YAY

Lotus is finally sleeping at night and with out a fit. YAY! What appears to have worked was the easier and softer way along with a little CIO.

As you know it's been a journey to get this little bundle of great joy to sleep without periodic awakening followed by the never ending screams and tears. So, it is with great joy and more restful nights for Yale and I, that I write this entry.

For the parents still struggling, it will end. There will be time to write your blogs, emails, FB post and much more once she/he sleeps through the night.

Goodnight!

Sleep? Part 2

Wanted to let you know what has been working the last two nights.

First off we live in a one bedroom apartment and, Lotus's crib is in the alcove of our bedroom. Our bedroom is ridiculously huge, so that for starters.

The sleeping techniques are mostly designed for those who have a second bedroom or other option outside of the parents room. These methods are most effective if they don't involve sharing the same space. So, we had to find a way to be creative.

What has worked the last two nights is this ... A strong bedtime routine which consist of the following

• beginning at 5:30 PM Lotus is giving 8 oz of milk
• 6:00 She is giving a snack example, sliced apple
• 6:30 she is giving a bath
• 7:00 PM she and I go into the bedroom and sit on the couch and I read a bedtime story and sing while she is in my arms
• 7:30 PM I place her in the crib * she will cry and I let her for about 15 minutes
• 7:45 PM I sit with her in the living and if the TV is on I lower the volume and we cuddle
• 8:00 PM I change her diaper place her back in the crib. * she will cry some more but, she will not scream her little heart out
• 8:30 she is asleep for the night unless daddy's snores and wakes us both up.

This loving approach has been working the last two nights. I feel this gives her comfort and confidence to fall asleep on her own and, she sleeps for a longer period. Lotus, used to cry for hours then fall asleep maybe for an hour then wake up again. I tried the FERBER METHOD or CRY IT OUT for the first 4 days and I feel it did her harm (her voice horse and she had bags under her eyes) and, I was more exhausted.

So, this is what has been working and I am getting the rest I need. My whole perspective is to use your intuition. YOU KNOW what is going to be right for you and your baby. The experts may have some valid points however, not all methods work for all babies.

Sleep?

I'm am writing this from a moment of sheer dismay. ... How and when will Lotus sleep on her own through the night? What am I doing wrong, when I've tried different techniques? What's a mother to do?

Okay, so at 16 months it was time once again for Lotus to sleep in her own bed. She had been sleeping with mommy and daddy because that was the only way she would sleep through the night. The only way we could have a little private time. Okay, I hear you groaning already.

I get having a baby means the end of most of your private time. But, other parents seem to be able to have it. Other parents nod in this guilty way when asked if their baby sleeps through the night and they say yes. Is it too much to ask?

We have gone back to the FERBER METHOD and, now, her voice is horse from crying and screaming the last 3 nights and she still hasn't slept through the night. And, I am feeling like a terrible parent and at my wits end wondering what on earth am I doing wrong? And, don't get me started on nap time, that's when the most screaming and no napping is done.

So, what is a mother to do? I've changed diapers, not given her something to drink too close to bed time, gone in 10 then 15 then 30 and so on and so on. But, no sooner than later is she awake crying this pitiful cry and every once in a while throwing in a "Mama?!"

It's breaking my heart and I'm almost tempted on giving up this whole FERBER METHOD again to try a more passive "I hope this will work" approach.

Well, that's what I've been up to.