sleep training

After we moved to Memphis, Willa started having trouble sleeping. She was having a hard time falling asleep. She was waking up several times during the night. She was waking up during the night and wanting to stay awake for hours. She was waking up early in the morning. She was refusing to nap. You name it, she was doing it. I guess the move to Memphis and then the trip to Utah got her all out of whack.

Our new pediatrician sort of put a guilt trip on me for being a softy and getting up with Willa whenever she would cry. So I decided to man up and start her on a sleep training program.

It broke my heart the first night to hear her cry. She cried for 2 hours straight even though I went in every 3, then 5, then 10 minutes to pat her back and comfort her. But now, 6 nights later she is doing FABULOUS! She has slept over 10 hours the last 3 nights without making a peep. And she falls asleep by herself in her crib within 10 minutes in the evening and at naptime. It is so nice to be getting some good sleep. And I must admit it has been a little liberating to let her cry.

swing, swing, swing

swing, swing, swing on a summer's day

Matt hung Willa's swing today. She was a little scared at first,
but she quickly started smiling and enjoying herself

We counted 12 turtles by our deck tonight. That's a new record.

6 MONTHS!

Willa is 6 months old. Ahh! We are loving this stage. She is so interactive and smiley and giggly. (not that this picture shows that)

She's getting really good at sitting up and playing with toys. She moves in a circle when she's on her back and she scoots backwards when she's on her tummy. I'm not sure she realizes she's doing it. She cracks up laughing when we talk like pirates to her or make funny noises.

She sat up in the shopping cart for the first time this week. She loved it. She is such a curious little girl and loves to look around. She didn't keep her eyes or head still while we were in Target. And she held on for dear life the whole time. I was such a proud little mommy.

We started feeding her rice cereal. She does a good job and seems to like it. Especially when we heat it up a little for her.

Her favorite book is Feely Bugs and her favorite song is Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam. She loves pacifiers and swinging. Her favorite toy is a stuffed turtle that crinkles and rattles.

We went to the pediatrician this week. She weighs 15 pounds, 10 ounces (50%) and is 26 1/4 (75%) inches tall.

Utah

We went to Utah for a Wetzel family reunion over the 4th of July weekend. Matt has 7 siblings. All 8 of them hadn't been together since 2001. Everyone was there. It was great. His brother living in Japan even flew in for the occasion, and his Aunt drove his Grandma down from Montana to see everyone. We had lots of fun.

We went rafting on the Sevier River in Southern Utah.

We watched the Richfield city parade and fireworks on the 4th.

Matt, his brothers, and his dad hiked in Fish Lake National Forest and spotted at least 50 elk.

The guys went hunting for jack rabbits one morning.


We spent a day swimming at Palisade Lake. Willa and Matt went swimming together for the first time. She seemed to love the water even though it was chilly.

Willa learned to tripod while we were there. We're so proud!
Willa met 7 of her cousins and lots of aunties and uncles.
We went to Cove Fort and Ikea. And we spent lots of time visiting with family and taking family photos.

the move to Memphis

We made it (3 & 1/2 weeks ago) and we finally have our internet up and running. The move went pretty well. We are basically unpacked. I just need to buy a few things to finish decorating and organizing the house.

Our rental house is great. We love the lake and all the animals. There are tons of fish, ducks, and geese. At least 6 turtles live right by our deck, and a 3+ foot cottonmouth snake was living out there. I say was because Matt killed it. When he cut it open, he found 16 babies inside. Eww! I am VERY happy it isn't living there anymore. We are really enjoying Memphis. Matt's schedule is sooo much better. Right now he has weekends off and works Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. Fabulous. Here's the snake and the babies...


Here are some shots from the deck. Matt's canoeing in the first one.

And here are a few of sweet, little Willa growing up before our eyes.