Controversial Reading: Baby Wise

It's the most controversial book since the Bible.

Ok, well, maybe not quite. From my knowledge people don't burn Baby Wise to prove a point. But if words were fire this book would be up in flames.

It's a book so many people swear by. In fact I've heard more moms say the principals of this book worked wonders for their child more than any other book. Even more so than the Dr. Sears whatevertheheck book. I've heard raves from "my baby is so happy now" to "It was a lifesaver." But I've also heard the other end of the spectrum-- THIS BOOK WILL KILL YOUR BABY.

Not an exact quote, but close.

I haven't read Baby Wise or any other baby books for that matter. I swear, the easiest way to make a bunch of money these days is to write a book about baby advice and BOOM! You're rich! I hate that there are so many books with so many contradicting facts and principals and just decided to skip the whole book thing and learn by trial and error.

Then I went back to work.

And my daughter stopped sleeping 5-6 hours and instead has gone back to waking up every 2 hours. And I am a zombie. And being a zombie with 45+ hours of work to do every week just isn't good. Especially when you're operating heavy machinery like cars, or breast pumps.

This has been going on for long enough. Long enough for me to know it's no longer a growth spurt, or a phase (well maybe it's a phase to some degree, but I'd rather it not continue for months). My grandmother told me that if there's something that's stressing you out either do something about it to fix it or get over it, but there's no use stressing or complaining about it. So I've decided I need to do SOMETHING.

What am I doing? We're sleeping in the guest bed in her room. She wakes up every two hours and it takes me awhile to go back to sleep. Sometimes she'll wake back up the moment I set her down and climb back into bed. When I first returned to work I fell asleep with her in bed with me and she nursed throughout the night. Before that she'd sleep 5-6 hours so I'm wondering if that formed some kind of habit, and on top of that, perhaps being in her room is waking her up. If she sleeps with me, I can't sleep. If she doesn't, I'm up every two hours and it takes me a good while to fall back asleep, so I'm at an impasse.

The past week and a half I've started a new bed time routine where we give her a bath, massage her, get her in her nighttime diaper, read her a story and feed her, but then I'm like 'What now?' I usually feed her until she's asleep then set her in her crib but I think putting her in her crib awake is the trick. So I tried that but then she cries and cries until you pick her up. Then I feed her again and... You get the idea.

I need to try something new to see if it helps. I'm not asking for a full eight hours of sleep. Heck, four hours straight at this point would be nice. It's effecting my work, and that's really not good. In fact, it's very, very bad. So bad that I had the worst live shot experience of my life last week but didn't dare pull the "but I have a 4-month-old who isn't sleeping yet" card. But maybe I should have, because I'm sorta on the you-know-what-list right now because of it. And one bad move takes ten good moves to make up for it. So by this time next year, if I'm lucky, I'll be out of the dog house.

My husband says it's not the end of the world if she goes to bed late and wakes up all night for the first year, but that's greatly because he isn't waking up with her, or going to work after a half-nights sleep.

So, I'm desperate. And I'm considering turning to this raved about/ cursed book for ideas and answers.

I've probably read an entire book worth of facts on why I should stay away from the book--given to me by people who haven't read the book themselves, but hate it anyway. So I think it's only fair to read the actual book now, with an open mind, to see the other side and form my own opinions of it.

I know the book is about schedules and many are against schedules but truth is, sooner or later my daughter will be starting childcare and the only way someone watching multiple kids can accomplish things I'm sure, is to have some sort of plan. It doesn't mean I'm going to take the advice as scripture, or put Lil' J on a strict eating routine we can't deter from and starve her in the process. It's just that we're going to try something new. Because what we're doing now aint working out. At least not for me. And considering the fact that I provide the food and shelter for all of us right now, I think my opinion rules.

Some people are ok with having their children sleep with them, or wake up through the night for over a year, but I'd rather find out whats working for the other set of the population who have children don't need that.

