Five Sleep Tips with Tegan Donahue of Bedtime Babble.
Having a baby means that you will never sleep again.
Do you remember being told this when you were pregnant? Or maybe you keep telling yourself this after sleepless nights.
Can I let you in on a little secret? It isn’t true! Just like how people tell you to “nap when the baby naps”. Seriously, we have way too much to do when our little one is down for a nap. Though, we usually end up staring at them while they sleep, making sure that they are still breathing and thinking wow, I can’t wait until you wake up so I can snuggle you again! But there is no way that a nap for mom is going to happen. That is how it was for me, at least.
Hi! I’m Tegan. I am a mama of two under two, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Owner, and Founder of Bedtime Babble, an employee at a local university AND I get on average 8-9 hours of sleep each night.
My little ones have mastered the skills of independent sleep. They can fall asleep and back to sleep on their own.
I am so lucky, right? Yes, lucky to be their mama but not because of their healthy sleep habits. That part was not luck, it took strategy and consistency.
Good news! I am here to help with 5 simple tips for a good night’s sleep.
1. Establish a Bedtime Routine
2. Fill their tank during the day
3. Good Sleep Starts in the Morning
4. Sleep environment
5. Sleep Coaching
It is very important to establish a bedtime routine. We are all creatures of habit and find comfort in knowing what comes next. The same is for your little one. Having a bedtime routine will be their cue to let them know that it is time to go to sleep. Start your bedtime routine at the same age-appropriate time each evening.
Here is an example of a bedtime routine:
Bath
Pajamas
Bottle (if they still have a bottle before bed)
Sing a short song
Read a bedtime story
Put your little one in their bed and tell them “I love you. I will see you in the morning.”
Your bedtime routine doesn’t have to be exact but similar. One thing to keep in mind, do not nurse or give your little one a bottle as the last step before you place them in their crib. This will create a sleep association. Your little one will expect the bottle each time that they are to fall asleep. This also means in the middle of the night when they wake.
Fill their Tank. Think about how hard it is to fall asleep on an empty stomach. Almost impossible! Your little one is the same way. It is so important that they get the appropriate amount of food during the day to ensure that they can have successful sleep. For example, a 6-month-old should get 28-32 oz of formula or breastmilk over 24 hours.
This leads me to the next tip- schedule!
Did you know that good sleep starts in the morning? If you didn’t then you do now! To fall asleep at bedtime, it is important that your little one isn’t wired and tired. Schedules can be flexible, but to be successful you will need to make sure that naps, wake times, and bedtime happen at the same times each day. Think of Eat, Play, Sleep on repeat. Your little one’s age will determine how many naps they take during the day. As a reference, most children under 18-months old still take two naps a day.
Eat– The goal is to have a feeding when they first wake up in the morning and after each nap. You will see a pattern where your little one will eat every 3-4 hours, as we want to make sure they are getting enough nutrition during the day. (This is also the key to sleeping through the night!)
Play– Tummy time, jumper, singing, playing, blowing raspberries – interacting with your little one! The age-appropriate play allows for your little one to become tired for their next nap. We call this “getting sillies out” in our house!
SLEEP: Use a combination of age-appropriate wake windows and your baby’s sleepy cues to understand when sleep is coming next. Aim to lay your little one down right before that maximum wake window and before you see some overtired baby signs- this will make it easier for your little one to fall asleep and stay asleep.
AND REPEAT! Consistency is key. It will show your baby what to expect next and will create positive sleep cues, which can make it easier when it is time for your little one to fall asleep.
Sleep Environment. Sound, temperature, and light are important considerations that you should take when setting up a sleep environment for your little one. Use a sound machine to soothe your little one. The goal temperature that is best for their room is 68-72 degrees. Finally, room darkening shades are great for daytime sleep when the sun is popping through.
