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Little rascal

We are perplexed. We are befuddled. We are exhausted.

I had been prepared to write a post about what an amazing sleeper Eli is... and then he became an even better sleeper... and then it all fell apart.

Let me back up.

For the past two months, Eli has been reliably sleeping from about 8pm until about 6am, with one wake-up to eat sometime near 2am. We had been trying to wean him off that middle-o-night feeding as Josh and I were pretty sure it was more habit than need.

Last Friday, Eli decided to sleep through his feeding (hooray!) and woke up at about 4am. Josh gave him his pacifier and then he slept until after 7am! He repeated this feat on Saturday night with a few variations.

Sunday night was a little more of a struggle... but still no middle of the night trip to the formula cafe.

Then it all hit the fan.

Monday and Tuesday nights were awful. Eli slept until about 12:30am then began waking up every hour and a half. WHAT?

We can't figure out what changed... friends have thrown out growth spurt and teething as possibilities. I'm pretty sure Eli has been in the middle of a growth spurt since the day he was born, so that seems far-fetched to me. I have felt his gums and haven't noticed any swelling or tooth bumps.

If it happens again tonight, we will go back to offering him a small bottle. Not really a fan of this because I don't think he needs those calories (have you SEEN his rolls?) ... but I am a BIG fan of sleep!

Any ideas, advice, or tricks?

Happy Monday!

wanna play?

Shoot for Seamus

If you live in or near St. Louis and want to get some great pictures of your family, check this out! Fresh Art Photography is holding mini-sessions on April 17th that will benefit the St. Louis Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Click HERE for more info.

Tummy time trials

Eli is not a big fan of being on his tummy.

I can hardly blame him. It usually means instant spit-up.

But he still needs to strengthen those neck muscles so I torture him with a little time on his belly each day. Here's how it usually goes...

"Hi mom. This isn't so bad after all."

"I might even smile at you. Or try to reach this paci."

"Hold on a sec!! I'm on my tummy! I don't like being on my tummy!"

(Indecipherable crying... face buried into the floor)

Shout-outs...Fresh Art & Hoot Designs

Back when Jodie Allen was just coming on to the photography scene in St. Louis, she offered to come take some pics of our little Noah man. Here is one of the many pics she took that day that I will cherish forever...

She is now half of the creative contingent at Fresh Art Photography and continues to take amazing pictures. Jodie periodically spotlights other artists on the Fresh Art blog... which is how I discovered Hoot Designs. Look at this unbelievably awesome print that can be personalized with names that are special in your family:

And Jodie is giving one away on her site! I'd love to have one for Eli's room with lots of family names but especially "N is for big brother Noah". Hop over to her website and check it out!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Many of our friends are celebrating this auspicious holiday in Dogtown today... since we can't be with them, Eli donned his lucky clover bib for the occasion!

(Thanks Aunt Judy and Aunt Pav for the bib!)