Road Trip

Well I'm glad to report her sleeping schedule is getting better. Her nap times are consistent, but her bed time isn't as much but we're working on it. Last night I let her cry to sleep. I think that was the first time I did that. It was just so frustrating, she did not want to go to be. She was just to busy playing and having fun hanging out with mom and dad. So finally I had enough, I put her down and let her cry. I was surprised she only cried for five to seven minutes. I waited an extra five minutes after she was done crying just to make sure she was asleep.
Well either Friday or Saturday Maire and I are making our way to my parents house. My dad has to have surgery. This will be Maire's second trip down there. I'm kind of concerned on how she's going to do on a three hour car ride. I'm sure we're going to make some stops, but her being in that car seat all day is what is getting me.
On her first trip it was a breeze because she was so young she just slept and ate the whole way there. Now that she's seven months old and more attentive I'm kinda scared. She's always busy wanting to do something. At the same time I'm kinda excited because this is only her second time being away from home, so I hope she'll like it and have fun.

Keeping a Schedule

Right now I am trying to Maire to stay on a schedule. More specifically a sleeping schedule. I really don't have her on a feeding schedule because my days aren't consistent with school and trying to find a job. So I just try to feed her lunch and dinner at the same time as much as possible. As far as sleeping goes she did good for a while. She usually went to bed around 10:00pm and wake up at 7:00am with out a feeding during the middle of the night. Now she's not getting to bed after midnight, she gets up in the middle of the night for a feeding, and she doesn't wake up until 10:00am or so. I think the time change might have had something to do with it, because she didn't start doing this until after the change. So that' what we're working on now. I hope it won't take long, because the next step is getting her to do to bed with out a bottle. I can't wait to see how that goes.

Teething

Right now we're going through the teething process. It's a little difficult for me because I had to miss a day of school for it. I guess our main problem is making her feel as comfortable as we can. We have been giving her Tylenol,but I don't want to pumping her full of that stuff. We also give her teething rings but those only help for a short period. Is there a better remedy we could use instead of Tylenol?

The other day we had an accident where she threw up, and was running a slight temp. She fights sleep now, even at nap times. I don't know if it's because she doesn't feel good or if it's her teeth. It takes us about an hour to get her calmed down and asleep. We have no idea what to do when we put her down for bed. We try everything, I think she falls asleep because she gets worn out from fussing all night. I need help. Is there one easy solution to help her pain, fever, and help her fall asleep easier?

Partnership

I have realized over the weekend that I'm basically a single parent. My boyfriend doesn't do anything but work 5hr days, 5 days a week, and hangs out with friends. He's never home, and when he is he doesn't help out around the house. The last time he did dishes or pick up around the house was before I quit my job. He sleeps in everyday, while I have to get up and stay up with the baby. I haven't slept in since Maire was born.



My duties include getting up with Maire in the morning, going to school, come home take care of Maire and pick up the house. While Nick's at work for five hours then off to a friends house, and dozen' get home until one o'clock in the morning or so.



This whole situation is very frustrating for me. I love taking care of and being with my daughter, but it would be nice to have some help once in a while. I can't go have time to myself, because he always is, and I have to stay home. I need help to fix this situation, because I'm not sure what to do. I want to fix it in a positive manner as well. I tried talking to him about it and he says it isn't his problem. Then when I'm stern with him he gets mad. I just want some alone time. I think that's why I love school so much, is because I'm by myself.



This is a big bump in our relationship right now, because it effects our parenting. I want to be the best parent I can, I can't be with out the other half.

Six months ago on August fourth I gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Maire. She weighed 8lbs. and 4oz. and was 22inches long. She gave me a short and painless labor, lasting around five hours. Everybody we knew was at the hospital to greet little Maire into this world. The next day her dad and I got to bring her home. It was a hot sunny day. Everybody was exhausted but yet very happy.
Maire was very happy and eager to learn and explore her new world. As the next six months went by she developed an attitude, where it's her way or the highway. Her dad and I are having a very troubling time to harness this attitude.
Along with the attitude situation we'll also be discussing other topics. For example teething, introducing solid food, crawling, and sleep habits. A couple other things would be how to solve these problems and how to find creative and manageable ways to spend quality time with your children.
I hope you will enjoy our journey through parenthood and gain helpful information.