Parker is Independent

It is amazing how different life is. I told Randy that I feel alive again, which is a really great thing.

The reason for the change? Parker decided he doesn't need our help putting him to sleep, and prefers to cry a little to himself and then sucking on his hand through his blanket. We were spending SO much time trying to rock the little guy to sleep... and he would just scream, and scream, and scream.... So one night, I decided to try setting him down because NOTHING was calming him down. I set him down, and he was out. I couldn't believe it! I decided to experiment the next day by putting him down while he was still awake to see if he would do it again. The next day was amazing! Every nap he went down by himself. Sure he cried for a few minutes sometimes, but other times, he just went to sleep without fussing.

I can't tell you how wonderful it is not to have to spend 30 minutes to an hour trying to bounce Parker to sleep! The only down side- I'm pretty sure I'm gaining some weight back because my exercise "routine" has been abolished :) But hey, I'll take the happy baby over the exercise routine.

We have also decided to put Parker on his tummy. I know they say you're not supposed to, but he WON'T sleep any other way. He is great on his tummy and holds up his head really well. He can also move it from side to side without any problems. So we feel good about putting him on his tummy. The first few times I did it, I checked on him probably every 20 minutes. Now I don't worry at all.

Life really is good, and is getting better. I actually feel like doing things now (like decorating his room!) and being more productive. Before, it was great when I could just get the dishes done, and then collapse on the bed. Parker is doing so much better, and so am I :)