I know this may just be a time in life where I have to survive with lack of sleep, but I can't just go along with that not knowing if I can do something else that can make this situation better for us all.

Besides, I'm pretty sure Lil' J would be happier with a happy, healthier, well rested mommy.

I just bought the book on Ebay for 99 cents. If it sucks I'll tell you about it. Then burn it.

Any other books you recommend while I'm at it? A friend from work with her second baby, also a 4-month-old said baby 411 has lots of tips and different routines to try. I think I'll buy that one too.

Giving My Daughter a Head Start I Missed

I organized more of the nursery yesterday, and fumbled around with a CD player that's attached to the crib. I got it as a gift at my baby shower. I'm excited to share the gift of music with my baby girl. I pretty much immediately began searching for good lullabys to buy and save to CD to play for her at night.

Eager to start a new tradition, I bought some church primary songs off iTunes. Primary songs are children's songs kids sing at my church during the third hour... Yes, third hour of church. After Sacrament meeting and Sunday School.

My family joined the LDS church and became active when I was about 11-years-old. I've always felt "behind" compared to everyone else my age. I didn't know the songs the kids would all sing in primary, and since you graduate at 12, I didn't have much time to learn them.

I've always been a very outgoing girl. My whole life, I've never been regarded as a "shy" one. But the one place you're likely to find me out of my element is church.

When I was younger I'd always avoid eye contact with the teacher who would surely call on me to say the prayer if I looked him in the eye. I was always too afraid to answer a question about the Bible... Afraid I'd give the wrong answer and people would laugh at me. No one ever laughed at anyone, but I feared I'd be the first.

The question could be as simple as: "Who built the giant ark to hold all of the animals before the flood?" Of course I knew it was Noah, but I was to scared to answer wrong anyway... Thinking maybe there was a second guy I somehow missed reading about.

I guess religion is one of those subjects that's so serious, and important, I felt bad that I didn't know all of the answers.

As I've gotten older, much of my spirituality has grown from life's experiences, prayer, and just going to church. I still haven't overcome my anxiety with public prayers, or answering a class question, but I've gotten better. One thing I know will help me is just learning the stories better.

I've read and heard scripture stories over and over but it's so easy for me to mix people and places up. I've learn to forgive myself for this too, and just realize the only way to get better is to keep reading.

I don't want my daughter to have the same worries I do. I want her to feel confidant in knowing her scripture stories, and sing her primary songs loud and proud. I hope she'll be eager to say a prayer before our family, or in front of her Sunday school class, and be unapologetic about it.

It's never too late to build upon your spirituality, and learn more about the Gospel. I feel like having a child kind of gives me a chance to re-learn everything myself, but have a study buddy in the process.

From primary songs, to scripture stories, it'll give me a chance to learn about the gospel starting at a level I never had a chance to experience. It's an opportunity I'm so blessed to have.

If you know of any good children's Bible or Book of Mormon books? I'm not even sure how many of my readers are Christian or LDS, but this would really help me narrow down my search! The more stories in them, the better!

Books, Toys and Snoop, Oh My!

Oh how I look forward to reading to my little girl. I already will grab a book from her little bookshelves, plop myself down and read her a story. I just think it'll be so much cooler once she's here so I can see her reaction.

At first I guess it'll just be blinks, blank stares, quite possibly tears and toots, but that won't keep me from reading a story to her every day and night!
On my baby shower invites, guests were asked to bring a book instead of a card to sign their name in. This quickly multiplied the size of Lil' J's library. From hand puppet books, to touch and feel books, to bigger, children's books, we've got a good stash going now! That and my addiction to Half Priced Books doesn't hurt. I get Dr. Seuss books for a fraction of the normal cost.
There are a few books we don't have yet that I'd like to get fairly soon. For one, I want a children's version of The Good Book... The scriptures I mean. I need some recommendations for that! There's SO many to choose from, and I want to pick a good one.

