the problem since she's been sleeping with music since the day she was born, but I've been thinking it's a combination of the music turning off...leaving the AC to sound much louder during her light sleep cycle...thus waking her up. I know it's a stretch of a thought. And also due to the fact that she's been dealing with a cold AND allergy AND possibly teething could have made it more difficult for her to sleep.
I also found her nice thin blanket she has been without for several days and also her stuffed lamb, which I found under her pillow. She embraced both as I put her in the crib.
Ugh...a loud plane has just flown by and she is awake.
Saturday, July 16
Midnight
I went to Barnes where my hyung boo works and picked up the Harry Potter book at Midnight! Whoo hoo! Exciting times.
There were more kids there than I expected. As soon as we (my sister and I) walked in to the store, one of the employees was handing out Harry Potter glasses. Very cute. We instantly put them on as many other fans in the store had done. We then proceeded to the "check in" area where we stood in line behind a mom and her 2 daughters (I assume). The lady at the desk jokingly said to one of her daughters, "you can't get a book unless you wear the Harry Potter glasses." The girl looked at her mom as if to ask, "Do I have to?", and of course her mom insisted she wear the glasses for fun.
The lady at the table trying to pursuade her once again said, "C'mon! Everyone's wearin' them." Then the girl turned around to the store to see what kind of fool would actually wear the glasses and looked to me. I had my glasses on. She gave a hidden chuckle and crinkled her eyebrows at the sight of me. She then wailed, "Noooooooo!" while managing to smile at the same time...I said to the little girl, "Don't worry. You won't look as bad as me." Everyone found my comment to be funny except the girl...she sped off at an instant.
Then some moronic idiots in a car sped by Barnes honking and flagging a cheap poster board that read, "Losers!". I thought, who are the real losers?...the ones at the bookstore or the ones who had nothing better to do on a Friday night but to prepare a lame sign and drive by a bookstore?
There were more kids there than I expected. As soon as we (my sister and I) walked in to the store, one of the employees was handing out Harry Potter glasses. Very cute. We instantly put them on as many other fans in the store had done. We then proceeded to the "check in" area where we stood in line behind a mom and her 2 daughters (I assume). The lady at the desk jokingly said to one of her daughters, "you can't get a book unless you wear the Harry Potter glasses." The girl looked at her mom as if to ask, "Do I have to?", and of course her mom insisted she wear the glasses for fun.
The lady at the table trying to pursuade her once again said, "C'mon! Everyone's wearin' them." Then the girl turned around to the store to see what kind of fool would actually wear the glasses and looked to me. I had my glasses on. She gave a hidden chuckle and crinkled her eyebrows at the sight of me. She then wailed, "Noooooooo!" while managing to smile at the same time...I said to the little girl, "Don't worry. You won't look as bad as me." Everyone found my comment to be funny except the girl...she sped off at an instant.
Then some moronic idiots in a car sped by Barnes honking and flagging a cheap poster board that read, "Losers!". I thought, who are the real losers?...the ones at the bookstore or the ones who had nothing better to do on a Friday night but to prepare a lame sign and drive by a bookstore?
Friday, July 15
Terrible Twos
This past week has been wierd for Ellie. She's been waking up early from her naps at exactly the same time all week. There are many speculations for this and we (Jae and I) are trying to end this routine of hers. She's just been really cranky and getting up early in the mornings crying. I think part of it is because she's teething. The other reason may be that she's "growing" which is what grandmothers like to say as an excuse. Grandchildren are perfect creatures and whatever negative qualities they hold is the fault of their own children.
Anyway, I'm just counting down the minutes...trying not to make any noise...keeping myself busy...and Chloe near by. I'm just sleepy most times and want to lay my head in front of the computer. Ugh. We've got huge tasks in front of us...Potty training...converting from crib to bed...and the oh so friendly Terrible Twos.
But I shall prevail! I will not be beaten by a 2 year-old! Let the good times roll!
Anyway, I'm just counting down the minutes...trying not to make any noise...keeping myself busy...and Chloe near by. I'm just sleepy most times and want to lay my head in front of the computer. Ugh. We've got huge tasks in front of us...Potty training...converting from crib to bed...and the oh so friendly Terrible Twos.
But I shall prevail! I will not be beaten by a 2 year-old! Let the good times roll!
Wednesday, July 13
No pics
In light of recent news about the "man" who murdered and molested those poor children, I've decided not to share pictures of Ellie anymore. Apparantly, he saw the girl and boy in their swimsuits playing outside and decided they would be the ones to kidnap. This guy's blog is pretty creepy...to think this guy might have seen Ellie's pictures...scary.
I don't really know what to make of all this. It's scary to think how crazy this world has become. There was a time when it was safe for me to go out and play on our street til dark...or maybe that was a result of being a latch key kid...=).
Anyways, I'm sure eventually I'll start posting her pics again when it feels the world has calmed down, but until then, if you want to see her pics, you will have to search elsewhere or make the effort to come and visit her.
I don't really know what to make of all this. It's scary to think how crazy this world has become. There was a time when it was safe for me to go out and play on our street til dark...or maybe that was a result of being a latch key kid...=).
