Too smart, but not quite smart enough

Little Pi is growing up fast and keeps hitting his milestones, which bring me great joy. The last few weeks he has been gripping things and also promptly bringing anything he has into his mouth (surely this mythical 'self soothing' is just around the corner, right?). This 3 month period means having a baby is getting a lot more fun (especially without the colic), but it also creates a new problem...
Pi is getting smart, which means simply staring at the monkeys on his bouncer no longer amuses him for hours, and even touching them gets a bit boring for him after 5 mins- after all, he has become a master at the skill.
In the effort to keep him up longer (3-6month old babies should be up for almost two hours,*I've read), so what to do with the other 1hr and 30mins, after he has been fed, changed, played on his mat, played in his bouncer, looked at himself in the mirror, gone for a tour around our very small house....
Walking outside is a great option, 'twere it not the middle of summer.
So what does one do when one lives in almost inaka (it would take 45mins on the train to get to a Yokohama mothers group)? Well, lately I have been rotating lots of things. We have bought him a mobile (fisher price precious planet mobile from Amazon.com).

It cost a small fortune in shipping and he doesn't drift of peacefully to sleep with it, but he does LOVE it. He smiles and giggles away at it for at least 15 mins. We also went to Nishimatsuya- a baby store- and bought a few small toys: a caterpillar that has bells in it, a ball that is easy to grip that has a belly in it, and a scrunchy giraffe that he can chew on to his hearts content.

We also have been going to the shops to walk around. It's airconditioned and noisy and bright, so lots to stimulate him. But it is hard doing that as it screws with his naps. Sometimes I read him a magazine (just show him the pictures and make comments), or we just dance around the house.
Boy, will I be glad when he gets to the stage when he entertains himself- babies do that, right??!
But for now if I could only get the naps to be stretched out just that little bit further (from 30mins to 2 hours), then I am sure the entertaining thing will get much easier.

Hypnos

So, after my last desperate post on whether or not to sleep train, I read about the most important thing to do in order to help the process.. Put the baby to sleep in the crib while awake (but preferably drowsy). Before three months it doesn't matter apparently and you can rock and bounce the baby asleep to your hearts content, but after three months it becomes important....
Except, easier said than done.
Still, I resolved that in order to do what I think is best for little Pi, I decided to put things in place to help him sleep which I like to think as gradually sleep train. So what I tried to start doing (not all the time) is putting him to sleep in his bouncer without bouncing him. I bounce him until he is sleepy and then stop before he drifts off, so he can kind of do the last thing on his own. It works a lot of the time providing he has my full attention.
I also started to put him in his crib after I feed him (usually I would let him fall asleep while nursing and transfer him over- which NEVER worked). He would cry, so I would get in his crib with him (as much of my body weight as I feel the crib will allow- it's a bedside crib so most of my weight is still on our bed) and shush and cuddle him, sticking my thumb in his mouth to soothe him (he won't take a pacifier). The strange thing is- so far it's been working (sometimes better than others). I think he just loves the cuddles.
We have had a strong bedtime routine since 8 weeks: I put on lullabye music, he has a bath and then a cuddle or massage, and then feed and then bed. Though now (because it sometimes takes an hour to put him down) he has a really early bed time; I start the routine at 5:30, or 5:45, and he is in his crib by 6 (how long it takes to go to sleep will vary though).
Unfortunately he has a habit of waking up about 15minutes later (though sometimes a quick cuddle is all he needs) and sometimes again about 15 minutes after that (and sometimes again!), but it is still a HUGE improvement. It also means my husband and I have about and hour or two (we go to bed about 9) to spend together. It's sooo lovely and hope it only gets better.
I have also stopped waking him at 9 to "dreamfeed" him- thinking he would go longer if I did. That plan didn't work, but now that I haven't been waking him up he sleeps until 11pm (so that is almost 5 hours in a row!).
I really hope that I won't jinx myself by writing this and instead let's hope he gradually sleeps longer and longer. I did read that by about 8kgs, or 6 months babies do sleep longer anyway. I hope if I can just "gaman shimasu" (endure) a bit longer then this whole sleeping thing will sort itself out.