I'm also trying to get some of the "classics" like Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Cat in The Hat, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and others I have yet to hear about (which if you know of any good ones please let me know!)
I have a couple of books coming from Incredibundles.com. It's an online store that sells children's gifts in the bundle, so you save money versus buying everything in the bundle separate. They have lots of book bundles, but I saw a toy bundle I had to get. A few friends kept recommending the Sophie giraffe to me... It's a chew toy... Excuse me, teething toy, for babies. SO many people told me their kid/nephew/cousin loved it so I've decided to give it a try.
I'm a little worried that Snoop will get that crazy look in his eyes after the first squeak (yes, she squeaks, I told you it's like a chew toy) and just wait for the opportune time to eat it up. I can just picture it now... Us coming home to find Sophie torn to shreds, Snoop with a satisfied look in his eyes. I guess training a dog to know the difference between his toys and the baby's toys is a battle I'll soon learn to fight.
"I didn't do it" his face will say... And I'll have to remind him that there are Lil' J's toys...And his toys... ... Lil' J and Snoop dog, I just realized our family is beginning to sound like a rap group.

**Update!**

We just got Sophie and our toy bundle and here's Snoop's first reaction:

(yes, I know I'm bad for taunting my dog with a baby toy)

Anyway, adding to Lil' J's toybox, Incredibundles.com is sending her the Learn and Grow Premium Bundle. I'm excited to see how she likes all of the toys, and I can't wait to add the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and the touch and feel book to her collection.I'm also thrilled cause I get to share the gift of reading with you! 25 of you! Want a free book, or TWO? I know a lot of you like to show off your kiddos so this shouldn't be hard.

The first 25 Babymakinmachine.com Readers who enter the IncrediBundles.com Happy Baby Contest will receive a free children’s book!
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Enter the Happy Baby Contest (www.happybabycontest.com) for a chance to win A Year of Diapers and A Year of Triple Paste.
Step 2: Send an email to happybaby@incredibundles.com with “babymakinmachine” in the subject line. IncrediBundles.com will respond with instructions on how to redeem your free book.

BONUS - GET A SECOND BOOK FREE!

“Like” IncrediBundles.com on Facebook to get a second book for free!
If Lil' J starts laughing before August 31st (the entry deadline) we may enter ourselves! If you don't have a baby, and can't borrow one to make a video, there's still a discount code you can use!

Special Discount for all of my readers! Use the coupon code MACH15 good for 15% off any product on the site! Coupon expires 7/15/10.

Want to learn more about IncrediBundles.com?
IncrediBundles.com, the home of extraordinary baby gifts, features a fresh modern twist on the baby gift basket. You won’t find wicker, cellophane or paper shred at this stylish retailer. In their place, the company designed adorably chic reusable storage containers and filled them with the very best award-winning toys, books and products for babies – selected by experts and approved by parents. Whether you are a gift-giver or an expecting mom or dad creating a Registry, be sure to check out their Year of Diapers Subscriptions. An IncrediBundles.com 3, 6, 9 or 12-Month Diaper Subscription is the foolproof gift that is always appreciated.

*Opinions expressed are my own. Thanks Incredibundles.com for letting me experience being a customer and order a bundle set for free.*

The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 6

Miss the other parts of my 400th follower giveaway this week?
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 5

Closed--This LIVE part of my giveaway is closed, but those above are some other's that aren't over yet!

*To the winners of my LIVE giveaways... I will be contacting you early next week when my other giveaways start ending and I'm back in town to get your address info!*

****

Alright folks here it is!! The finale you've all been waiting for!... First can I just tell you I feel like Oprah? Is this what it feels to be rich and generous?--I guess I wouldn't know about the rich part, and really, it's the sponsors who are being generous! So a big THANK YOU to all of them!

FYI #1 - A LIVE giveaway means you have to be the certain comment # to win. The winning comment numbers are in RED below each prize! The rules on how to comment are at the bottom of this post!

