1..2..3.. Sleep Baby

So, first of all I just have to say I already typed this all up once but I guess I am having a pretty high learning curve with this blogging thing cause it didn't work.. so here it goes again.

Last night it took me about 2 hours to get Addi to sleep! She has not been falling asleep easily the last couple of weeks so I have been trying to let her cry herself to sleep. This is not working, she will cry anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours; and it breaks my heart even though at the same time I am so frustrated. So today I have been thinking all day about how to fix this problem. So after pouring over BabyCenter for a few hours I think I came up with a plan and I learned so much about Addi's development at the same time. So here are the highlights...

I am going to try a modified version of the 'No Tears' Method. This method encourages parents to create a calming bedtime routine for their baby i.e. bath, massage/lotion, story, rocking, sleep and keeping this the same every night. This is where I can see it being a challenge for me, Addi and I are on the go a lot, especially because I work during the day and I only have a few hours at night to get things done, and lets face it I'm kind of a social butterfly and I don't like to be home alone a lot so we are usually at my mom's or Mari's. So this is where I am going to step up as a mom and put my own agenda on the back burner and put Addi's schedule first. I am also going to start to put her to bed earlier and put a fan in her room for white noise. I am going to faithfully try this every night for two weeks and then re-evaluate our progress.

While after reading all about the different things that are out there I do feel this is the best option I still have a few concerns. The biggest one being I want to teach her to fall asleep on her own so she is not reliant on me so if she isn't with me at bedtime she can still fall asleep. I did learn though at this age she is going through separation anxiety (she cries when I drop her off at daycare) so to help her through this I think the routine will be a good thing; this will also be a special bonding time for Addi and I with no distractions. If anyone has additional suggestions I'm open to them!

Also this weekend, my little sister Becca is turning 21! So Kevin and I will get to go out and celebrate with her downtown! I am so excited cause its been a really long time since Becca and I hung out outside of 'mommy world' and at the same time I get to have a date with Kevin. I will take pics on her birthday but make no promises to post them, some nights pics and drinks just don't mix, but we will see. Have a fabulous weekend!

Sara