Sleep Coaching. It is so important to teach your little one how to independently fall asleep. This includes those pesky middle-of-night waking. The truth is no one sleeps through the night due to sleep cycles and their different stages. The key is to have the skills to fall back asleep independently. Now, there are other reasons why your little one might wake during the night, but if they have mastered the skill of independent sleep then you will be able to go down the list of reasons why they are unable to fall back asleep; wet or soiled diaper, the temperature of the room, sickness, hitting a milestone, etc. Sleep coaching is not one size fits all. Every little one is different. Even my Irish twins are completely different when it comes to what works best for them.
If you are still reading, then it is safe to say that you are ready to get some sleep! You might still need a little more assistance, and that is ok! I suggest that you consider hiring a Pediatric Sleep Coach. Do not let yourself become overwhelmed with all of the information on the internet. Ask for help!
As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach, I work with families to create a plan tailored to THEIR little one. They just have to implement it! I am here for support, to troubleshoot and celebrate the victories along the way!
Once your little one has established the skill of independent sleep, then you can enjoy the benefits of sleep, too!
Tegan Donahue is a sleep obsessed mom of two under two, Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach, and owner of Bedtime Babble, LLC.
What’s your number? That’s what we wanted to find out. When we heard that Wendie Connors, Founder of SPM Ministries, could teach us more about our own number in her Introduction on the Enneagram talk, we knew we needed to have her join our MasterMoms community of speakers. We were thrilled when she agreed to be our November presenter.
Here is Wendie’s descriptions of her talk: Our purpose and reason for being in life matters to all of us. The first step of uncovering your unique life path is knowing yourself well! Easier said than done, right?! Here is one tool that can help: The Enneagram! Curious to find out more and explore what all the buzz is about? Grab some girlfriends and join Wendie Connors of SPM Ministries for a fun and intriguing look into the Enneagram and learn a little bit about yourself and who you have been created to be in the process!
Awesome isn’t it!?! We couldn’t wait to learn more. She had everyone take a free online assessment that would identify our individual type which is important because there are nine different ones.
Learning about all 9 Types gives you a better understanding of others’ personalities. It also describes why we behave, think, and feel in particular ways based upon our core fears and desires. It’s an incredible tool that helps guides you through self-discovery.
We started with the basics. Wendie shared with us how the Enneagram works and how we can use it in our everyday lives. She talked about our stress and security numbers.
Wendie, took us on a “tour” of each number. It was fascinating! We (Alicia & Patty) learned that we are both Type 2’s: The Supportive Advisor! We have some highlights on our Instagram page under MasterMoms. Be sure to check those out!
Wendie also talked about her new Breathe Boxes for Christmas! She’s bringing peace, positivity, and purpose to the holidays. Each box is beautifully wrapped and ready for you to give as a gift or keep for yourself 🙂
What was so exciting were our giveaways! Two beautiful Breathe Boxes were gifted to our lovely participants, Lisa Mojica & Colleen Notter. Thanks to Lukins Home Network and Wendie Connors.
We also had a special guest attend our Zoom…Amanda Horan owner of Line + Cleat joined our call. She gave away a Holiday Plaid Wine tote to our lucky winner, Sandy Plahetka.
This Holiday Plaid is so adorable! We had to get a couple more wine totes and a cutting board for ourselves!!
We thoroughly enjoyed having Wendie as our MasterMom speaker for November! We closed out this season with thoughtful and inspiring information. Plus, lots of laughs along the way!
Wendie has an extensive list of resources. From books, websites, and podcasts she is your go-to for all things Enneagram! For more information about Wendie Connors, SPM Ministries, and her Holiday 2020 Breathe Boxes, please visit her website at www.spmministries.com !
A huge thanks to the Glen Ellyn Park District and Lukins Home Network for their continued support of our MasterMoms Talk Series.
We hope you are inspired, sharing, laughing, and connecting this holiday season!
XO, Alicia & Patty
Glen Ellyn Moms Village loves to highlight women who make a difference in Glen Ellyn. Who because of them, your life as a Mom is easier and better. It is our pleasure to introduce you to Margaret Immink, the Founder of DirectorySpot. If you have a school-aged child, then chances are you have the DirectorySpot App on your phone. And you may not have even known that this app that you use all the time was started by a Glen Ellyn Mom. We can’t wait for you to learn more about her.