FYI #2, all of these giveaways aren't just for moms or moms-to-be! So Future Mama's without kids and unpreggo ladies... Enter away! I purposely found things that would be helpful and fun for women in ALL stages of life!

So many people told me the LIVE giveaway was so fun yesterday I just knew I had to do one more to finish this off! It's ok if it takes longer to get all the winners... I was planning on the last one lasting about a week but that didn't happen, so I'm going to add more prizes to this one and make the numbers more spread out! Don't forget to read the rules at the bottom to know how to play!

To start it all off...
27. ...Who could get this party started better than ElleBows and More!? Are you in love with butterflies? I know I am! And what little girl doesn't love them? (Ok, actually I think I have a friend who is terrified, but she's weird). This ElleBows™ variety pack includes four 30 mm snap clips lined in bright swiss dot ribbons and adorned with funky crochet butterflies. Oh, so sweet! All clips are made from quality ribbon and ends are heat sealed in order to prevent fraying. Every item is handmade in Lisa's clean, smoke free studio. All ElleBows™ come attached to an adorable display card. Let me know what else you like from her cute shop!
-Commenter #44 wins. But read the rules at the bottom s you know how to play!

Reading any good books? This next prize will help!
28. You've noticed the books on my bookshelf right? Yep, I'm reading two GREAT books right now to plan for pregnancy... The thing I DON'T have is a good bookmark to hold my spot. Well, so you don't run into that problem, Suzie from Suzie's Armoire has offered a beautifully unique bookmark for you! There are SO many cute ones to choose from! Butterflies, dolphins, cats, dinosaurs, frogs... The list goes on! It was hard for me to chose one to picture here but I have a thing for frogs so that's what you see! There's also a lot of vibrant colors to pick between, so let me know your favorite! Winner gets their choice! These bookmarks are designed with ~11" of seed beads in the middle to fit inside most book sizes!
-Comment #123 wins this prize! But read the rules below to know how to play!

Write love letters much?...
29. This is quite a step up from back in the say when you wrote "do you like me, (picture of a "circle") YES or NO"... But you're not required to use this stationary just for love letters, although it's so pretty, that's what I'd use them for. Wendy's Whimsical Designs is giving away one of these BEAUTIFUL monogrammed personalized stationary sets! They're made with Martha Stewart monogram stamps and Stampin up paper and cardstock. Her shop has SO much cute stuff I couldn't stop looking around!... Oh how I wish I was this crafty! But you--You can pretend to be with these! This comes in a set of 4 with envelopes and your choice in color and the letter. It also makes a great gift for teachers (although I'm not gonna lie, Id' keep it for myself!) Check out her site and let me know what color and letter you'd get!
-Commenter #217 wins these cute cards! But don't forget to read the rules at the bottom to know how to play!

Don't you just love stuffed animals? I know I do...
30. Jane at Janiexy hand makes adorable toys and I just LOVE her plushy animals! Featured here is Wilbur. Wilbur, the gray whale, often gets under estimated for his speed and outgoingness because of this size. You'll often find him challenging smaller fish to races, making fun of dolphins, and eating some In 'N Out - planktin style.
Pictured dark grey and cream with vertical stitching on belly.
Custom color requests are welcome for an additional $5 charge
Measurements (Approximate):
Length: 11"
Height: 4.5"
She has other cute stuffed animals so let me know your favorite one!
-Winner is Commenter #283 -Read the rules below to know how to play!

