Madeleines Current Routine

Two weeks ago I had changed Maddy's routine... or I had put her on one. The reason why I did this was because I was so emotionally exhausted and tired from always guessing or trying to read her baby cues that I found myself always trying everything to settle her. I'd spend a lot of valuable time trying to guess what she needs, and we know how valuable time can be.
Now don't get me wrong, Maddy isn't the worse case scenario. She had a bedtime routine that I stuck to since the day we took her home from the hospital, she slept 9 hours straight at night... it was the day time that I was struggling with.
I then spoke to my older cousin (who's LO is one year older than bubba) who seems to have an answer for everything. In ways I actually envied her, she seemed like such a relaxed mother who worked, had a little bubba, kept an immaculate home and still managed to have time for herself. Like me she has her OCD tendencies and was still able to keep them when she had bubba, rather than myself who felt like I was living in chaos. 
Anyways, she then advised me to put Maddy on a strict routine. She then began to explain how routines aren't for everyone, some are totally against it and some are all for it. She said that all she knows is when she put LO on a strict routine she was sleeping better, eating better and feeling better - not to mention baby was also very happy because all his needs were being met.
She referred me to this book which I snapped up and purchased straight away, the book is called "Save Our Sleep" by Tizzie Hall. 

I was so desperate I finished the book in one sitting and started it the very next day. 
The result of this routine is outstanding, I now know why Maddy is crying because I know what is coming up, it's become like clock work with Maddy. She has become so use to her routine that she now puts herself to sleep without any aid (even if I tried) even during her day time naps. I can work my day around her rather than feeling like every minute is "Go-time", I now trust that I can let people take care of her if I give them a copy of her routine because they have guide lines as to what she wants and needs at specific times.
The book has an answer for everything possible and caters for newborns to 2 years of age. I recommend this novel to any mother who feels like they've lost control of their lives and would like to earn it back. 
I did tweak the routine a bit to fit more to our lifestyle and what she's use to (her bath routine, and goodnight routine) but everything is still at the time as said in the book. 

Maddys Routine
7:00AM - Wake Maddy up and feed, make sure she starts the day with a full tummy. 
Change her nappy and clothes. Allow her to have awake time - tummy time, play time, watch T.V., read a book, etc. 

9:00AM - Swaddle Maddy and put her in bed on her back awake and allow her to self-settle.

11:00AM - Wake Maddy up and feed her. Change her nappy and give her awake time - tummy time, play time, watch T.V., read a book, etc. 

1:00PM - Swaddle Maddy and out her in bed on her back awake and allow her to self-settle. 

3:00PM - Wake Maddy up and feed her. Change her nappy and give her awake time - tummy time, play time, watch T.V., read a book, etc. 

4:30PM - Take Maddy for a walk (in stroller) or drive to allow her to sleep. Some babies don't fall asleep during this time. 

5:30PM - Wake Maddy up and get her ready for a bath.
Bath routine:
             1. Undress Maddy to her nappy.
             2. Allow her to do tummy time on textured fabrics while you prepare the bath. (I don't advise this for babies that can't hold their head up yet. And the reason why I allow her to do tummy time half naked is because I want her to feel different textures for brain development).
             3. Bathe Maddy

6:30PM - Feed Maddy

7:00PM - Pray with Maddy, kiss her goodnight and put her in bed on her back awake and allow her to self-settle. 

10:30PM - Dream feed. Try not to talk to her, or make eye contact and keep the lights dim so she understands the difference between night and day.

Now I will admit it was very challenging at first when I started putting Maddy on the routine, she protested like a mad dog, but after only one day she had gotten into the routine of things and caught on very well.
I am actually in the midst of weaning Maddy onto solids (Baby rice and apple puree so far) and with that comes a new routine - which I will blog once it has all settled in, I am also considering on letting her sleep in her own room because I think hubby's snoring and talking in his sleep is bothering her a bit. HAHA.
I hope this entry helps any struggling mother out there. I will now leave you with an amusing picture of bubba going bonkers over baby rice cereal  ;-)
XO.