When to start sleep training...?

I wish I had an answer for this, and no amount of googling can really tell one when to start. Some websites said you must start before 3 months as otherwise they'll develop bad habits (a bit late on that one, hey). Other sites said either between- 3-4 months ("Infants are developing a night sleep cycle, are more sociable, and show little separation anxiety, so they start to snooze better")
or 5-7 months: They are over their 4 month sleep regression, and not too old to develop separation anxiety.

Some websites say never to start before 4 months, and some never before 6. 

It is not only super confusing, but also such a lucrative money making business. I am sure I am not the only desperate mother out there, desperately trawling the internet for some sort of magic sleep solution. Really I am looking for an article or a book called "How to get your post colic, breast feeding on demand, non pacifier using, cosleeping, non self soothing baby to sleep in 5 minutes". Needless to say, it doesn't exist. 

I think Pi has just hit the 3-4month sleep regression. It's hard to tell sometimes, but the last two nights he has been sleeping terribly. Waking up every 10 minutes after he goes to bed, and then his usual every two hours. But the last few nights there has been lots of crying in the night too- which thankfully is unusual for him (He usually feeds and then goes back to sleep. It has meant that while he has been sleeping more and more of the night in his bedside cosleeper, last night I gave up and brought him directly into the bed (from 30cms away, to in my arms); though he still cried. 

I read forums of people complaining how their little one has gone from sleeping 7-8 hours in a row, to 2-3, or 4 hours. I think Gosh- if only I had four hours! I suppose though I never got the chance to get a bit of sleep back, and then miss it again. I have just ordered the book "healthy sleep habits, happy baby"- which I believe has all the different methods outlined. See if I can find one right for me.

I am still flip-flopping between training in two weeks (Pi will be just before 4 months, and Husband will be on holidays to help with the training), or training in two months (The start of October will put Pi at 5 1/2 months, and all our house guests over September will be gone). Right now, I am opting with later. He is still a little baby, that has only just worked out he has hands; so I am thinking that sleep training him at this stage might make him feel a bit abandoned (Just my own opinion with my own post colic baby). 

But see how my mind changes at 7pm tonight.....

Goodbye Colic!

I had been in colic denial. 

I always thought Pi had colic, but was never sure just how much was colic due to gas. The gas, thankfully, eased up about week 9-10ish. At night Pi still had a serious case of the 'witching hour', where he would wake up from his afternoon nap and cry until bed time. Bouncing, walking and dancing would keep his cries to a low grizzle, but each one would only work for a small period of time. He also cried really easily during the day. 

From about week 11 and two days though- poof! All gone! Don't get me wrong, he still gets a bit fussy in the afternoon (as a lot of babies are prone to do). However, as long as I keep him close (hold him) and pay attention to him, he is as good as gold. The change was quite remarkable and made me think I really was living in colic denial. How easy is he now! It makes my life (and low grade headache) so much easier now. Yay for the magical number of 12 weeks, where things really do get a lot easier. 

Ergo vs. Sling

For those who have followed though little Pi's tummy troubles, you might remember how everyday, about every hour I would strap him in the ergo and walk round and round in the park. It use to be the only way to get him to sleep (thankfully, he now sleeps in his bouncer- and just in time too, as it is FAR too hot and humid in Japan right now). But, as the summer was fast approaching, and he was cooking in his infant insert, I purchased a sling. I bought a 'Walkabout' sling off of Ebay, as they seemed good quality, and I like to support Australian businesses (http://walkaboutslings.com.au). I love the colours they come in too (I am a bright, solid colour kind of girl).  I bought the royal blue, more because I love the colour than the fact that Pi is a boy. 
The sling is a great price ($25AUD), and though postage is expensive, that is Australia post's fault (My mum sent a small pack of medicine to me yesterday and it cost $13!).