I've been wanting to feature a fun bath item for some time so this next product is right up every lady's ally!
31. Choose your fortune with AJ Sweet Soap! I know these look good enough to eat, and I'm sure they also smell that way too! But it's actually one of the most creative bath accessories I've seen! Denise's fortune cookie soaps are adorable - and you will love that you can customize these any way you choose! Not only choose the fragrance for the cookies (Almond Biscotti is delicious with these!) but choose the colors as well!
You'll receive 12 "cookie" soaps in a decorative takeout container. Great gift idea for yourself or someone special. These also make wonderful party favors - there's so much you can do with these to add that special touch to your occasion! Check out her shop and let me know which fragrances and colors you like! There's sooo many to choose from! And it doesn't just stop there... Her shop has SOOO much yummy bath stuff you've just gotta check out! She's also @ajsweetsoap on twitter and her blog is here.
The lucky Winner is Commenter #333 -Read the rules at the bottom to learn how to play!

Hey girl what's yo sign?
32. I use to REALLY want my kid(s) to be a Capricorn, but now I don't care as much... Just get me a healthy baby!!... But, I must say, I'm still very proud to be a Capricorn myself!--So when I saw this light switch cover I about died! Krystal from Rathina Decore Switch Plates has something for every room of the house! Not into signs yourself? That's ok! She has different styles, colors, and personalities from cats, bears, dogs, cupcakes and turtles, to flowers and fruit! Each switch plate is handmade by myself, using a decoupage technique with fabric. I take great care and pride in my work so that each switch plate is perfect. Single plates measure 2 3/4" by 4 1/2". Double switchplates measure 4 1/2" by 4 1/2". Screws are included. To install, simply unscrew old plate, and screw in new plate. Check out her site and let me know which one you'd want! Winner gets their choice!
--Commenter #400 takes away this prize! Read the rules below to know how to play!

Moving right along to something I treasure...
33. Dark Wolf Trading Co. creates the most beautiful handmade pieces of art. I found @darkwolftrading through Twitter and fell in love. One thing I really love is their leather bound journals and books. If you're a sketcher, or a big writer like I am--Or a big blogger like I've become you'll probably appreciate this like I do. I LOVE to jot down my thoughts when I'm on the go. Sure, I have a voice recorder, and an iPhone where I can electronically jot down my thoughts, but there's something beautiful about printing it in my own hand writing, and being able to flip through it later. Having a special place for those thoughts, or dreams, or whatever you choose, is important in my book.
This is a handmade leather bound journal featuring a wraparound thong. The leather used is suede deerskin. The journal is made up of four sets of 12 pages each for a total of 48 usable pages. The pages measure 5.5" x 8.5" and, when closed, the journal measures about 6" x 10". Paper used is plain white paper.
--Lucky commenter #491 wins this lovely prize! Be sure to read the rules at the bottom to know how to play!

I about flipped out when I found out about this next sponsor too!
34. It all started when I saw @ModMomME on Twitter. Kristen from Mod MomMe has SO many adorable things for a mod mom, but the best thing about it is there's lots of stuff for future mama's too! Like this Diaper bag Keychain for example! These adorable bags are Kristen's own creation and are exclusively at mod momME. As a mother of 2 little ones still in diapers, she says this bag is a must have accessory. She's run into problems before at the doctor's office--Not being able to throw away diapers there! She's been required to place the dirty diaper in a bag and take it home to dispose of it. This means you will have to depend on the doctor's office to supply you with a plastic bag or you will have to come prepared with them yourself. Dispose a Diaper Bag © key chains are very practical, convenient, and stylish too.
BUT what do I see when I see this? I poop bag for Snoop! When I'm walking him I'm always trying to figure out where to put the plastic bags I pick up his poop with... These cute things hold about 15 small plastic trash bags and they're easy to hook on a dog leash too!
So there you have it... Good for dog parents and human parents too!
She has TONS of colors to choose from and is open to your own idea for fabric too! Check out her site and let me know which one you'd want! The winner gets their choice! Check out her cute blog too!
--Commenter #543 wins! But remember to check out the rules below to know how to play! (If we fly past the winner in this contest too, there's another chance to win one of these here).


