On Becoming Babywise

"For all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27

For the last couple weeks, I've been reading the book On Becoming Babywise. The book is really informational and encouraged me to establish a routine for my baby - because babies like it and good for training them to be independent. For two days, I was trying really hard to implement the feeding routine. Mercedes was doing really well during daytime naps, but then when real bedtime rolls around, she would cry and scream for hours. I was a little discouraged about the results of my plan... and was in doubt of my decisions and actions.

Then the Lord reminded me how much I need to trust Him in all things, including raising this child. I was trying so hard to follow the books but was discouraged that her responses are so different everyday. (DUH...) I didn't fully realize that she is still an individual and not a robot/computer - her output won't always match my input... (LOL, forgive me of my engineer talk.) I also was reminded of the fact that God is completely sovereign in "all things". He didn't give us a baby that is sleep trained and without sin. He didn't give Mercedes to some experienced parents but rather Lance and Shu - the imperfect/sinful parents that are perfectly chosen by God for Mercedes. Oh how I need to trust the Lord before the books and internet!

After God changing my attitude and me letting go of the book theories, God has made everything work out miraculously! Mer not only goes to naps without much difficulties, her bedtime fussiness hasn't been bad at all! She is also sleeping through the night (from 6 hours to 8 or 9 hours)! We have a happy little angel while she's awake, and a snoring Lumberjack while sleeping... It's very cute.

Praise the Lord for His sovereignty in all things! Babywise is absolutely possible with God!

A picture of our sleeping Mercedes.

This picture is about 5 weeks old, and she's already 2.5 months now.

Low Balling My Expectations...

Yesterday this thought suddenly came to me - how wonderful it is to low ball my expectations. To me it's not quite the same as being pessimistic or not hopeful for something better. Rather, it's keeping a realistic perspective and be surprised at God's provision and generosity. Two of the biggest surprises that God totally caught me off guard with the last couple years:

1. When Lance proposed to me - Even though everyone else told me that he's going to propose anytime (I even arranged the phone call for him to ask my dad's hand in marriage), I convinced myself that he wasn't going to propose for another year... Totally shocked when he gave me the ring... LOL!
2. The recent birth of my precious baby girl! - Over and over again, I told myself that my baby is going to be ugly, according to some moms' experiences and baby books. When the baby was placed in my arms two months ago, I was just in awe of how beautiful she was, and couldn't stop praising the Author of Life!

Maybe this is a little stretch from my original theory, but I thought of the Gospel... How sinful I am through and through, and how could I expect anything good from a Holy God that can't bare with any hint of sin? Contrary to this thought, He is the most loving and glorious God that He came down to earth to live with us sinners, and died on the cross for our sins so that we can now approach the throne of God covered in the blood of the Lamb! What a shocker! What a surprise! What a hope to a desperate wretched me!

Here are some pictures of my precious little gift from the Lord!

Sweet little face from Day 1!