Well-Done, Good and Faithful Swaddle Blanket

Who knew that a cleverly crafted piece of cloth could yield so many otherwise unattainable hours of sleep?

But it did. And for that, we salute you.

However, Michael Jr is now no longer in need of your most excellent services, and after a final run through the washing machine, you will be retired...until our next little one, that is.

It has been a slow process of Michael growing out of his need to be swaddled. First, he was totally swaddled: arms, legs, the whole enchilada.

Then, he became just a little too long, so we swaddled just his arms, but left his legs free to kick.

Then recently, Michael seemed to be comforted by sucking on things before he drifted off to sleep. While a pacifier is nice, they easily become spit out and then Michael has nothing left to suck. So we unswaddled one arm so he could comfort himself with his fist.

Now, a momentous occasion, that last limb is now free as well, and the Miracle Blanket is put to rest. What a relief that we can finally have that last piece of fabric out of his bed! As much as we loved the blanket, it was a great form of anxiety for us since he was pretty good at wiggling out of it. On a few occasions, we would find a flap of the fabric over his face or something frightening like that.

Now, we don't have to worry as much since he won't be using any blankets...just warm clothes.

Our boy is growing!!

Of course, our swaddling days are not without memories. First, like the very first time he was swaddled and how he sleep 3 hours straight in his crib! Secondly, all the times during the night when he would have to be re-swaddled because had broken free. We can't forget how much he first hated his Miracle Blanket because he couldn't easily get his arms free...but how he learned to love it and would look so happy and peaceful when he knew he was getting wrapped up. Of course, there was the time that Michael dirtied our one and only Miracle Blanket, which meant I was furiously cleaning it and blowing drying it so he could have it ready for bed (all the dryers were in use!).In celebration of this, here are a few pictures of our little swaddled bundle:

Now, Michael sleeps with his arms relaxed at his side, or sometimes straight out to the sides, or my personal favorite, straight above his head! We love our Michael!