1. What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?
I worked 20+ years primarily in technology consulting and after moving to the Midwest decided to take a break and spend more time at home. In 2010, I was co-President of the Ben Franklin PTA and we were working on the directory. I thought there must be a better way to do this as it was time-consuming, expensive and outdated as soon as it was published. I wanted to save paper, use technology, and somehow get the directory onto my smartphone. I couldn’t find an app available, so I went to a tennis friend who introduced me to Eric Danielson and John Julien of Taydan Enterprises, and they developed an app for the Ben Franklin directory.
The first version was very basic, and I had to email usernames and passwords to each parent and teacher, but it worked. They loved it and the next year I got another six schools to try it and they all responded positively. I was asked to present at the Illinois PTA Convention, and Ben Franklin won the PTA award for best use of Technology. We also had a booth at the convention and generated a lot of excitement for the idea, and from there, DirectorySpot was born!
2. What is your favorite aspect of your business?
That is easy –when a customer tells me how much they use DirectorySpot or when they tell me a story about how DirectorySpot saved their day! I also love talking to new customers and having them explain their problem and then figuring out how DirectorySpot can solve it for them.
3. How has being a business owner affected your life?
I had always worked for large companies and didn’t think I was the entrepreneurial type, but I have learned a ton along the way and discovered how much fun it can be. Instead of going to an office and travelling to clients, I now work from home and have minimal travel. We have grown at our own pace (slowly) and always kept risk to a minimum, which has kept it exciting but fairly manageable. We started with schools and then expanded with other solutions for homeowners’ associations, churches, companies and really and type of organization that wants a secure directory. There is always more to be done, so it works well to fill my day but also gives flexibility.
4. What are your hobbies and/or what do you love to do when you are not in work mode?
I have a daughter away at college and a 16-year-old going to a tennis school down in Florida so I travel a lot. I can actually work from almost anywhere so that is another positive about DirectorySpot. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, travelling to junior tennis tournaments, skiing, going to see live music, happy hours, and of course watching Netflix. I also spend time mentoring small business startups and trying to share some of the lessons I have learned along the way.
5. What struggles or pain points do your clients have that you help solve for them?
Our customers have either spent years creating and distributing a paper directory that has been cumbersome and expensive and they are looking for a better solution or they have a need to connect with other members and are looking for an easy app. We also have customers who are looking to raise funds for their organization and use DirectorySpot to meet those needs. In addition, our solution is simple to use, easy to set up and inexpensive which appeals to all of our customers.
6. What do you think sets you apart from your competitors?
DirectorySpot provides a customized and secure online directory and app. We have always focused on providing the best directory solution including communications, but not trying to solve every problem for an organization. We also provide a solution that an organization can sign up, set up their own directory and launch to their customers without actually needing any assistance. It is that easy, but of course we are always here to help.
7. How does your company help Moms?
Moms are busier now than ever so DirectorySpot keeps their directory with them wherever they are. It is always current and always easy to find a classmate, a parent, a teacher, a class list or even the school or organization calendar. Many moms are involved in other organizations and DirectorySpot keeps them connected as well with a single log in.
8. What is the name of your business and where do you work?
DirectorySpot. I work in Glen Ellyn, IL.
9. Does this business have a presence in Glen Ellyn?
Yes! Our first customer was Ben Franklin Elementary and now there are over 20 schools and organizations in Glen Ellyn using DirectorySpot. We have 100+ organizations in IL using DirectorySpot and have customers in 35 states and 4 countries.
10. What is your mission?
Our mission is simple – to provide the best secure directory solution for schools and organizations.
11. What do your clients/users thank you for?
They thank us for making it so easy to set up, launch and maintain their directory. They thank us for our customer service, for continuing to enhance the solution, and also for the low price. Recently, they have thanked us helping to keep schools and communities connected during the COVID pandemic.
