baby scheduling

I am always wondering what a good schedule for Emmy should be. I searched all over to see what other moms were doing but this one developed on its own and was led mostly by Emmy. I don't really think "baby scheduling" is something a parent should obsess over but I have found that Emmy likes knowing when to expect things and I like being able to plan my day around her naps.

We switch up her food all the time and it's easy to tell if babies have had enough food because you just keep offering it until they stop eating it. Emmy shakes her head if she's done or throws her food on the floor for the dog to eat.

I have enjoyed feeding Emmy all of the gerber baby foods but I will be happy to see them go as we transition to adult food. So far, Emmy likes grilled cheese, spaghetti and white chicken chili the most. It's hard for me to take the spice out of our meals but it's nice not having to feed Emmy while I cook dinner and then try to entertain her while we eat. 

Yep, she's done eating

Some people have asked me what the secret to getting a baby to sleep all night is... the secret? The truth is that there is no secret. Emmy just likes to sleep. We never force her to sleep if she's wide awake and we rarely rock her to sleep although we do rock her for a few minutes in her room so she can wind down and get used to the dark. We have a sound machine and a humidifier that run every night.  She has just now started clinging to her bunny and her "laugh and learn puppy" that keeps her entertained until she falls asleep.

sweet little bunny

If you are about to be a mom or have a newborn, my advice would be not to stress about the schedule. They have a way of working themselves out, just pay attention to your kid's signals and then reinforce them. Since Emmy is in daycare, her naps are based on what they set. 5 out of 7 days she naps with them so they rule that schedule and Emmy has gotten used to it. The 10am nap is tough on the weekends when we get out to run errands so we make her stroller as comfortable as possible but we don't let her schedule run our lives. 

sweet Emmy sleeping in the cart at Costco

It really bugs me when parents judge other parents. This gig is tough and no one is more right than anyone else when it comes to parenting. I believe in taking my kid with me to run errands if I need to. I want her to see the world and I enjoy having her around. But I have to admit that having her there makes it more difficult to enjoy my time. I can't relax because I always have one eye on her and if she's fussing, I'm rushing. 

Also, kids are moody. Just because you see my kid hollering down one aisle doesn't mean she isn't completely content most of the time. I would never keep a screaming child in a public place. If she is screaming it is a sure signal that we need to go home and I won't be selfish and ask the public to put up with us. BUT, girl don't you give me a nasty look or I will CUT.YOU.UP. (just for you, Courtney). 

I find it really interesting as my friends start having kids to watch them and see what their priorities are. Some of them are laid-back, and let their kids' free spirits flow. Others are fearful and keep their kids locked down for safe-keeping. I get both perspectives and I'm trying to ride the middle somewhere but being a mother is so hard so please don't add pressure to yourself by comparing your situation to others and don't add pressure to each other by judging. We are all in this together for the kids, right?