If you know me you know I am a "go with the flow" kind of person. So, when it came down to mothering, I thought I would be a "go with the flow" mom. I didn't record Emree's eating times or try to schedule them. I didn't mark her bodily functions on a chart. I didn't even care if she slept with me all night long. I am a little ashamed to admit that I even played with her when she was awake in the middle of the night. Now, you can shake your heads and scold me with your index finger, but I was (I mean I am) just so excited to be a mom.
Then I became exhausted. I knew it was time to throw in the towel or at least I knew I couldn't go on like this. Emree wasn't going to bed until midnight and she was waking up to eat around 3 am and 6 am. To make matters worse, my little bundle of joy was smiling and up for the day at 8. She was tired, I was tired, and Ty was tired of us being tired. And then the miracle happened...
We decided it was time for a bed time and in order to establish one we had to let her cry. One night we (unsuccessfully) tried to let her cry and finally got her to bed at 1:30 am. But we were committed and we knew we were in for the long haul. Second attempt... only 5 minutes of crying was necessary. Third night... only 5 minutes of crying again. She is now (for the time being) sleeping 6 to 7 hour stretches. Now, some of you may brag about how fabulous all or some of your children were and how mine is lame. But I am totally stoked. She is in bed now and I am up blogging because I am not even tired. It is a miracle. Walk on water, millions of fishes miracle. Now everyone please knock on wood after you read this post because I am not sure how long it will last.
10 comments:
Congrats. I can't let them cry it out because of my own self imposed timing of 4 months... two weeks to go until I let Dora cry it out. She usually goes down by 8 pm, but she wakes up ALL NIGHT! Talk to me in 2 weeks.
I am proud of you, though. That's the way to go. It's the only way to happiness with an infant. You usually just have one or two really bad nights and then they figure it out.
Bridget
Way to go Emree!!! Most perfect baby ever, (except when it comes to sleeping....). I am keeping my fingers crossed that this cycle sticks! Sleep is a much needed commodity.
Oh, Danielle...do I remember!!! I actually set a timer to get trough the 5 minutes of waiting. Nicole slept tucked next to me till she was 9 months. Paul used to tease me about the fancy nursery that was minus a child. I love hearing your "mothering" stories...you are doing a great job...I think it's heredity!?!?
Say what you will that some seriously impressive mothering. Some moms don't figure out the need for sleep for both parties for a LONG time! Give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy those extra hours!
You can handle just about anything when you get a decent amount of sleep. Oh I do not miss sleepless nights! Congrats!!
WAY TO GO!!! So glad it worked!! I am praying this next baby will be NOTHING like my Cambree was!!! OH please pray for that too!!!! We did the Cry it out for oh probably 3 months with crying for longer then an hour everynight, plus waking up a TON before I just gave up and nursed her everytime she cried, because at least then she would go back to sleep after 20 min. instead of HOURS!!!! I am praying this schedule sticks because there is nothing better then sleep when you are a new mom!!!!
way to go you did it and I love how relaxed you are that's what makes you well you. I knew that right away when she was sleeping in her car seat and you said I could get her out and hold her you rock Danielle
Danielle...I totally understand what you are going through and your first is always treated different then the next ones when it comes to sleep because you are just so thrilled to be a parent you take it all in. Just make sure you stick to your new goals...we always gave in with Ethan and he sleeps with us still...yep we are breaking that this summer for sure!! GOOD WORK!!!
Oh Danielle you are a great mom! Nobody knows it all up front and EvErY kid is different. I think you are fabulous and I hope to do as well someday!!!
Haha you are so funny-that is awesome! I'm glad she's in a good sleeping routine-and hopefully she stays in it! Hope you guys are doing well!
Post a Comment