a lovey for livi.

i've mentioned in a post somewhere about the struggles i've been having with olivia getting to sleep. honestly, how hard could it be right? just let her cry for a minute or two to see if she'll settle, or ever-so-gently lay her into her crib once she's zonked out in your arms. wrong-o! after leaving her with my sister and brother-in-law for a night out with the hubster, my sister physically understood what it meant to keep that little munchkin asleep.

since it's clear olivia sufferes from separation anxiety, anna suggested i introduce a lovey to olivia. what a great idea! as a baby shower gift, i had received a box of loveys called "a pair and a spare" -literally what it holds!

i've decided to name it "gi-gi" as a simple name for giraffe and as you can see, 2 are being put to good use. one is already in the wash and the other she's currently snuggling with at mid-morning nap.

having a lovey around means i have to add another item to the list of things to remember. as if my brain isn't already crammed! referencing the book: the no-cry sleep solution, the author suggests you have the lovey around during key sleep triggers (ie. nursing to sleep, rocking) so they seek comfort in that little furry object, so that's what i've been doing. i've also brought it into the car so its beside her in the car seat, and where ever she might potentially have a nap. she resists it a bit, grabbing it and trying to toss it somewhere else, but i know persistence is key!

i remember i had a raggedy andy doll (still have it tucked away as a keepsake!) that i loved to absolute bits when i was a kid. as a thumbsucker back then, i'd find a sharp point (like an edge of fabric) and rub it against my nose because i liked how it felt. (weird! i know! lol) that doll went through a lot and once it got really raggedy, my mom tried to give me a new one. and i protested like you would've believe to the point where i guess she dug it outta the trash to give it back to me. with this pair and spare deal, you can always rotate them to keep them fresh and always have that extra one incase one gets left behind somewhere.

emma never really grew attached to anything growing up, though she enjoyed cuddling with stuffies to sleep. my main thing is that i want olivia to have a restful sleep, not one where she's up minutes after being put down. i'm hoping this will be successful, as i've had it up to here with her constant waking!

judging by this photo, i think we won't have too much of a struggle ;)