I feel like I have been complaining too much in the last couple of blogs. I don't want to come across as not liking motherhood. I've never had so much meaning to my life as I do now. I wouldn't choose to do anything else but be Clara's mom and Jeff's wife right now. I am so in love with my life, even if I do have to make some sacrifices.
That said, I have been trying something new at bedtime. I've only done it a couple of nights, and a few times during nap time. My pediatricion said that as soon as Clara is really good at sucking on her fist, between 3 to 4 months, to lay her down when she is drowsy, but awake. I have also talked to several other moms who have had success with the book "Baby Wise", which from what I understand, is the same idea. I tried this over a week ago, but didn't succeed, because I couldn't let her cry like that. So I tried again on Satuday night, and I decided to try using a mobile to help comfort her. It is the best. It plays music and the mobile does it's thing, and it also has kind of a light show too. It definetly helped, and she would cry or cry harder when it turned off.
So on Saturday I layed her down drowsy, but awake, and it was so hard. I think I cried almost as much as she did, for two reasons. 1- I don't like just letting her cry and not think that I don't care that she's upset, and 2- I'm going to miss the time I spent with her rocking her to sleep. But I feel like this will help her in the long run. I was watching her the whole time. She would watch the mobile, and then cry, dose off a couple of times, find her fist, and cry, then cry harder. I picked her up to calm her down, then layed her down again and not too much longer she was asleep.
Last night was much easier. She cried a lot harder at first, so I thought maybe she wasn't ready for bed yet, so I calmed her down and she actually fell asleep in my arms. She then woke up and I layed her down. She wimpered for a second and then she was fast asleep! And what's even better is she slept for almost 10 hours!
Nap time is still not quite as good, but at least she will lay down by herself for a short time. Who knows, maybe she will get better, or maybe she won't, but it's worth a try.
8 comments:
Oh Aubree! Figuring out how to get your baby (or toddler) to sleep consistently is definitely one of the hardest things about motherhood. I am SOOOO happy Clara slept 10 hours last night! I'm sure you still woke up, but what a relief to know she can do it and she did do it. It sounds like you have a good plan going. Jay was about 6 months when he finally slept through the night consistently. Unfortunately, he's still not the best sleeper, but I definitely can't complain now compared to what it's like having a newborn is like. Clara sure is beautiful!
What cute sheets and bumper! I love poka dots.
We struggled with our first too.. it's hard not getting enough sleep... hang in there... the first year is always the hardest and after that you look back missing the great parts about it!
Your doing great Aubree! It's so hard to find balance the line of what our hearts want us to do, and what our heads tell us is best. Your doing a great job....good luck and keep it up!
sorry, that was Nicole...I hate when I do that. Nicole
Sounds like you're doing great. I don't like to listen to them cry either. What worked for me was just keep laying them down when they're about to fall asleep. I comfort them when they cry but then just keep putting them back when they're soothed. It takes awhile for them to get the hang of it but it is definitly worth it in the long run.
Hey Aubree! Thanks for saying Hi! Your little girl is adorable. I am sure you are having so much fun with her. Feel free to drop by my blog anytime...I'll have to add you to my list so I can check up on you. Take care.
Hang in there! Babywise is very wise. :)
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