Definition of "nap" (according to Andrew): A 30 minute stretch of time in which someone isn't holding me and my eyes are closed.

I was told time and again that infants and babies nap.  Well, my little guy is different.  From the day he came home from the hospital he hasn't napped.  He'd be awake for 7 and 8 hour stretches, take a 30 minute nap (in my arms) and be awake again until he went to bed.  There were a few 10 minute cat naps in there, but those hardly count as naps. 

We've progressed a little.  I could get him to sleep in my arms and he would sleep for an hour or two, but only if I held him.  If I put him down on the floor or in the bassinet he was awake within 10 minutes.  I tried putting him in his car seat to nap- I got 15 to 20 minute stretches.  I've been reading "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and gotten a few ideas from there.  I now try to get Andrew to nap after he's been awake for no more than an hour and a half.  He takes about 5 naps a day that are between 20 minutes and an hour.  Still, I can't imagine he's falling into a deep sleep or getting enough restorative sleep from those brief naps. 

He nearly refuses to sleep if I put him in his crib drowsy but awake.  He's done it twice.  I haven't let him cry longer than half an hour yet.  Do I need to have a tougher skin?  This is the child that cried for 12 straight hours after he was born, only stopping when sedated.  Do you think he'd give in?

My point is, I don't know what else to do.  I feel like I'm failing him because he's not getting enough sleep, but I don't know how to get him to sleep. 

Oh, and he went from two good 4 hours stretches at night to one 4-6 hour stretch and then he wakes every hour from that point on. 

Any ideas?  I can use all the help I can get.

Good Friends

Some good friends I've known and worked with for many years just moved to Vegas this last week for a job change.

There was a farewell open house for them and I'm so glad I was able to attend.  I have many good memories with these two.  From late night scares in the trading post to games of Risk and river trips.  It was under their leadership that I was given my first opportunity to spread my wings in a job.  I'm grateful for the confidence and growth that came through that experience and also for the friendships that resulted from it.  Thanks for the good times and memories.  You'll be missed.

Blessing Day

 We blessed Andrew the first Sunday of January.  It was a beautiful blessing.  Ryan did a great job.  It was great to have so many family members come.  We are blessed with wonderful families and we are so grateful for all of them.

 We borrowed the tux from my sister.  I think it's darling, even if Andrew was a bit too long.  I couldn't get all the snaps done up. . .

 Don't you love the tails? 

Our little angel.