Now that Leina and I have establish some semblance of a nursing routine, I’ve decided it’s time to tackle the next big hurdle. Sleeping. As much as I love snuggling with her, Kevin misses me and I miss my sleep. Problem is, this kid has never had to sleep anywhere other than someone’s arms and she doesn’t want to change.

Last night was the first round.

I fed her and put her in the dreaded crib. Predictably, she woke quickly and started to cry. We let her go for about half and hour just to see if she’d wear herself out and go to sleep. No such luck. So we comforted her and she got to sleep on Kevins chest for the next few hours until her next feed. After that, we tried that crib again. She wasn’t falling for it and woke up within minutes. This time, we let her cry for an hour but no luck. She was refusing to sleep.

I’ve been racking my brain all morning trying to come up with another plan that doesn’t involve her crying alone and in the dark but so far, I haven’t had much luck.

I’m thinking you need a heart of stone to be a parent. Good thing I”m so stubborn. I won’t give up yet. She will sleep in her crib. (at least by her 2nd birthday….)

I think we’ve passed the doggie hump.

Last night during Leina’s night time nursing, the pack all came together. That’s right, Artie decided to join us. Now, the last few days, Artie has been either outside or upstairs sulking. His attention time has dropped from center of the universe to very distant galaxy. Even worse, the number of walks has dropped from three to two. He hasn’t been a very happy boy.

But last night Kevin, Tutu, baby and I were all talking while the kid fed and in came pooch. He looked around the room and then plopped down at our feet to sleep. Amazing.

Of course, after him came Wicks who began eyeing the crib so we’ve decided to teach Artie to guard the baby room and chase off any cats that try to enter. He seems very keen on this new duty. Anything involving chasing the cats is a plus in his book.

Slowly, slowly, our little home is developing a routine. Of course tomorrow, Tutu leaves me so everything will probably be thrown into totaly chaos. I’m not too sure how I’m going to take care of Leina with only two hands. It’s so much easier with four! Ah well, at least I have one more night of Tutu help before I’m thrown to the motherhood wolves. Better enjoy it!

We had our first bath over the weekend.

You never know how a kid will react to water. Some scream, some don’t. Leina, however, took us by surprise.

We were all set. Tub was filled with not-to-hot water, baby washcloths, No-Tear shampoo, and a naked baby. We popped her in the tub and she didn’t scream so we thought we were going to have it easy. Little did we know she had other plans in mind.

We began washing when suddenly, there were bubbles coming from down below. Yup. My kid pooped in the tub. Tutu and I went into immediate evacuation plan A. Mom grabbed the kid and began cleaning. I dumped the water and went to work on the tub itself. Leina seemed to be enjoying herself immensely on the kitchen counter as she cooed to herself while Tutu and I set up bath time round two. This time, we put her in with a diaper on just in case.

She didn’t cry at all so I guess she’s going to be an aqua baby. All we have to work on is tub ettiquete and we’ll be ready to go. How cool is that?

Today we put her in a baby sling and she sacked out. I’m telling you, this kid is spoiling me. So far, she likes baths, slings, bouncy chairs, crib mobiles and being held. The only hurdle left is the crib. Don’t know what I did to deserve such a good baby but I’ll take her!

The Baby Leina Page has been updated. Check out pics from days 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Enjoy.

A huge debate is raging at the McLaughlin household. Baby Leina likes to swing from granny’s arms while lying on her stomach. Chrissie still calls her the "baracuda" because the little monster always wants to feed. But I call her the "jaguar" because she likes to laze about like a wild cat in a tree. Here’s a picture, you to decide – baracuda or jaguar? Which ferocious beast will our baby grow up to be?

It was a beautiful summer day here in Portland so my mom and I decided to take Leina on her first walk. Tutu bundled her up and popped her into her carseat and newborn stroller and we headed out.

Now, you must remember that for the last nine months I’ve been waddling around the neighborhood with Artie growing progressively larger and larger. We have a set routine and pass by the same houses day after day. I guess the people in the houses got used to seeing me plod along preggers because when we went by with the stroller, they came out in droves.

Everyone wanted to see the baby, asked how old she was, and commented on how cute she looks. I meet more people on that walk than I have since moving in here. This kid draws a crowd! She was pure sweetness and slept through the whole thing and before we knew it, an hour had flown by. Now all I have to do in integrate Artie in the routine and I’ll be ready to go. Of course, Artie would probably eat any friendly soul that tried to take a peek at her but we’ll cross that bridge later.

She is sleeping soundly in Tutu’s arms right now and every now and then, she’ll smile in her sleep. It’s heartwrenchingly sweet. I’m trying to catch a picture of it but so far, it’s too fleeting. However, at 2:30am when I’m tired and struggling to get her fed, seeing that grin makes it all worthwhile. Who needs sleep anyway?