Dear Claire,
You are now 5 months old. You eat solids like a champ. You nurse like a pro. You smile at everyone and you have your Daddy and I wrapped your finger. You love to jump and stand. You adore your big brother and Fergus. You are content and easy to care for.
Our only caveat is that you are having some sleep challenges. Just last week, you were going to sleep, waking up once to eat and we didn't see you again until 6:30 am. We were delighted. For the past 3 days/nights, you won't let us put you in your crib. We hold you and cuddle you and as soon as we make the move to put you down, you scream at us... so we try again. Sometimes, we've tried for 1-2 hours to put you down.
Last night, we tried a new "trick". We put you down and let you cry (and cry and cry and cry). We went in to reassure you a few times and eventually, you gave in and went to sleep. We continued to do this through the night (although I did feed you at your usual time). It sucked, little lady. I'm not a fan of cry it out. It's ironic because I'm also not a fan of co-sleeping but, we did that with you for a while too. You're getting too big (and wriggly) to be in Momma and Daddy's bed. (Momma thinks this is the root of her back problems too.) If you can train us to hold you a certain way and wake up when we put you down, you're old enough to learn to fall asleep without us.
Therefore, this is a note of apology in advance, little one. Tonight, I will nurse you and cuddle you close and love you but, you will have to sleep in your crib and I'm not picking you up every time you cry.
We should have done this with your brother much, much earlier in his life.
We love you and we hate your sad, sad cries,
Momma
3 comments:
It is so hard Jill, but hopefully it will only take her a few nights to figure it out and she will learn how to be a good sleeper. Wishing you the best of luck :)
Nights are now great... she won't even be put in her crib for naps. Can't have it all!
sigh... tricky little people. she will get it, i am sure :)
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