Bedtime: 5-5-10
Last night's bedtime went better than the previous night's. We started his routine a little bit later, and I think he was tired anyway from all of the crying he did the night before. He had his bath, got his PJs on, and read a book (The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats. Definitely a classic). We put him in the crib and said our goodnights. I stuck a small stuffed animal in there with him, hoping that he might latch onto it for comfort if he woke up during the night. He played with his crib toy for a few minutes, then the whining/crying/screaming began. We waited 5 minutes, then I went upstairs and sat with him for a minute, rubbed his back and talked to him. Still crying. At the next 5 minute mark C took his turn to go in and comfort him. Still crying. Thankfully, sometime in the 10 minute wait window he fell asleep.
Night Waking: 5-5-10-10-15-15
This was an absolutely miserable hour. He woke up around 2:00, which is his normal wake-up time. I went in to check on him and he didn't need to be changed, so we waited 5 minutes and then did the comfort routine. He would scream at the top of his lungs for a minute, then whine for another few minutes, then calm down. A minute later it would start all over again. We took turns watching the clock and going in to sit with him. Having the tag team effort made things easier. He finally fell back to sleep shortly after 3:00.
Those 15 minute overnight wait periods were torture. I questioned the decision, questioned myself, came very close to breaking down and going in to grab him. It was so hard to let him cry, but I know when all is said and done with it will make everyone much happier. All three of us will be well-rested and he will know how to fall asleep on his own.
I'm sure it's so hard to hear that sweet baby cry, but I'm just know it will get better very soon!! Good for you for sticking to it and doing what's best for everyone. <3
ReplyDeleteIt is hard isn't it! The middle of the night is worse, because you lose the sleep & feel awful listening to them scream & you know you could just go in & make it stop...but in the long run, it does better. Gavin was a HORRIBLE sleeper after me stopping the co-sleeping thing, but once we did this, it improved A LOT. Still not perfect some nights (especially with colds or teething), however at least he goes to sleep on his own & stays in the crib. It will get easier!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing the right thing!!! The three of you will all be much, much, much happier when Baby C sleeps through the night! I remember how hard it is, though. I actually had to put headphones in a couple of times because I almost broke.
ReplyDeleteI bet that by the weekend you'll all be sleeping peacefully. :-)
I can't imagine how hard this is for you Jene!! I hope it gets better soon and he starts sleeping through the night very soon for you.
ReplyDeleteI am never, ever, having kids :P
ReplyDeletej/k... well maybe. At any rate, I can't even imagine how tough that has to be. Way to stick with it though. Logic would seem to dictate that this will work and everyone will be much better rested.