For a few weeks, I didn't really use the sling. Pi wasn't the smallest of babies so I didn't want to tuck him in, and his neck wasn't quite strong enough to not be tucked in. However, now that he can hold his head a bit more (he is 11 weeks) I find it so convenient.
Now that Pi weighs over 5.5kgs I can use the Ergo without the insert though, and that too is becoming cooler and easier to wear.

Here are some pro's and con's of the sling and the Ergo (original).


Sling
Pros:
Super easy to put on (I just slip in over my should and slide Pichan in).
Easy to keep baby asleep if he fell asleep in the car.
Super cool (as in, not hot).
Lightweight so that it can be slung in the nappy bag, so if Pi doesn't want to use it, it's not a big deal.
It has a fairly large pocket that you can put your wallet/keys in.
Has a long sash that can be used to feed discreetly, or cover the baby from the sun/prying eyes.


Cons:
Need to keep a hand on it, just in case baby might slip over the top (not sure if he would, but better safe than sorry)
It can be a bit heavy on the shoulders after a while.
Pi doesn't fall asleep in it as well as the Ergo.
It can be hard to position Pi's legs correctly. Occasionally he has a mark or two when I take him out of the sling but that is due to my fault.

Ergo
Pros:
Very comfortable on longer walks
Pi sleeps well in the ergo
Lots of pockets- including ones that zip.
No need to hold baby in.
Great hood for keeping the sun off of his face
Easy to position him in correctly
Easy to do things around the house
I am sure will be best when he is older and we can carry him on our backs

Cons:
The upper back strap can be difficult to do up sometimes.
Pi's leg sometimes slips into the belt (I do it up as tight as I can, but no matter if I wear it on my stomach, or hips, it still happens)
Gets hot carrying him so close! Even without the insert and I have a cool pack too
I need a cover to keep the sun off his legs and arms if they poke out the sides (though, I haven't bothered so far)


So which one would I choose----- BOTH! If a gun was put to my head, I would say Ergo because it is more hands free, and it got me through some really tough weeks.



BUT they are both so handy for different situations; and while the Ergo is a better all rounder, the sling is super convenient for ducking into the supermarket to pick up a few things (I use it daily now), or a small walk around the block for some fresh air.

If you did have the money, I really recommend having the freedom of both. So far, they have been some of the best baby products that I have bought.

Baby milestones 1-6 months

Little Pi is growing fast. He is getting so heavy these days that my arm often hurts at the end of the day. I really love his chubby little face
 
He is getting stronger, unfortunately he is one of those babies who doesn't like tummy time, which means he doesn't get the neck strengthening practice that he should. I try and give him a bit of tummy time of me and on his mat, but he only tolerates it for a few minutes.
He smiles a lot though and it is so nice to see him look at you and give a huge smile. He knows who we are and it is an amazing feeling. Below is a bit of a list of the things that babies should be able to do, month by month. Pi seems to be an average learner- which is fine for me. To me, I am happiest that his gas troubles are mostly behind us... Yay!

Mastered Skills (most children can do)	Emerging Skills (half of children can do)	Advanced Skills (a few children can do)
Child's Age : One month
Lifts head Responds to sound Stares at faces	Follows objects Ooohs and ahhs Can see black-and-white patterns	Smiles Laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle
Child's Age : Two months
Vocalises sounds - gurgling and cooing Follows objects Holds head up for short periods	Smiles responsively, laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle Movements become smoother	Holds head steady Bears weight on legs May lift head and shoulder (mini-pushup)
Child's Age : Three months
Laughs Holds head steady Recognises your face and scent	Squeals, gurgles, coos Recognises your voice Does mini-pushups	Turns towards loud sounds Can bring hands together and may bat at toys Can roll over
Child's Age : Four months
Holds head up steadily Can bear weight on legs Coos when you talk to him	Can grasp a toy Reaches out for objects Can roll over	Imitates speech sounds - baba, dada May cut first tooth
Child's Age : Five months
Can distinguish between bold colours Can roll over Amuses himself by playing with hands and feet	Turns towards new sounds Recognises own name May be ready for solids.	May sit momentarily without support Mouths objects Stranger anxiety may begin
Child's Age : Six months
Turns towards sounds and voices Imitates sounds, blows bubbles Rolls in both directions	Reaches for objects and mouths them Sits without support Is ready for solids	May lunge forward or start crawling May jabber or combine syllables May drag object towards himself