Anyways, I'm sure eventually I'll start posting her pics again when it feels the world has calmed down, but until then, if you want to see her pics, you will have to search elsewhere or make the effort to come and visit her.
Saturday, July 9
Pulling of the Pants
Whenever I get together with my mom and my sister, we end up laughing til it hurts. Just the other day, I met my sister at my mom's place for dinner. I was sitting at the table watching my mom at the sink washing dishes and started laughing by myself. "What's so funny?" My sister wanted to get in on the action.
"I know you're laughing about me. What is it this time?" (my mom)
I could hardly get the words out, I was laughing so hard. At this point, my sister started laughing too, not knowing why, but just because she knew it was funny.
"I was just thinking about the time we used to pull down Mom's pants while she washed dishes!"
We were young and bored so one of us would wander to the kitchen, pull down my mom's pants and run away in a fit of laughter. My mom would get so angry and yell at us from the kitchen, "you ungrateful rotten kids!" She'd dry her hands, pull up her pants, and resume washing the dishes. Not a moment later, the other one would go to the kitchen pretending to grab a drink then pull down her pants again. "Knock it off! I'm gonna beat you with a hanger!" It's so funny because of her reaction to the prank...so childish. And my dad would just sit there at the kitchen table shaking his head, pretending to read the paper when he was actually smiling.
It was great.
Apparantly, my sister does this to her husband of 2 months and she finds it very amusing cuz now he's learned from the "trauma" so he wears his waist tightly or will spread his legs quickly the instant my sister walks into the kitchen.
Sadly, I have not experienced such joy from my husband. He just stands there at the sink with his pants down. It's not as funny if the victim doesn't cooperate with a furious or Pavlovian reaction. So I just cling to the memories and hope one day Ellie will be an expert at pulling down my pants at the sink.
Good times.
"I know you're laughing about me. What is it this time?" (my mom)
I could hardly get the words out, I was laughing so hard. At this point, my sister started laughing too, not knowing why, but just because she knew it was funny.
"I was just thinking about the time we used to pull down Mom's pants while she washed dishes!"
We were young and bored so one of us would wander to the kitchen, pull down my mom's pants and run away in a fit of laughter. My mom would get so angry and yell at us from the kitchen, "you ungrateful rotten kids!" She'd dry her hands, pull up her pants, and resume washing the dishes. Not a moment later, the other one would go to the kitchen pretending to grab a drink then pull down her pants again. "Knock it off! I'm gonna beat you with a hanger!" It's so funny because of her reaction to the prank...so childish. And my dad would just sit there at the kitchen table shaking his head, pretending to read the paper when he was actually smiling.
It was great.
Apparantly, my sister does this to her husband of 2 months and she finds it very amusing cuz now he's learned from the "trauma" so he wears his waist tightly or will spread his legs quickly the instant my sister walks into the kitchen.
Sadly, I have not experienced such joy from my husband. He just stands there at the sink with his pants down. It's not as funny if the victim doesn't cooperate with a furious or Pavlovian reaction. So I just cling to the memories and hope one day Ellie will be an expert at pulling down my pants at the sink.
Good times.
Monday, July 4
Buzz (Lightyear) Lim
Ellie is totally in love with Buzz Lightyear. I'm kind of curious as to why she did not choose Woody. Jae suspects it's because Woody is much of a complainer, but I wish Ellie could tell me.
Jae and I went to the mall to pick up Buzz. I headed towards another store to return an item while Jae and Ellie headed to the Disney Store. Apparently, when Ellie saw Buzz on the counter, she did her classic hop/skip/turn/dance in such excitement and exclaimed, "Buzz! Buzz!" So cute. We also found a "stuffed" version of Jesse and Bullseye and Buzz and Woody. As usual, Ellie had them dance and kiss each other for quite some time, but we did not purchase them...maybe I'll get them for her at a later time.
But we did end up purchasing the bigger/plastic version of Buzz. He says everything he's supposed to say, has a neat lazer light, has pop-out wings, and retractable helmet. He's cool. When we brought him home, Ellie pushed the buttons, opened and closed his helmet, danced with him to the Sleeping Beauty song.."I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..", and kissed him. He is now a part of our family.
Jae and I went to the mall to pick up Buzz. I headed towards another store to return an item while Jae and Ellie headed to the Disney Store. Apparently, when Ellie saw Buzz on the counter, she did her classic hop/skip/turn/dance in such excitement and exclaimed, "Buzz! Buzz!" So cute. We also found a "stuffed" version of Jesse and Bullseye and Buzz and Woody. As usual, Ellie had them dance and kiss each other for quite some time, but we did not purchase them...maybe I'll get them for her at a later time.
But we did end up purchasing the bigger/plastic version of Buzz. He says everything he's supposed to say, has a neat lazer light, has pop-out wings, and retractable helmet. He's cool. When we brought him home, Ellie pushed the buttons, opened and closed his helmet, danced with him to the Sleeping Beauty song.."I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..", and kissed him. He is now a part of our family.
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