Sleep, schedules and a simple spinach salad.

Repeat after me. “I am a damn good person.” If you are a mama, repeat after me. “I am a damn good mother.”
I always have to have something to worry about. Why do I do this to myself? My latest worry is sleep for my dear 3 1/2 month old, Juliana Rose. She sleeps great on the go, in her swing and now, she is sleeping good in her crib with a swaddle wrapped around her cute, chubby body and a paci in her pretty little mouth. No tears. No crying. Is this the right way? Who in the heck knows. All I know is that it is working for now and I am going with it.
Everyone has their theories about sleep. Some say you have to let your kiddos cry it out – they have to learn how to put themselves to sleep, some say this is mean, some say our babies are little “carry mammals” just like baby kangaroos and the best way to build trust is to hold them all the time. Some mamas base their entire lives around their kids nap schedules. Some mamas bring their kids everywhere they go – to the store, to the gym, to playdates, etc. What is the right way? Who in the heck knows.
There is no perfect formula. I think it is whatever works for you, your bambino and your family.
I started reading THE book on baby sleep – holy overwhelm. It is very technical. All about sleep cycles and times of the day that is best for our kiddos to nap… Sure, sounds great in theory but is this realistic?
When I worked outside the home, I wrote technical training manuals for computer systems. With this, there was one right way. Everything was listed in steps and if you did things “right” the computer system worked. Parenting couldn’t be farther away from this. I don’t think I can live my life on a scripted schedule.
I have learned that I need to take a chill pill. Well, that is atleast what Brian, my hubby, says. His theory is “they are happy and healthy… relax mama.” Is he right? Should I calm down? Probably. He is usually right. He doesn’t worry at all.
I have also learned that theories are just that – theories. All kids are different. All families are different. At the end of the day, all that matters is that we do our best and love the heck out of our kids. Right?
“Behind every great kid is a mom who thinks she is doing everything wrong.” I saw this quote on Facebook the other day and I started to laugh. I am one of those moms for sure.
With all this sleep theory reading, I have to resort to simple recipes. Try this one on for size. Oh, welcome to the world sweet Harper Ann! My new niece in the picture below – sleeping without a worry in the world.
Homemade salad dressings are super easy and so much better for you than packaged ones. My Madilyn who is 3 will eat pretty much any vegetable with this dressing on it.
Simple Spinach Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients:
bunch of baby spinach leaves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
In a big bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add the spinach and toss. Enjoy!