Big Gurl

Moey is becoming such a toddler. And it is time we teach her toddler things.

We have always either co-slept with her, or at about 8 months when we started rocking to sleep, putting her down asleep and bringing her into our bed for the middle of the night feedings and snuggles.

This past Sunday night we decided she was ready to learn to go to sleep on her own. She is of course always welcome in our bed , but it is time to help her learn some more sleep-independence.



Sunday night - she cried for 45 minutes. We went in, many times, patted her back. Gave her kisses. She fell asleep and slept the whole night.

Monday Night - cried for 30 minutes. Momma came in to soothe, so she knew I hadn't left. Fell asleep slept the whole night.

Tonight, Tuesday night - cried for 30 seconds. She put her head right down and is now snuggled, happily sleeping in her bed. Holding her friend in her sweet little hand.

She knows what to do. The first two nights were so hard. But, we knew she wasn't hurt, she wasn't too cold or too hot, she wasn't wet or dirty, she was just mad! :)


I am so glad we have done the things we have with her sleeping habits. I honestly think, with our own baby that co-sleeping with her for so long and gradually making the transition to her crib has made her know that sleeping is a nice, happy thing. Not a scary, alone, thing.

Making her crib an inviting place is also a key element. We are total rule breakers here. When she was smaller, and less mobile, we did follow the rules of no excessive blankies, no toys, no bumpers. Now, the bumper is back up, she has a fluffy blanky for her to sleep on, a dolly and a friend to snuggle with, and a pillow. Heck, I would even sleep in there!

The bumper really helps the crib get nice and dark and snuggly. Its like a little baby cave in there. She also loves the pillow.

One of the biggest mistakes we made as new parents was going out and buying the most expensive mattress on the market. Moey hated it. It was way too firm, and made a lot of noise. We finally came to our senses and got the just as good- what were you thinking before- $30 mattress from Target. Squishy, yet firm, and leads to a better night sleep.

Now we are seriously thinking of getting a video monitor. I miss that girl right now and I want to be able to see what she is doing in there! But, before we go out and splurge on an expensive monitor, maybe we will come to our senses, and not have another palm-to-forehead incident.