I blame myself mostly. Here's why. First, I went back to work when Gideon was just 3 weeks old. So I needed my sleep. Because of this, I did whatever it took to get the kid to sleep. If that meant he needed to sleep with me, so be it. Also, I am not a fan of the cry it out method. It's just not for me. I know it takes a lot longer to "sleep train" your baby without letting him cry it out, but I just couldn't let my little baby lie there crying for me while I was just in the other room.
So it took a while, and I will admit that he still calls for me on many nights. But, he sleeps on his own, in his own bed, in his own room, with assurance that mommy will always come when he needs her.
That being said, I would gladly take more sleep faster this time around if at all possible. Up to this point, Harper has been sleeping with me. We cuddle, he eats, I change diapers, then we cuddle again. And it seems to be working fine. However, if history tells me anything it's that children get used to things, and old habits die hard. Very hard, creating mommy zombies in their path. So, I have been waiting for week 4 to begin the "sleep training".
Why week 4 you ask? Well let me tell you. I have noticed a difference between my boys. Namely, the need to suck. Gideon didn't really care for it, but Harper seems to really be soothed by the sucking. When you're breastfeeding it is recommended to wait until 4 to 6 weeks to introduce a pacifier. Thus, the 4 week mark. Every time I would put this child down for a nap he would wake up. Every time. Give him a finger to suck on, and he's out like a light. So I decided not to fight the sleeping with me until the introduction of the pacifier.
Thus begins our sleep story. As I write this Harper is sleeping. In the co-sleeper. By himself. With a pacifier. I know, I know, he's not quite 4 weeks, but the boy is a porker, and has no problem nursing, so I think we're in the clear.
Let's just hope history does not repeat itself.
Happy sleeping!
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