Well, I started trying to set a nap schedule yesterday. I am using the tips from the book, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Weissbluth. My friend Juli loaned it to me. Granted some of it pertains to bringing home a newborn, but there's plenty of good advice. So, I've done a few soothing tricks and put her in her crib. Yesterday she cried for about 25 minutes and then slept for 45. Today she cried for nearly 40 minutes. I hope she sleeps for at least an hour. It's going to take all of this week for sure to get her accustomed to napping in her bed and not in my arms. The hardest part is listening to her cry. It tears me up. But I do know that I have to do this as I can't hold her when I go back to work or once she does finally go off to day care. If any of you have any other advice or tricks, feel free to share. As for bedtime, I do believe we have our routine down. I'm not saying there won't be nights where she wakes or fights going to bed, but it's working and she knows the routine. She even seems to want to go upstairs to rock (it's the getting in the crib she still would rather avoid). I then have to stop and think that it's been exactly 1 month today (10/13/08) that we have been home. She is such a good and happy baby. I can't imagine not having her home.
Well, I'm off to see what "work" related things I can get taken care of. Talk to you soon.
sara
We're Home!!!
thanks, Juli
Meeting Jama & Papa
On our way to the Embassy
touring the city
Learning to shop....
Kissing Michael - foster brother
The Foster Family
Corner shot w/inch worm
Every garden needs a frog
The "crib"
My old dresser
Re-done changing table
2 comments:
Sara,
I'm glad to hear that you're giving the sleep training a shot! The crying periods that Charlotte has before naps and bedtime will decrease. We go through short periods of a "refresher" course on sleeping with our kids. Soon, Charlotte will be asleep in her crib in a matter of minutes.
Keep it up!
Juli
Sara, you will clear this small hurdle. This is what worked for us...we never rocked our girls to sleep. We always put them to bed before they fell asleep, so they could learn to do it on their own. We play light music and they have a few toys and books they can play with in their crib (now bed). Their blankies are only for sleeping with (special part of going to bed). The girls have rarely cried, but even if they wake up in the night (teething/sick...) we have never taken them out of bed. I know it's tough to listen to your child cry, but give it time. Charlotte sleeping is different than most babies at 1. She is also confirming that all her needs will be met. Soon Charlotte will go to bed so smoothly that you'll be double checking that she is ok :)
Danielle
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