Self Sleeping! - 13 Months

Well kid, you did it. I won't get too far ahead of things, because you've only "done it" a few times, but it's a start. Of course I am talking about falling asleep without using a bottle of milk.

I've been gently pushing your mama to try and let you sleep at night without using a bottle to put you into that sleepy haze. Most folks say we should have tried this closer to 9 months, but you've been a bit of a challenge in the sleeping department anyway. So we were still celebrating the fact that you sleep regularly from 8pm to 6am. Huge win for us!

So we were not overly eager to introduce a new wrinkle to the sleeping process. That said, I convinced mama to try a new technique this weekend. At your nap time and at night, we would put you in your crib around the normal sleep time and just let you "cry it out" a bit. Mama was skeptical, but I know our house is big enough so I can go to a quiet area while you cry your eyes out (and subsequently tire yourself out).

So we tried it, and the first time, of course you cried…but also…you eventually fell asleep! Mama was surprised. I was a little surprised too, but on the outside I tried to look cool, like I knew this would happen.

Last night was another test. It was Sunday night (so I have work the next day). We took you upstairs to your crib at the normal sleeping time (just after 7:30). I was a little worried cause you had been fussy all day. But we gave it a try. Mama read you a book (Japanese version of Goodnight Moon). And then she put you down in your crib. You cried a bit, but before long (less than 30 minutes I think), it was quiet. You were sleeping! All by yourself with no milk to make you sleepy. You turned a corner. No more bottles! No more bedtime milk!

You can't imagine how happy this makes your mama. You see, your mama spends a lot of time with you, and she uses a lot of energy to get you to sleep at nap time or at night. It takes a lot of her energy. If you can put yourself to sleep (even if you cry a little), then she can feel a little refreshed, day by day. 

I know this is a small thing maybe for some parents, but for us, this is BIG. Thank you!