Sunday, July 10, 2016

Sleep Progress?

Every time we have a little victory in the sleep department, I always wonder if it's really progress and she's learning the routine I'm trying to set down for her or if it's a fluke.  A mean joke she is playing on us.

I am truly committing to Babywise!  That means:

  • Consistent first feeding
  • Not nursing to sleep (during the day - I'm not quite ready to give it up for the middle of the night feeds)
  • Keeping Elise up for wake time (this is easier to swallow since she favors her left side more and we need tummy time to avoid a flat spot and strengthen her neck muscles)
  • Keeping to the routine I've created
I'm so committed I spent the morning typing up the consistent steps to her routine.  I printed out three copies.  One for above the crib, one by where the hubster camps out on the couch, and one for the kitchen table.

So today, the first cycle didn't pan out and she wouldn't go down even after three cycles of trying to soothe and put her down.  Finally caved and rocked her to sleep in my arms so she would have at least an hour nap.  I realized that that is ok.  She's not going to learn right away.  So 3-4 attempts to get her to sleep on her own is enough for her and if we keep at it, she'll get it.  She's got the hubster's and my brains, and she's always exceeded expectations.  I also learned that 4 attempts to get her down was too many and after the third crying session is when I should help her sleep by any means necessary.  That way, hopefully, we can fit in a 1.5 hour nap as opposed to 1 hour.

It worked out for the next feeding.  We kept her up for the wake time and she slept through to the next feeding.  We cheated a little because we drove to brunch with family, but that's life.  We came home after some shopping and fed her.  We attempted wake time by doing some tummy time for the neck strengthening and some back time on the play mat for just general fun time.  She was yawning all over the place and was awake for 35 minutes.  I'm watching for the sleepy cues and even though it's not as long as I wanted, I followed her lead and took her into the nursery for some nap prep.

I put her down and she slept!  No fussing or crying and she was drowsy, but not asleep when I put her in the crib.  Progress or so I hope.  I'm staying optimistic!

Go Elise go!

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