Lactation Cookies

Milk is often on my mind these days. Pi still feeds every two hours or so (sometimes every hour, sometimes 3hrs) and he is so quick these days to finish (5-10mins, as opposed to 40-50min) that I wonder if he is getting enough (don't a lot of breastfeeding mums?). He has plenty of wet nappies and is getting chubby, so I  don't think there is a problem, but as I am looking for a snack that isn't senbei (Japanese rice crackers), I figure at least lactation cookies have some healthy ingredients in them and will make sure there is plenty of milk to go around. The most important ingredients in lactation cookies are:
Brewer's Yeast (must be brewers)
Flaxseed meal
Oatmeal
(I bought all of these off I-herb- click this link for a discount http://www.iherb.com?rcode=MGH707 they have super cheap shipping to Japan too: 400yen flat rate!)

Unfortunately, brewers yeast doesn't taste very nice but is apparently the most crucial ingredient. I suppose it goes with the whole "have a beer to increase milk production" (I don't do this though, because of the alcohol.... and I don't like beer) idea. When I look on the bottle it contains HEAPS of important minerals, so it must be good for you(see the very bottom of this post for ingredients).

Here is a basic recipe I have found (and tweaked to make it super simple). I have tried a few recipes but this one is pretty easy.  From the basic mix below, you can then add ingredients that you like eg: walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, hemp seeds, carob, almond butter, spirulina, sesame seeds.
Additional ingredients I have tried so far are:
Coconut
Raisin and chocolate chips (dark and white)

Basic Lactation cookie recipe:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar (or 2 cups if you like sweeter)
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons flax seed meal
2 heaped tablespoons brewer's yeast
1 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups oats

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C.

Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 2 minutes.

Beat butter and sugar well then add egg and mix well

Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.

Add flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt and mix.

Stir in oats and any ingredients for flavour.

Scoop onto baking tray and bake for 12 minutes.




I have put generous servings of key ingredients and it makes about 12 large cookies. I have heard you can replace the butter with coconut oil, which is the new superfood. Flour should be sifted, and dry ingredients should be mixed in a bowl separately before added to the wet mix- but 



Keeping in mind that the purpose of these is milk production and health. They aren't as delicious as normal cookies, but they are still good. Also, if you have a little toaster oven, I heat my cookies up in that after a few days and they are even nicer. Happy eating.

Brewer's Yeast Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Heaping Tablespoonful (16 g)
Servings Per Container: 31
	Amount Per Serving	% DV
Calories	35
Protein	8 g	16%*
Thiamin	1.4 mg	93%
Riboflavin	0.7 mg	41%
Niacin	5.3 mg	27%
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg	30%
Folic Acid	240 mcg	60%
Vitamin B12	2 mcg	33%
Biotin	16 mcg	5%
Pantothenic Acid	0.4 mg	4%
Calcium	59 mg	6%
Iron	1.5 mg	8%
Phosphorus	234 mg	23%
Magnesium	33 mg	8%
Zinc	1.2 mg	8%
Copper	0.5 mg	25%
Manganese	0.13 mg	7%
Chromium	60 mcg	50%
Sodium	60 mg	3%
Potassium	222 mg	6%
Alanine	592 mg	†
Arginine	464 mg	†
Aspartic Acid	800 mg	†
Glutamic Acid	1120 mg	†
Glycine	400 mg	†
Histidine	208 mg	†
Isoleucine 2,3	400 mg	†
Cystine	112 mg	†
Leucine 2,3	624 mg	†
Lysine 2	592 mg	†
Methionine 2	144 mg	†
Phenylalanine 2	368 mg	†
Proline	400 mg	†
Threonine 2	400 mg	†
Serine	448 mg	†
Tryptophan 1,2	96 mg	†
Tyrosine	304 mg	†
Valine 2,3	480 mg	†