with Skylar, things were very different as they were with Noah when it came to sleeping habits. it basically was like having a baby for the first time. I didn't push Noah out of my bed, really ever. it was just us two for the first two and a half year of his life so I savored every moment of being able to co-sleep comfortably. i'm all for it, but Skylar was going down a path that had become very difficult for me. my lack of sleep was messing with my days and probably also with my milk supply.

we transitioned Sky from co-sleeping to the crib at about 6 months. since birth, she slept in bed with us, she was breastfed and we swaddled every night. we loved the time of bond. she was feeding normally throughout the night until she turned about 5 months old. she grew up so fast and was very independent, she started waking almost every hour to nurse, and because she was so advanced, she could latch on by herself until she fell back asleep. the waking continued for weeks, and wasn't regressing. she was nursing so much at night, I wasn't pumping much milk during my working hours. and then I started to notice she would wiggle a lot while feeding at nights and she seemed frustrated.

by this time she was drinking 8 ounces at a time and I couldn't pump more than 5 ounces no matter how long I tried, so I knew she was waking that much because she wasn't getting enough. it was such a hard decision for me to make, trust me, tears were shed. but I decided to cut her off for her sake and mine.

we strictly started to formula feed her at 6 months since she was holding her own bottle as well as eating solids by now. and this was a HUGE part of the transition for us. so the journey began. it was so hard to even think about not cuddling with her all night, but we knew it was for the best. the first night we tried, it was a success. so easy and not very many tears were shed. and then.. after a few nights, it had gotten hard. she wasn't happy to be in her bed all alone. like any baby would be after co-sleeping all their life. I mean, duh!

once you make the decision, C O M M I T! it's so important. you have to be all in, because it won't be easy, like we had thought it was that first night. it usually takes about 3-4 days to break the habit. don't torture them for 2 days and give in the third because it feels easier. often, that last or last days are the game changers. this is when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I tried to simplify the days for you as they happened.

D A Y - O N E

here we go, I knew this was not going to be easy, but it couldn't get any worst right?

first things first. we decided on the time we were going to make her bed time, because she was on no type of schedule. we started the night off with a nice bathe to keep her awake as long as we could. I wanted her to be really tired to make it easier. we made her a bottle, laid her down with a stuffed animal to help support the bottle and a blankie. I patted her back/bum with a good firm pat for a about 2 minutes. she fell asleep and I snuck out.

she doesn't have a night light in her room and we didn't use any music or white noise. I have read many articles on healthy sleeping habits for babies and these two were the most important.

she's naturally a good sleeper, so we didn't hear from her until about 2am. she was up with a roar! I didn't ever take her out of the crib into my arms. I checked her diaper quickly and made sure she still had something in her bottle. I repositioned her with the bottle, lamby and the blankie. I patted for about 1 minute and walked out. she was mad! this was the hard part. I couldn't stand to hear her cry and it was so hard to not walk in and hold her in my arms. I waited outside of the door for about a minute, that's as long as my heart would let me go. and I walked back in and padded her again and we repeated the process about 4/5 times before she fell back asleep.

3am...4am....6am...all on repeat. padding, leaving and padding and leaving. I refilled her bottle once and padded and left. all until 7am came around.

D A Y - T W O

I'm a working mama, so I couldn't nap during the day to prepare for our second night. I was already exhausted from the night before. Brandon and I discussed the first night so he knew how to help this night. we planned on taking turns.

again, we tired her out and put her in bed at bedtime. bottle, lamby, blankie. she wasn't going right away so we let her cry it out for a few mins. its so hard for both of us. we waited longer and longer after each time we went in not exceeding 5 mins long. you need to know what that magic number is for your family. some people, like us, can only do it for 5 mins, some families can go hours. everybody is different. I know, we're softies, but that was what we decided.

we repeated the process all night until morning came. she was up less times than the night before so it felt like progress was being made.

D A Y - T H R E E

Brandon put her down with the same routine except the padding, and she was out within seconds. it was so easy we couldn't believe it. did our plan really work? it was so hard to believe.

she only woke up once all night. I refilled her bottle and she went right back down. easy peesy. she slept until morning.

til this day, she sleeps in her crib every night. same time everyday, 7:30. she tells us herself when she is ready, so we will make her a bottle and lay her right down. we wont hear a peep out of her unless she wants a refill at night and she will go right back down. at bedtime she is so used to being in the crib that she doesn't ask to be cuddled or rocked, she will not let us do that, she just wants straight into bed. heartbreaking at times, but I rocked Noah to bed everyday until he was about 2 years old and we don't want to repeat that. we get cuddles from her when she is sick or nap times.

