Thriving on routine

I have been so conflicted lately with how to help Scarlett sleep better. On one hand, I really believed if I let her cry and self sooth so that she went to sleep alone it would work and help her. But on the other hand, I really did not want to resort to that.

I have found when it comes to parenting that even when you have a "plan", you have to stay flexible because not all things work with different babies. I had planned on Scarlett sleeping with us for a while when she was born and thought it would help her sleep and eventually we would work on getting her in her own bed and go from there. However, thats not working out. She is waking up somewhere between 4-10 times EVERY night. She has never slept any better than that. I quickly respond to her in the night, usually by nursing her, as to not wake Nick. I think this has just allowed her to wake up when shes in a light state of sleep and seek me out for comfort. I know this way works for other famlilies but it just wasnt working for us. None of us were sleeping as we should.

June does this way with John and he sleeps perfectly and so does everyone else in the family. I spent a day being envious and then mentally moved on and tried seeking advice from every mother I knew. If I could think of another solution besides "cry it out", I wanted to try it first, but I wasnt sure I was going to come up with one.

A few things I came up with Beth, Kelsey and my mom... and so far, so good.

We are on a strict routine. She is eating three meals with a grain mixed in to try and get her to stay asleep longer. I am only nursing her 6 times a day (after a meal, and before bed). And, we tried having her go to sleep alone last night. I fed her, changed her, read a book and then layed her down. I went in every 5 minutes but when I went in to pat her back and she saw me it only seemed to make things worse. So, I stayed away for 7 minutes and she was asleep. She did not scream for the total of 15 minutes it took, she went back and forth between crying and humming. It really wasnt that bad. Today for both naps I have done the same routine and the first nap took about 5 minutes and the second was 2!! Hooray! Also, it is time for her to sleep in her crib. I think at time we are waking her up as well as her waking us up. I think she actually does better some times when shes not close enough to reach for me. (She used to scream in the car, but now shes great and happy whether sleeping or awake). Im hoping the crib goes well starting tonight.

So, even though I was resisting, I think this is what is best for her. Im excited and feeling good about it.

Also, she will NOT sit still anymore. She is trying to crawl so hard and pulling herself up on the coffee table. She can get to her hands and knees but is not rocking much or moving forward, I dont think it will be long though. Shes growing up, how exciting!



Bath time





Trying to stand





Trying to crawl