After much deliberation, reading and discussion with other mommies- Rick and I have decided it's time to suck it up and "sleep train" Kieran. I have always been opposed to the CIO (cry it out method)... that is until it became clear that my four month old son did not know how to soothe himself and that Rick and I can no longer swing his 16lbs + the car seat for 10-15 minutes everytime he needs to go to sleep! And recently, as of the last two weeks or so naps have become increasingly elusive and he has been waking more and more every night. In fact I am typing this at 4:45 in the morning after having been up for over two hours trying to get Kieran to sleep and after other waking earlier in the night.
At the advice of friends, we are going to try to follow the schdedule in the book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. The theroy touts lots of sleep, a schedule and allowing a child to learn to self-sooth. This basicaly means we will be slaves to Kieran's sleep schedule, at least in the beginning until we can get him used to it. It also means lots of crying- most likely for mommy too. I dread the tears but am excited at the posibility of a baby who can sleep on his own and is therefore better rested and happier. Wish us luck in our little sleep "adventure", we will keep you posted as always.