You know the saying.. "If mommy ain't happy..."
35. The same concept rings true to this sign which caught my eye. This is by Rebekah from Little Love Letters. Who makes all of these cute signs herself. What mom doesn't deserve this sign? It measures 8x8 and is hung with several lines of hemp cord. It's painted black with beige vinyl lettering and sanded on the edges for a distressed look. A matte finish is applied to the board after paint and lettering is applied, to ensure longevity.
Not a mom yet? Don't worry! I've got something up my sleeve for you... This adorable family sign! 10x10 sign featuring the "definition" of family. I came up with these definitions with a little help from friends, family and my little girl. I really think they are universal! This sign can be custom-painted to match your decor! The sample is hung with matching ribbon, although I can also hang it with raffia or a saw tooth hanger - your choice. The winner can pick which one they want, or if they want just the vinyl "family" saying for the wall, that works too!
So check out her site and see what else you like and let me know!
--Commenter #620 wins! Read the rules at the bottom to see how to play!

Another one of my favorites...
36. You know how I love purses! So when Liz from Peanut Babies and LovingMom2Boys told me that she makes tote bags I got all excited again! Yea... I know you ladies like these things too! And I especially love things that work for Future Mama's too... Which this does! Diaper bag... Sure... But it also looks like a beach bag, and cute purse too! This is a fun and functional medium tote bag. Made with only light interfacing this is the perfect bag for just about anywhere.
Constructed of 100%, using fabric from Amy Butler's Daisy Chain collection. The bag measures 15" wide, 10 1/2" tall, and 4" deep, with 25" handles (11" drop). Includes a large interior pocket. The super soft construction of this bag makes it perfect not only for every day use, but is great for the traveler as well. Folded up it is perfect for packing in a suitcase without using a lot of precious space.
The cool thing is she says she'll custom make it for you! The winner will be able to select from a variety of fabrics, and the bag will be made to order. Sweet, no?! So check out her site and let me know what you like!
--Commenter #708 wins this awesome bag! -- Read the rules to know how to play!

And last but not least, I had to bring it home for the cute babies.
37. Want to have something cute for your baby while also helping the environment? Organic Beginnings may be just what you're looking for! From what I hear it can be difficult to find eco-friendly clothing for babies. Whether you're a pro at it already or looking to start now, this is a great place to look! The fabrics she uses are made from resources grown and/or produced without the use of man-made pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers--Only natural fertilizers and pest control measures are used.
The winner of this prize will get:
2 onesies- 1 regular and 1kimono styles
1 pair of pants
1 hat
1 bamboo t shirt
Cute wardrobe to start off with right?-- Or a great gift for an expecting friend! It's an $85 value! Check out the site and tell me what you like about it and what styles your like!
And the final winner of my 400th follower LIVE giveaway is commenter #808

Rules:
Last time I had a LIVE giveaway it ended in two HOURS. I wouldn't mind this one going a little longer so I'm going to make rules a little different... And if it takes a week to get all the winners that's fine because the rest of these are running a week too!
1. You have to Tweet or Facebook, or whatever about the giveaway! Please say: "Check out this LIVE giveaway by @babymakinmachin lots of prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"
2. In 11 of your comments tell me something about why you like the 11 products. Don't stress out over it, just leave a sentence statement about their site or something... Besides, it'll give you something to comment about.
3. Now just leave comments, all you want to get to the prize of your choice, but each comment has to be a complete sentence, and since I'm on vacation and don't have time to moderate and publish comments you can only post 5 comments in a row... Then wait until someone leaves one comment between yours and you can comment again.
BONUS: If you're a follower you can post up to 7 comments in a row.
BONUS: If you're a follower and have voted for me in the bloggers choice awards or the black weblog awards or have blogged about this giveaway, you can leave up to 10 comments in a row.

So tell your friends about it so they can come over and help you rack up the comments! Good luck!

Miss the other parts of my 400th follower giveaway this week?
There's still time to enter these!
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 (closed), Day 5