T I P S

once you decide to transition, commit to it! it may be easier for all the working parents to begin the journey on a weekend as the lack of sleep does weight on you.

be aware of the season. we transitioned Sky during late fall, so we always made sure she was in warm pajamas. sleep sacks are great too.

pick your bed time wisely and protect that time. decide on something reasonable for your family. treat it like an apt, nothing can interfere with that time because babies needs a schedules.

make sure you are using a good firm pat.

gradually increase the time before you walk to reposition your baby. they need to slowly learn to self soothe.

don't use a nightlight as it can be a reason your baby has a hard time sleeping. white and blue based lights, however dim, will inhibit the secretion of the sleep inducing hormone melatonin at night. melatonin is released by the brain in response to light sensitivity in the eyes.

if you opt on the CIO (cry it out) method, it's probably best to keep it to yourself. this is a subject that comes with the biggest opinions and some can be harsh. you know what works for your family better than anyone else, trust your decision without needing others opinions.

if it is difficult for you as you wait the time allotted before you walk in to put baby back down, try things that will help you keep track of time. use headphones and your phone to listen to A SONG before walking in each time.

DO NOT place a blankie or stuffed animal or anything for that matter in the crib before your baby is at least 6 months old or until your baby is very mobile and strong. these will increase SIDS if your baby cannot effectively reposition to comfort on their own.

once you have established your schedule, be careful about naps too late in the day.

sleeping on their back. its advised for baby to sleep on his/her back until they turn about 6 months old. just for safety reasons.

everything you do in reaction to your baby crying when you are trying to get them back to sleep is going to be setting a pattern for them. it's easy to get frustrated and tired and pick them up, but what is happening is that the baby is learning to get that reaction out of you and that's going to be an even harder habit to break.

people feel differently about putting your baby to bed with a bottle. the reason we did it was because she could hold her own bottle and remove it when done. consult your pediatrician on what is best for your baby and their age.
*as you can see in the below picture, she moved the bottle away from her mouth when done. (above her head)

good luck on your journey, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I would be happy to help. remember, every baby is different, this may have worked for my baby but doesn't work for yours. don't give up, you just need to find what works for you. don't beat yourself up if it takes longer than you thought. we are all just winging it and doing what we think is correct.
no biggie

we're less than a month away from having a one year old. I know, what?
now that I am preparing for another baby soon, I found myself looking back a lot at the things that where essentials with Sky and preparing if I need more of something or different colors as well.
being a third time mom this year, there is no room for rookie mistakes, these are things I ACTUALLY needed and made life easier.
here are my essentials for skylar's first year of life.

T R A V E L
JuJuBe BeQuick // I have The Monarch style, plain jane. I decided I didn't want to carry a hug diaper bag everywhere, it compromises your look, ya know? so I opted for a small clutch this go that I could clip onto the car seat or stick in my purse. this one was perfect! I usually stick in a couple diapers, a wipe sliver pack and paci when she used it. perfect size!
Oh Joy! Diaper Bag // this is the one I use if we travel or go someplace we will be away from home for a while. I love the backpack style, size and colors. I'm glad I snatched this up while in the hospital bed after giving birth. it was out of stock for months.
4moms Breeze Playard // the greatest! so easy to set up and tear down. this is what she slept in in our room for the first few months, and now we take it every time we travel. it's a little heavy, but so worth it.
Urbini Omni Plus Travel System // I'm so pleased with this pick. I searched high and low for a good, affordable system. also, I wanted a very lightweight car seat and this is the #1 lightest car seat. *rookie mistake - finding the cutest car seat. *2nd time mom - lightweight! its everything!
Boba Carrier // nothing got done without this as a newborn.
Milk Snob Cover // my fav of this category. I have so many of these. for breastfeeding, as a car seat cover, as a shopping cart cover. you need one, I promise!



F E E D I N G
Comotomo // I really think that this bottle is the reason that we transitioned from breast to bottle so smoothly. the wide mound imitates the breast so well, it was a must!
OXO Tot Roll Up Bib // first of all, this is the only bib EVER that she cannot pull off. big deal! it does catch it all, Sky knows that and eats the lost pieces, all of them. we love it.
IKEA High Chair // great price, great quality, easy to clean, lightweight, what's not to like?
Bumbo // this was great to help Sky learn to sit and we still use it to keep her strapped in and happy. I love that is grows with baby, Noah still sits in this occasionally.
Re-Play Tableware // these are the only ones we have, because they have to match of course, BUT, they are the best! I promise. they don't break or crack, they don't fade, they don't stain, they are seamless so very easy to clean. the only tableware we will ever use.


