Here we go . . . AGAIN. Need a little encouragement!

[katie80]

Hi All,
So, DD (2 yrs) was sick two weeks ago and then we were out of town for a week, and she's completely stuck on my help to get her to sleep (mostly by rocking her and then rubbing her back).  However, she's got a touch of spiritedness, so once she's feeling better the AP becomes a joke.  It's taken me 1 - 1.5 hr to get her to sleep the last couple nights and naps aren't much better.  Which all means she's spiraling fast into OT (while also cutting the last two of her 2 yr molars), and hasn't slept through for two weeks.  I know, great timing, right!

So, today's the day to drop it.  I'll do WIWO at nap and bedtime.  Her record is about 2 hr, and I feel pretty cr*ppy today (sore throat, coughing, achy), so really hoping it doesn't go that long.  She's also started to hike her leg up over the side of the crib, so I'm a little nervous about that.  I'm not sure if I'll do traditional WIWO or just stand outside the door and talk to her; will decide that as we go.

I'm really not looking forward to this (although I know it must be done), and I'm upset that I've let it get this far again.  Would you just give me a little hug and some encouraging words?  Thanks so much!     

[Tweakster]

(((hugs Katie)))  I just posted on Jo's thread about how we all keep ending up back on here posting when we've been doing sleep training so long.  What's up with that?  What is wrong with our children??? lol

Kidding. 

All jokes aside, you know it works, you have done it before, and hopefully since she's old hat at it now and knows that you mean business with this, it will be like just ripping off a Bandaid, nice and quick. 

Don't be hard on yourself, honestly, it's not YOU, it's THEM, believe me lol

[~Emma~]

(((((((hugs))))))) Katie. You can get this done in no time! 

 I totally get you on the AP becoming a joke to these spirited kids....thats Brodie all over. 

[katie80]

 

So... it's been 1 hr 15 min and I'm about to go get her.  I don't think she laid down once.  My limit at nap time is usually 1 hr, but she started to do more moaning at that point, so I've let her go, but she's having spurts of louder cries again now. 

What do I do?  In the past, I've always taken her for a little drive so bedtime isn't terrible, but DH thinks that should stop.  She's over 2, after all.  But, she's never had a no nap day, she's teething and OT already.  It seems like she'll just get worse.

I've always started WIWO with bedtime and made sure she's had enough rest during the day, with a drive or whatever, because she's SO sensitive to OT, but I wanted to try to be tough today.  Arggh!

Yes, Wendy - I totally thought we'd be over sleep training by now!  What's the deal???

[Tweakster]

Sure I agree with DH that it should stop...but has anyone told Claire lol?  Personally unless DH is going to be there to take the brunt of the OT and repercussions of a teething toddler with a no-nap day then I say do what you have to do.  When those teeth are in and she can't blame discomfort, then you can take the hardline.  But imagine you were feeling crappy  because your teeth were just aching and you were so out of sorts due to traveling and recovering from illness - wouldn't you want someone to drive you to sleep?  That's how I look at it anyway.  If Finn's not feeling crummy then I take a much harder line.  But IMHO age doesn't have a lot to do with it.  It's about how they are feeling and what they are going through at the time.  If Finn felt awful 10 years from now, and could not get to sleep, I would rock, drive, rub his back, whatever he wanted!  You know her best so if you think she's not well and going to get worse, then drive girl.

[*Becky*]

I agree with Wendy. Do what you have to do while she is teething. xxx

[~Emma~]

 I agree too. Even just a short drive coupled with a super early night.


(((((hugs)))))

[katie80]

Thanks, girls.  This came at the worst time, really, in terms of teething.  She's pretty much been going straight since July with canines and molars, so I think we've all just kind of had it, as she sits on the edge of OT while teething.  But, you're right, Wendy, taking the hard line and not getting her any rest isn't fair either.  I guess I so want to not have my life revolve around getting her into bed at the right time without any help, I'm getting a bit desperate.  Really don't want to deprive her what she needs, though. 

So... took her for a drive from 2 - 3 pm.  She was out fast!  Then, went to one of her favorite parks, so we at least had a little fun today.  Had her in bed at 6:20 pm; did WIWO for ten minutes and that was it!  Asleep at 6:30 pm!   

I did have to put her blankie over her ONE time and each time I opened the door to say my phrase I blew her a kiss (which are things she kind of expects) and I guess if that's the extra assurance she needs right now, I'll do it.  When she's not teething/OT, she rarely asks for those extra things, so I'm hoping they don't create a problem. 

Thanks for the support, ladies, you truly are the best!  I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow for nap, but right now I'm happy for the peace and quiet and the evening with DH! 

[*Becky*]

right now I'm happy for the peace and quiet and the evening with DH!

enjoy

[~Emma~]

 How was your night?


(((((hugs))))))

[babybarr]

(((hugs))) Katie for today.  Hope the nap went / is going well.

[Tweakster]

See she got her nap and you had some quality time with her - would not have happened if she didn't nap.  Sometimes it's the little things.  (((hugs))) for today.

[katie80]

would not have happened if she didn't nap.  Sometimes it's the little things. 

So true!  We both would have been real cranky all afternoon if there was no nap!

Haven't done the nap yet today, BUT she did an almost 12 hr night and woke up calling out for me, but started chatting soon after, which hasn't happened in SUCH a long time.  Whew! 

Thanks for all the hugs!  They truly help!! 

[Tweakster]

Woo!  Hang in there kiddo.

[~Emma~]

Yay for the 12 hour night. i heart those!