12. If a Mom was interested in your service, how do you recommend they sign up?
Go to our website – www.directoryspot.net and sign up for our free trial. They can set up a directory and test out all of our features for free for 30 days. If they like it, they make the payment and continue on. If they don’t want to continue, then the trial is deleted.
13. How is the best way to connect with you?
Send me an email – margaret@directoryspot.net or call me – 630-425-2665.
14.Other fun questions:
15. As Moms, we wear many hats, what title would you give yourself?
Hmmm, I am not good with these types of questions. Maybe “Helper”? I help my kids whenever I can (or whenever they actually ask for help), help my friends with their technology questions, and help friends with travel plans as I have lived / travelled a lot.
16. What gave you the faith to start something so different?
The feedback from our first few customers made it easy to believe in the solution. At the time, I had no idea how it would evolve, but it was enough to get started.
17. Who is your role model and why?
I have had many role models including my Partners in consulting and local women who have founded businesses. For DirectorySpot specifically, I met the founder of SignUp.com (formerly VolunteerSpot) at that original PTA convention and we really connected. She has a similar background and took an interest in our venture. She has been a great mentor and friend over these years and always makes time to give her thoughts on our latest challenge.
18. What is your superpower or spirit animal?
Hmmm, again a difficult one. Maybe trip planning? I do love to plan out trips and create detailed schedules of tours, activities and restaurants – either for family or for groups. And then follow up with creating a slideshow or photobook☺
19. When do you feel the most creative?
Probably when I want to make a gift for someone – either a necklace or bracelet, an abstract painting or something with photos. I don’t really have any real talent, but I like to try ☺
20. What is your favorite cocktail/mocktail?
Gin and Tonic (with good gin and good tonic and extra limes)
1. What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?
I worked 20+ years primarily in technology consulting and after moving to the Midwest decided to take a break and spend more time at home. In 2010, I was co-President of the Ben Franklin PTA and we were working on the directory. I thought there must be a better way to do this as it was time-consuming, expensive and outdated as soon as it was published. I wanted to save paper, use technology, and somehow get the directory onto my smartphone. I couldn’t find an app available, so I went to a tennis friend who introduced me to Eric Danielson and John Julien of Taydan Enterprises, and they developed an app for the Ben Franklin directory.
The first version was very basic, and I had to email usernames and passwords to each parent and teacher, but it worked. They loved it and the next year I got another six schools to try it and they all responded positively. I was asked to present at the Illinois PTA Convention, and Ben Franklin won the PTA award for best use of Technology. We also had a booth at the convention and generated a lot of excitement for the idea, and from there, DirectorySpot was born!
2. What is your favorite aspect of your business?
That is easy –when a customer tells me how much they use DirectorySpot or when they tell me a story about how DirectorySpot saved their day! I also love talking to new customers and having them explain their problem and then figuring out how DirectorySpot can solve it for them.
3. How has being a business owner affected your life?
I had always worked for large companies and didn’t think I was the entrepreneurial type, but I have learned a ton along the way and discovered how much fun it can be. Instead of going to an office and travelling to clients, I now work from home and have minimal travel. We have grown at our own pace (slowly) and always kept risk to a minimum, which has kept it exciting but fairly manageable. We started with schools and then expanded with other solutions for homeowners’ associations, churches, companies and really and type of organization that wants a secure directory. There is always more to be done, so it works well to fill my day but also gives flexibility.
4. What are your hobbies and/or what do you love to do when you are not in work mode?
I have a daughter away at college and a 16-year-old going to a tennis school down in Florida so I travel a lot. I can actually work from almost anywhere so that is another positive about DirectorySpot. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, travelling to junior tennis tournaments, skiing, going to see live music, happy hours, and of course watching Netflix. I also spend time mentoring small business startups and trying to share some of the lessons I have learned along the way.