T E E T H I N G
Amber Necklace // to this day, I don't know if its the necklace or she just didn't have trouble, but teething has been a breeze. if its the necklace, I will swear by it.
Natursutten Paci // the only paci she actually took at first. she only used it for a bit to actually self soothe, but she likes this to rub against her gums. so it has been better for teething to this day.
Munch Mitt // found this through Carmenthemodernmom and so glad I did. she didn't keep it on very well, but she really loved to bite and rub her gums on it. its still laying around the playroom.


N U R S E R Y
4moms Bouncer // lifesaver! as a newborn, this was the only way she would sleep. the vibration settings are so good, with much variety as well as the hammock-y feel that caudles a baby so well.
IKEA Hemnes Dresser // I was not budging! I wanted this dresser and nothing else. it's the perfect one. I want one for our bedroom now. totally worth the price and the assembly.
Crane Humidifier // from the style and look to the amount of "misties" that it produces. its a must! we have two in our household and will probably soon be purchasing a third.


M I S C
Lalaloopsy Doll // her favorite dollie. we used her as motivation for walking and it worked. and how cute is she? drool proof, tear proof and baby proof.
Joovy Spoon Walker // this one was great on tile and a little hard on carpet but glides so well and built very sturdy. the HUGE tray is also such a great feature. and its not an ugly one. love that.
Braun Forehead Thermometer // a must! its so super fast you only have to touch the forehead for about 5 secs. makes it so easy when you have a sick and fussy babe. we even use it on ourselves. it's a must!

I feel a step ahead this time since I already have so much great things.
round three should be much easier.

one. FIRE ACADEMY
brandon graduated from fire academy early december. he had been working toward this for months and he did it. i'm so very proud of him and his achievements.

two. CHRISTMAS
this was the first year Noah actually understood the meaning of Santa and how he's a worker of Jesus, and because how it's Jesus' birthday, he sends Santa to deliver gifts to all the boys and girl that have been good because He's a giver. He would rather give than to receive because he loves everyone. I worked out pretty good and Noah was so excited. of course. this year was so much fun, there was so much to do and so many people to see. it was busy, but nonetheless, great.

three. NEW YEAR
we were lucky enough to have everyone together, great food, and a jon jon. we basically ate until we couldn't walk, played spoons and got crazy with it and then lounged on the couch watching the game. when kids went to bed, Brandon and I brought in the new year with friends and snoop dog. lol

four. WALKING -
the little baby that I feel like I just pushed out is walking. so independently, at 9 months, she walks like she's been doing it for 9 months. we're so excited!

five. BABY
we're having a baby and it was so much fun telling people the exciting news over the holidays. we're so blessed to be able to bring another little joy to this world.

N I N E.
our sweet Sky baby is a whole nine months today. I could probably say that this is my favorite age.
but then last month was my favorite age. and 6 months was pretty great too. I can't even begin to say how much joy this little sugar butt brings to our family. and anyone that knows her for that matter. she is everyone's favorite. I know I sound like a broken record, but people freak O U T!
I think Brandon and I finally have the whole 2 kids thing figured out now. we've learned to keep our crap under control and not freak. I'd say we're doing pretty good. at least I'd like to think.
I could say I wish I could have 38 more babies just like her, but I would be lying. girl is wild! although she is just about the cutest baby girl on planet Earth, she is a handful! we often have those "what were we thinking?" moments. we created a wild child. I'm not exaggerating, and anyone who knows her would agree.
her with her chubby cheeks, long beautiful hair, amazing laugh and glistening eyes.
she is a dream. and you guys, her loving personality.

you know what else? I'm planning her fist birthday.
what.

Skylar at NINE months
Weight: 18lbs 8oz (48th percentile)
Birth: 7 lbs 3 oz
Height: dont remember but.. (52nd percentile)
Birth: 19 in

so. what's new?

