Ava is now in a toddler bed and has been for almost a full month. She loves the bed! She loves to jump on it, lay her babies down for a nap and even tear off all the blankets just so I can remake the bed. What she DOESN'T love to do in it is SLEEP IN IT!! Well, that was the case last night.
Last night I was determined to get us both to bed early due to the long night prior (pretty much the same thing that happened last night). So, we went about our somewhat of a routine of brushing our teeth, getting a baby to sleep with, saying our prayers and putting on a snoopy listening tape (sometimes we do this over books and sometimes we do both). So, I kissed Ava good night and told her night night and I loved her and went off to my bed. This was at 9:15 p.m. I lay there with my eyes open wondering if/when she will start crying realizing I left her alone in there. Nothing. Silence. I go about closing my eyes and start to relax.
Relaxing is under way but I glance at the clock at 9:45 p.m. and then look over into the hallway. There is Ava standing at her doorway (Elmo in hand) just standing there. She slowly starts to venture into the dark hallway making the most careful baby steps as if she is trying not to wake anyone. I can't help but watch her and laugh (silently) wondering if she will just go back to bed if I don't say anything. I WANT to say "hi Ava, you want to come sleep with mama?" But I didn't for 2 reasons - I didn't want to startle her and I really didn't want her to sleep with me but rather just cuddle a little bit and then take her back to her bed. I remained silent. Watching. Wondering what must be going through her little brain as she walks slowly closer to our bedroom. She decides to stop. She turns and goes back into her room.
I am amazed! This child didn't say a word but rather decided it would be best if she just went back into her room and went to bed.
Well, not quite.
A few minutes later I see her again. Wondering out into the hallway. This is so cute and funny to see her walk so slowly but cautiously in the hallway. I really can't believe she hasn't called out for me yet. The hallway is not really a hallway but rather a square that connects forks off into Ava's room, her bathroom, our bedroom and the guest bedroom as well as the stairs but it is DARK! The only light is coming from the glow of her nightlight in her room.
Ava then decided she was going to venture into our room. Very slowly she walks up to our bed (I am still watching her) and she reaches her little toddler hand up to feel for me. I then ask her "Ava, why are you out of bed. It's time for night night". I couldn't resist. She was just so darn cute standing there and all she really wanted was to love on me a bit. I picked her up and put her into bed with me. She laid there until she was fast asleep.
I then take her to her bed around 10:30. Sleep. More Sleep. 11:30 she falls out of bed and starts crying. I go in and put her back in bed and kiss her good night. Sleep. 12:30 she starts crying while walking into our room. I pick her up and put her back to her bed. I wonder if I have started a "routine" she likes? I fall back asleep. 2:30 a.m. yet again, here she comes wondering into my room crying. By now, I am just frustrated and tired. I pick her up and tell her she has to sleep in her big girl bed. I take her back to bed. Turn on her snoopy tape, kiss her good night and go back to bed.
By talking about starting a routine, this isn't exactly the routine I wanted to start.
okay friend. it's time for baby boot camp!!!!!!!!! i will bring you my sleep-training bible--it's called "healthy sleep habits, happy child." it will be harder to do since she is older, but you've gotta do it or you'll go CRAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZY. you should start reading it tonite!
ReplyDeletei SWEAR by this book. i am going to have to do a refresher course in sleep training pretty soon--brax is waking up at 6am, and wanting to be rocked completely to sleep versus going to sleep on his own like he used to. they have to be reminded every now and then! call me later!