5. What struggles or pain points do your clients have that you help solve for them?
Our customers have either spent years creating and distributing a paper directory that has been cumbersome and expensive and they are looking for a better solution or they have a need to connect with other members and are looking for an easy app. We also have customers who are looking to raise funds for their organization and use DirectorySpot to meet those needs. In addition, our solution is simple to use, easy to set up and inexpensive which appeals to all of our customers.
6. What do you think sets you apart from your competitors?
DirectorySpot provides a customized and secure online directory and app. We have always focused on providing the best directory solution including communications, but not trying to solve every problem for an organization. We also provide a solution that an organization can sign up, set up their own directory and launch to their customers without actually needing any assistance. It is that easy, but of course we are always here to help.
7. How does your company help Moms?
Moms are busier now than ever so DirectorySpot keeps their directory with them wherever they are. It is always current and always easy to find a classmate, a parent, a teacher, a class list or even the school or organization calendar. Many moms are involved in other organizations and DirectorySpot keeps them connected as well with a single log in.
8. What is the name of your business and where do you work?
DirectorySpot. I work in Glen Ellyn, IL.
9. Does this business have a presence in Glen Ellyn?
Yes! Our first customer was Ben Franklin Elementary and now there are over 20 schools and organizations in Glen Ellyn using DirectorySpot. We have 100+ organizations in IL using DirectorySpot and have customers in 35 states and 4 countries.
10. What is your mission?
Our mission is simple – to provide the best secure directory solution for schools and organizations.
11. What do your clients/users thank you for?
They thank us for making it so easy to set up, launch and maintain their directory. They thank us for our customer service, for continuing to enhance the solution, and also for the low price. Recently, they have thanked us helping to keep schools and communities connected during the COVID pandemic.
12. If a Mom was interested in your service, how do you recommend they sign up?
Go to our website – www.directoryspot.net and sign up for our free trial. They can set up a directory and test out all of our features for free for 30 days. If they like it, they make the payment and continue on. If they don’t want to continue, then the trial is deleted.
13. How is the best way to connect with you?
Send me an email – margaret@directoryspot.net or call me – 630-425-2665.
14.Other fun questions:
15. As Moms, we wear many hats, what title would you give yourself?
Hmmm, I am not good with these types of questions. Maybe “Helper”? I help my kids whenever I can (or whenever they actually ask for help), help my friends with their technology questions, and help friends with travel plans as I have lived / travelled a lot.
16. What gave you the faith to start something so different?
The feedback from our first few customers made it easy to believe in the solution. At the time, I had no idea how it would evolve, but it was enough to get started.
17. Who is your role model and why?
I have had many role models including my Partners in consulting and local women who have founded businesses. For DirectorySpot specifically, I met the founder of SignUp.com (formerly VolunteerSpot) at that original PTA convention and we really connected. She has a similar background and took an interest in our venture. She has been a great mentor and friend over these years and always makes time to give her thoughts on our latest challenge.
18. What is your superpower or spirit animal?
Hmmm, again a difficult one. Maybe trip planning? I do love to plan out trips and create detailed schedules of tours, activities and restaurants – either for family or for groups. And then follow up with creating a slideshow or photobook☺
19. When do you feel the most creative?
Probably when I want to make a gift for someone – either a necklace or bracelet, an abstract painting or something with photos. I don’t really have any real talent, but I like to try ☺
20. What is your favorite cocktail/mocktail?
Gin and Tonic (with good gin and good tonic and extra limes)
21. Looking back on motherhood, what would you tell a new Mom? Time goes slow when they are young and unbelievably fast as they get older. Don’t worry about the early stuff, it usually gets sorted out eventually and you will laugh that you were even concerned. Enjoy every moment you can with them ☺
It was an inspiring evening with Rita Hyland at our MasterMoms Talk Series. We hope you enjoyed your night and that you were able to take home a few nuggets of inspiration to help you start fresh and reset. We enjoyed seeing so many returning faces as well as meeting some new Moms.
Thank you to Lisa Enoch of Gatherings Designs for the beautiful flowers. She graciously provided all 8 centerpieces and then donated them for our raffle. Lisa is doing a table at Celebrations of Tables on March 7th benefiting the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.