• baby giggles. we have a belly laugh! she giggles all the time and I cannot get enough.
• goes from standing to sitting to sitting to standing completely unassisted.
• and standing completely on her own. unassisted and cute!
• baby steps! she has taken a few half steps and one FULL step forward, but she hasn't figured out how to bring that opposite foot forward fast enough. in due time.. I am patient.
• still in shock at the above point.
• baby babble. she's starting to enunciate certain sounds and making repetitive noises.
• mama & dada. she's got them both down ad knows when to use them. dada is for when she's happy and silly. mama is when she is upset and wants cuddles.
• play. Sky plays independently, but loves to be close to brother all day long.
• toys. she wants everything Noah has. even if its the exact same thing she has, she isn't happy until she has what is in his hands.
• cars. she doesn't know how to play with anything else but cars. she knows to glide the car back & forth. ferociously.
• she has mastered the pincer grasp. especially with her graduate puffs. it's the cutest!
• baby love. she kisses back! even though that's mostly just a full open mouth on your cheek for 6 secs.
• engagement. she has started to seek attention from others. mostly just mom and dad at the moment.
• admiration. she thinks brother has hung the moon. she looks to him with the biggest eyes.
• wearing a size 3 in diapers and 6-12/9-12 in clothes.
• independent. we just leave her to herself and she likes to explore the WHOLE house. she especially like brother's room.
• car rides. she sings to us in the car. we are hoping she gets Ra-Ra's talent for some singing. it's not looking promising at the moment.
• teethe. she's got her two bottom and working on the top. she feels like she can eat anything!
• head gear. she is not one for any head anything. we bought the cutest beanies for winter. she hates them. like a lot!

E A T

this girl. she loves to eat (still) and is a human vacuum. she will eat just about anything, literally. except beans. she makes a sour face with beans and wont take a second bite.
a meal isn't over until she has rubbed about 60% of it all over herself. when she is allowed to anyway.
I don't tolerate picky eaters. so I will try it all. even if she doesn't like it, like the beans, I offer it every once in a while. and will keep offering it until she eats it all up. Noah is such a good eater and I want her to be the same. he will eat anything, except cotton candy. weird right? its the texture. freaks him out.
she wont take baby puree anymore. nope, not even for a bit. she gives us the, "really, we're still playing that game? look. she wants real food, real flavor and lots of it. she's so grown up!
her favorites are.. mashes potatoes, avocado, green beans, lasagna, stroganoff, diced fruit (especially peaches), chocolate cake, ice cream and bread. basically anything she can feed herself.

S L E E P

Sky continues to sleep well through the night. she goes down between 7-7:30pm and will sleep until we wake her about 7:15am. we have no trouble getting her to bed. when she is ready, she will certainly let us know so we make her bottle and put her in her crib with Lamb-y. her bottle and the lamb, that's all she needs. I wish she needed some cuddles before bed, but no game. she is not one for cuddles. (unless she is sick of course.)

when morning time comes, she will often be up before any one in the house. this is what she does..
she opens her eyes and sits up 2 secs after. she looks around and admires her bedroom for a bit. then she will start talking. I'm convinced she is telling us about her dreams with the amount of babbles that come from the monitor. then after she's done with her story, she continues to find the camera and wrestle with it. until it ends up on the floor. she will soon become bored of everything and start the whining. that's our cue.
she is the BEST sleeper, I am so thankful for that!

P L A Y

playing continues to be great with her. she absolutely loves to play with Noah, but she can entertain herself very well. which we are happy about. she doesn't need us to stay occupied. we just cut her loose and she finds her own way.
we have bought her a few girl toys for herself as well as people gifting her toys, but nothing entertains her like a good hot wheel car does. she has quite a bit of "baby" toys, and she doesn't want anything to do with them. she wants what Noah is playing with. so for Christmas, we literally only bought her ONE toy. there are so many cute things out there and trust me, shopping for a baby girl is so dreamy, but there is no point. she gets more excited about a tractor than a dollie. what can you do?

she is also standing on her own. its only been about 4 days that she's been doing this and we're so excited about it. she lets go and will stand completely on her own for a good while. we celebrate every time. why wouldn't we right?

S K Y L A R

to my sweet girl. I never thought my heart could swell so much. it blows my mind that you are almost at the end of babyhood! I make it a point in my every day to try not to take for granted your resilience, cheer, sparkle, and absolute beauty. I am floored and completely fascinated by your ability to see nearly everything as wonderful and humorous and we all wish life would be. your smile lights up our every moment, and your laugh- OH I LOVE YOUR LAUGH - its become the regular soundtrack of our house. the admiration of our Noah grows every day and its the joy of my heart to watch you two play together. your desire and drive to seek out everything around you is impressive and you are a tiny tornado through the entire house- it wont be long before you are up and running all over the place.
thank you for filling our days with laughter and joy and your sweet little face. you are going to be a whole year old before we know it and I am soaking in these last months of babyhood with you in this season. I cannot believe how richly you have blessed us.
our tiny girl.
our rainbow.
our Sky baby.
I love you so.

photo dump