He is fully off his reflux medication and he is now past his 'bug' that was plaguing him and I decided it's time. The kid still doesn't sleep through the night and I am fairly certain it is because he can't get himself back to sleep if he stirs. Cold turkey at this point doesn't seem like the best option, since he will stand, bounce, and weep in his crib, for hours if necessary. So my husband and I decided that we should rock/cuddle for a few minutes, followed by placing him in his crib and laying a hand on him for comfort until he falls asleep. This would at least have him learn to fall asleep in his crib and somewhat comfort himself. This seems to work pretty slick at night when it is dark, but during the day is much harder. It's kind of impossible to make someone close their eyes. And my back can only take so much leaning over a crib. So, i have done 1/2 cry it out, 1/2 lay my hands on him. I don't know if this is the solution : ( It took me about 50 minutes to get him down for his morning nap and maybe 70 minutes for his
I know it gets easier if I stick it out, but I am already ready to throw in the towel. It's moments like these as I sprawl on the stairs so that I can hear Davis and wait a few minutes before going back in to Jace, that I remember, parenting is HARD. Suggestions and advice are of course WELCOME.
On a brighter note, I plan to get the house Christmas-tized tonight. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it's time to get the tree up, dance to Christmas music and feel that yule-tide cheer. A friend of mine had a fun idea that I am going to copy. The idea is to make a paper chain link to countdown the days to Christmas. On each link, we will have a Christmas activity/tradition that we will do each day to fully get us in the spirit. Fun examples of what are on our links:
string popcorn
make paper snowflakes
go sledding
pick a toy to give to the Salvation army
volunteer at a soup kitchen
retell the Christmas story with our kid nativity set
Feel free to steal. I did! ; ) And if you do, I'd love to hear what activities you are doing.
yes, parenting is hard. you'll get through this and, eventually, your kid will learn to fall asleep on his own. it will probably take some time though. will be praying he figures out quickly that he can go to sleep without being rocked.
ReplyDeleteI always hate it when people tell me to read a book, but I'm going to do it...Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It's about catching the right moment to put your child to sleep rather than the right method. It's a lot less harsh than a lot of methods, though it does include some crying. Worth a shot. In a nutshell, it says that as soon as your child starts to be tired--long before they start to get crabby--begin the soothing process of rocking or whatever you choose to do. You don't have to rock them to sleep OR put them down fully awake, just help them start the process of falling asleep so they can do the rest on their own. He also talks about how "sleep begets sleep." A child who is well rested will have an easier time falling & staying asleep. Anyway, just some thoughts. We're working with Immi too, and it's hard! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI actually have been reading the No cry sleep solution. So far, it has helped some. I can see some changes. Overall, bedtime is better, naps are HARD. (most days) I don't think it helps some days he needs two naps and on other days he is transitioning to one. Ah, the ever changing child! Thanks for your imput, i may have to read that one if this one doesn't work.
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