I think I should post updates on La Bink and Sleep. First - the binky. It is amazing. Micah willingly leaves his binky in his room every morning and after nap. He is allowed to have it in my room if I'm taking a shower (I gotta get clean somehow, people!) but he gives it up as soon as I'm finished and am ready to go downstairs again. A few times he has needed it - once when Kevin turned the television from Noggin to Football, which prompted a huge fit and some time with bink. But for the most part, he doesn't even ask about it. His speech is already improving. But again, another post. And, now we get to see more of these smiles - instead of binky mouth.
Bedtime routine. Night one was awful for us. But honestly? Not nearly as bad as it could have been. We've heard the horror stories from other parents - we know how bad it can get. Anyway - night 1 was hard. We did our routine and then I reminded him that he would go to sleep without mom or dad on the floor and he started to cry. I reminded him that I'd be near, but not right here (thank you Mama Llama) and that I wanted him to stay in bed. I told him what would happen if he got out of bed - that I would put him right back into bed.
So I left the room, and he cried. And screamed. For forty minutes straight (yes, I timed it). Micah has been home over two years and this was the FIRST time I had ever ever let him cry. I didn't know what to do because I was prepared for him to come out of his room, but not for the crying and screaming. I cried. Kevin laid next to me. Finally, he came out of his room and I was able to smooch him (once quickly) and lie him back down. I think seeing us both so close (in our room) made him more secure because soon after that he fell asleep. Yay!
Night 2 - AMAZING!! He came out of his room twice and whimpered a little bit when putting him back in bed. That was it. Asleep! Both mornings he has woken up very VERY proud of himself - which I love. He's a rock star, and I'm obviously a very proud mama. I even took him to the zoo to ride the train yesterday. We had fun. I even let him wear his Halloween costume - which the train guys loved. :)
So, there you have it. It's going very well. Night 3 Kevin is on his own - I'll be at work, but hopefully it will go well (for Kevin's sake).
And, I'm going to steal Moe's Mom's idea to open up the floor - Is there anything anyone would like me to discuss? About Micah? About me? About Twilight? *giggle* No, really, if you have questions or ideas for posts to get me through this month - I'd love to hear them.
I said it to Stephanie, and I'll say it to you: TWILIGHT TWILIGHT TWILIGHT!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you Stacey! I know it's hard. To give you hope, Miles is five and has been a great sleeper since about one years old. Sticking with a routine was the key for us. Just stay persistent. We are at the point now, where we read him is book and he gets in bed on his own and stays there. I know it seems like a dream, but it will happen.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I sooooo want to come to St. Louis to watch the premier with you! It's my birthday and we fly out the next day. I'm still trying to find a date. I suppose I could catch my husband up on it and have him go with me, but then again I will be with him for a week in ET...lol
Oh, and that pic of Micah, I thought he had an afro...haha
I want to hear about your new house :)
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying, you don't know me! I found your blog thru other blogs. I had to comment on this one because I love the Llama books! I'm hoping that one you used will come in handy one day. Have you read The Kissing Hand with Micah? It's one of my favorites for separation times. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYea for you and for Micah! That's amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your thoughts on the new movie coming out... You know, that one about the vampire...
Congrats on the new sleep routine! I knew that the "tough love" approach would work quickly. Truly, it's the only thing that works to kick the sleep issues. It's just so painful to hear our kids cry, really wail, for so long. Our son cried for literally 1hour straight, but then the next night he only cried for like 10 minutes, then the 3rd night, not at all! Yay for Micah!! Yay for you too!!
ReplyDeletep.s. for those following who are afraid to try this approach, my kid is very much attached to me and he gets LOTS of love and attention throughout the day and right before bedtime. But we are all happier and more sane when we get a full night's sleep without the 3:00 a.m. alarm going off every night!
ReplyDeleteGood job Stacie - and Micah!! Those are pretty 'big boy' things!
ReplyDelete