Sunday, November 04, 2007

Life...Is a Highway

As the song says, life is a higway and I think that we can finally say that, (for the time being) we have left the difficulties that plagued us for several weeks, in the dust. In a continuation of the last post, I would like to explain that because Evelyn was having a difficult time sleeping and would not nap, we had to, as parents, do something that went completely against the way that we have parented this far and let Evelyn "cry it out" in order to learn how to sleep. It was something that we swore against and never expected we would have to do and it was the most stressful thing we have been through as a family. Because of this, we were unable to tend to many of the things that we had been able to in the past. Thank you to all of you that led me by the hand and assured me that despite what I read, Evie would still love us as parents and still be a happy baby in the end. I will say that each day is getting better and she is now napping much more consistently and sleeping through the night. It might seem, to some, like a small matter to be so upset about, but it was challenging and we have all made it to the other side!
In addition to all of this, Kevin has been very busy at work and at home, building a deck for us in the backyard and taking over the nightly parenting duties because I am working each night until 6:30 or 7. He does such a great job and I have to take the opportunity to mention that he is really the best daddy!
I sat, yesterday, for my certification test to officially become a Reading Specialist in the state of Oklahoma. I should have the results back in a few weeks and hope to be able to call myself a certified Reading Specialist.
Last, but not least, Evelyn celebrated her first Halloween on Wednesday and had a blast! She went as a flower (that I tried my best to make) and visited several friends and family members around Tulsa. It was our own form of trick-or-treating and she even got her first Halloween goody bag! We ended up at mom and dad's house where we had dinner and were able to enjoy handing out a bit of candy. Overall, it really was the best Halloween that I have had in a long time. Please enjoy some of the pictures from that evening and some of Evie's new talent...clapping!
























7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw, Jessica. Don't feel bad! Remember the family I lived with in Tulsa that has five kids? The mom swore by letting her kids cry themselves to sleep as babies. She had five kids and had to cut corners and she said it is best for them. They are all happy, growing kids now! You're doing the right thing, don't worry.

Love the pictures. The flower costume is great! I'm glad you were in one of the pictures!

Anonymous said...

Jessie, you don't have to explain anything to us...your priorities are your baby and your husband and your job and yourself. We'll get pictures and blog updates when we get them. And if others have a problem with it...well...I think you know what I would say about that. Just keep on doing what you're doing...because it is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

What a cute costume! It suits Evie perfectly. Glad things are better in the sleep department -- both of my brothers and I had to go through that sleep problem and my mom did the same -- and look at me ;o)(that's supposed to be a good thing!) When I got a bit older, Mom had to bribe me to sleep in my own bed with a bubble mower, so you guys will have that to look forward to next! Stay in touch!

Beth said...

The flower costume is adorable! Great job! Evelyn is getting so big! She's like a little girl now. I love the hair cut.
Glad to hear you and your family are finally getting some sleep. We can't wait to see you and the whole family!!!

Anonymous said...

I can just about sympathize with the "crying it out". I am so hoping that we don't have to go through that with Drew. He is getting picky with his naps though and sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and just wants to be held. I'm sure you did well on your Reading Specialist test, I still haven't taken mine and need to.

Anonymous said...

I will always say that parenthood is the most challenging and most rewarding thing one can do. Especially without an owners manuel. You and Kevin are doing a wonderful job and it shows in how happy, contented and curious is Evie.

Anonymous said...

I think that you are doing a marvelous job darling . . . simply marvelous!