Sleep training resumed

SLEEEEEEP TRAINING! Back in motion! Hah!

Capital letters are in order here as I'm trying to pump myself up.

Alright. It all began Sunday night when we (husband and I), decided that enough is enough. We needed to take the bed back from the bed hogger aka the sweet baby boy. 16 months of partial sleep will drive us to a mental institution. So we cultivated a plan. And thanks to the Denver tap water I was down with a stomach flu. Husband had to take the first step by doing the night routine and explaining to baby boy that he would be sleeping in his own room. After nursing him, yes I'm still breastfeeding, I tucked him in bed. And oh boy was he NOT happy. I remained strong by keeping with the plan. I said the I love yous and goodnight. Back in the lounge we sat, watched a movie and relaxed while husband occasionally returned to baby boy's room to let him know that all is well. And because we don't yet have a noise maker, we let him listen to some church primary songs which usually soothe him in the car. Two hours later he was fast asleep. Although I was glad to hear him sleeping, I felt anxious thinking of the sure possibility of him waking up late at night. So the awesome husband, even though he had work the next day, volunteered to get up should baby start crying again.

And indeed he exercised his little lungs sometime around 3am. Husband got up and took him a sippy cup with water, which he refused to take. He then assured him of our love for him and left the baby to continue his crying mission. And here is the pure miracle: Less than two minutes later baby boy was back asleep! Ah, the joy in my heart was just immeasurable.

He slept till 7am this morning. The first time the parents have had a full night's sleep since October 16th 2012 (the night before his birth).

This is a new life. And I like it a lot.

The day nap was a little more challenging. But after the crying and fussing he managed to sleep for about 45mins in his own room.

And tonight was just a shocker. After doing the sleep routine: bath, teeth, books, prayer, nursing. He let out a little wince and a fuss when I placed him in bed but fell asleep the minute I closed the door.

I reiterate, this is a new life. A wonderful, new and exciting life.

What joy.