It is Working

I am so happy to report that Michael's sleep training is going exceedingly well!!

For the past two days, Michael has been much more cheerful and well-rested.

Tuesday, Michael took a 2 hour nap in the car seat...two hours!! The rest of the day, he was playful smiley and back to his normal self.

In the afternoon, he took a brief nap as I was driving around, but didn't continue it once we got home. He didn't take an evening nap, so once it was 6:30, we bundled him up for bed. We said our prayers, laid him in his crib awake, and sadly, listened to him cry. But this time, the crying was for just a few minutes and he was asleep for hours and hours (until I went into his room to turn off his fan. That woke him up, so I fed him and put him back down for the night!

Michael woke up cheerful this morning, bright and early at 6 am. After feeding him, I put him back down, but I don't think he actually slept...he just dozed (as did Mommy!) and we both got up to play at 7am.

After about 45 minutes, Michael was looking pretty tired again (it's normal for babies to need a nap about an hour after they wake up), so I put him to bed...he fussed a little, but then was asleep within 5 minutes!! On his own!!

He slept for about 30 minutes, then was up, so after waiting to see if he would get himself back to sleep (he didn't...but at least he wasn't crying!) we got up to eat and play.

After some play time, changing time, and eating time, Michael was looking drowsy again. I wasn't sure what to do, because it really hadn't been that long since his last nap...then again, his last nap was only 30 minutes....I was torn. I didn't want him to spend all day in bed. However, my instincts told me that he looked tired, he was slowing down in his play and getting a quiet, serious-type disposition. I figured I would put him down and see what direction it took.

He relaxed in his crib for about 15 minutes...not crying, not fussing, just looking around. At that point, I noticed he kept looking to the side and staying still for a few minutes. He was falling asleep, but then at about 1-minute intervals, he would startle and wake up, only to turn his head to the side and fall asleep again. This went on about 6 times...until now, when he stayed asleep, no crying whatsoever.

I know he may have a few episodes where he cries, or where I am not quick enough in responding to his sleep cues and he'll become overtired and fussy, but I am so proud of him for learning this skill so quickly!!

Thanks for everyone's support and prayers!