The last couple weeks we have tried a new tactic when it comes to sleep time for Hudson. We used to go pick him up every time he cried, try to rock him back to sleep, only to put him back down in the crib and watch him immediately wake up and start screaming. So we would repeat this process - along with trying a few other things like seeing if he'd sleep in our bed with us - only to wind up exhausted. We knew he wasn't old enough to self sooth in the beginning, but by 8 months he should be learning, right?
So the last two weeks have involved the "cry it out"method. We feed him, rock him, rub his back, etc., then put him down. This happens for both bed time and nap times. At first he would cry for about 20-30 minutes, standing, yelling, doing what he thought would bring us back into the room to pick him up (because normally, it would). But our patience was indeed rewarded, as he would eventually topple over like a rag doll (really) and fall asleep. It's hilarious to watch on the video monitor! Then the crying time began to shorten, and it was often 10 minutes or less before he would allow himself to relax enough to sleep. Andy and I were thrilled. We also stopped going in to pick him up if he wakes in the middle of the night, and wouldn't you know it? He puts himself back to sleep! Yes I know - I'm sure this is normal. But to us it has been a small miracle.
Well, the last few days, Hudson - my darling Hudson - has decided he really needs to start crying and SCREAMING for at least 20 minutes, before he'll let himself go to sleep. Not sure what happened, but this is just not working. It's not working at home, and it's definitely not working at daycare. They can't put him down to cry it out there - so what happens? Stubborn Hudson doesn't nap. Great. By the time I go to visit him at lunch, he is a crabby mess. And if they can't get him to sleep in the afternoon? God help us all. SO, here we are today.
Precious little Hudson will be sleeping soundly in your arms...until you go to put him down. It's like there's a scream/cry button you accidentally press in the process of putting him down. So far I've been unable to determine where this secret button is.
Perhaps someday, my little Angel Hudson will give up the fight, leave the drama behind, and sleep without tears. Someday.
1 comment:
Those times are SOOOO hard. I so remember the same thing with my girls. It was so great when they got it, but then just when we thought they'got it' they were back to crying. I always tell myself, it is just a phase. In the good and the hard times. I think that is the hardest part and the greatest part about parenting; it is always changing. Hang in there. The sweet spot will be there again.
ps- happy first mommas day! It is so fun to read about your momma days- I hope I get to see them sometime soon.
lots of love!
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