And a big thank you to Enclave for coming and speaking to all of us about their new space as well as giving everyone a free month membership. To get started, book a tour by emailing members@enclave535.com.
If you are interested in signing up for her Playing Full Out Transformational Program that starts next Tuesday, February 25th, please feel free to reach out to her directly.
Our next Mastermoms Talk Series is with MAC Styling: is Wednesday, March 18th at 7 pm. Mary Anne Calzolano will talk all things fashion, from Spring Break shopping and packing, to outfitting your family, to organizing your closet and how to get your closet to be filled with the clothes that make you feel like your best self. Sign up today before it sells out.
Glen Ellyn Moms Village 2020 is going to be filled with more connections, information, and interaction. Our motto is to Create, Inspire, Share and Laugh. Alicia and I plan to focus on these four elements as we create our content for you. When Alicia Donovan started, GEMV, she simply started with sharing information on Facebook that she thought other Moms would want to know. It soon grew into a blog, which allowed her to share even more content. This year, we are going back to our roots and putting our focus on our blog. We hope by doing this we are creating more value for our readers. So welcome to our first blog post of the year.
For new followers, we would like to do a quick introduction. Alicia Donovan started Glen Ellyn Moms Village five years ago when she moved to town and realized that having a place to exchange information was something that would benefit not only her but all of the moms in town. I, Patty Cavanagh, joined Alicia in January of 2019. I have loved working with Alicia and getting to meet so many moms and local business owners.
As Moms, we create the world that our kids grow up in. We set the tone for our families. And our goal at Glen Ellyn Moms Village is to help by providing content showcasing local events, businesses, services, and information that will help you be in the know and help you thrive. Here are some events that I would like to share:
1.West Fest: The Glenbard West Boosters Fundraiser on February 15th. All welcome, whether you have a high schooler or not, this is a community event that raises money to enhance all academic, athletic and all extracurricular organizations for the students of Glenbard West.
2. Glen Ellyn Moms Village MasterMoms Talk Series featuring Rita Hyland: Moms Reset on Wednesday, February 19th at the Lake Ellyn Boat House. Sign up through the Glen Ellyn Park District.
3. SPM Ministries Women’s Retreat: Soulutions! Based on four life rhythms (rest, restore, connect, and create), you’ll leave equipped with easy-to-implement ideas for bringing the sacred of Sundays into your everyday life. Sign up at www.spmministries.com
All three of these events that I am recommending, have touched me personally. Here is a little bit more of why these are three events that I think you should know about this month.
West Fest: I am on the Glenbard West Boosters Committee and see first hand how the money raised helps the organizations of GBW thrive. These organizations help kids connect face to face. And these organizations create a space for all students. And as a mother of teens, I know this is more important than ever. Plus, it is a very fun community event with live music and great food.
Alicia and I are very proud of our 2020 Kickoff MasterMoms Talk Series featuring Rita Hyland. If you have ever felt stuck, lost, overwhelmed as a Mom, no matter what stage you are in, this is for you. She will offer tools that can impact your mindset and choices. Let’s make 2020 the best year for ourselves which in turn helps us create the best world for our families.
And last but not least, I highly recommend SPM Ministries Women’s Retreat: Soulutions! Wendie Connors and her ministry team ( Fun Tidbit: GEMV Founder, Alicia is also on this ministry team) have put together an amazing day of learning, gathering, and FUN! If you haven’t been to anything with Wendie Connors yet, you will love the energy. If your soul needs a pick me up, this is definitely for you.
And make sure you are signed up to receive our Glen Ellyn Moms Village Monthly Newsletter, which this month has some amazing Create, Inspire, Share and Laugh personal recommendations from Alicia Donovan. Believe me, you do not want to miss it.
xo
Patty Cavanagh
Please follow us:
Facebook @glenellynmomsvillage
Instagram @glenellynmomsvillage
Website: www.glenellynmomsvillage.com
Email: glenellynmoms@gmail.com
