Guppy's lastest sleep update

Guppy is sleeping in his crib at night, and he is sleeping MUCH better.  A few weeks ago, we were still co-sleeping.  Yes, I was still sleeping with my 11-month-old baby!  Wow.  Time really got away from me on that one.  I was starting to worry that he would be in my bed FOREVER.  Don't get me wrong, I love cuddling with my baby all night.  I love not having to get out of bed to nurse.  I love knowing that my baby is sleeping safe and sound right next to me.  But with all that being said, I never wanted to co-sleep long term.  The reason Guppy stayed in my bed for so long, is because I just wasn't ready to admit that he was a big boy who needed his own space.  I wanted to cuddle my baby for a little bit longer.

Guppy demanded that I kick him out of my bed.  Seriously.  The kid was waking up every night between 2am-4am, and he was staying awake for HOURS.  He would pull my hair, scoot across the bed, try to pull up on the bed-rail, etc.  Basically, he did everything except sleep.  I was growing more and more angry about the situation, so I decided to make some changes.  At the time, he was also sleeping in his swing for all naps.  Since I was going to fix night-time sleep, I figured I might as well do nap-time too.

John took a week of vacation at the end of July, so I decided to take the plunge while he was home.   I figured I could use the support, since I am pretty bad about backsliding on the sleep front (as you know).  I know it is hard for all sleep training parents, but I just can't listen to my baby cry for very long.  But I was determined to make it work this time, because I was worried about Guppy's safety in my bed.  He was being way too active at night, while I was asleep or half-asleep.

I decided to use the Ferber method of going in to console Guppy in timed increments.  After deciding on my plan of action, I put him into his crib awake for his naps and bedtime.  He cried (as expected), but not excessively.  Most days, he cried for about 15 minutes at a each nap.  On a really bad day, it was about 30 minutes.  Nights seemed to go easier.  He was babbling to himself instead of screaming.  I got lucky internet.  VERY LUCKY.  The whole thing was pretty easy, and I forgot to even mention it on the blog (until someone emailed to ask about the sleep situation).

But it is not all roses over here.  Guppy still wakes once or twice per night.  He usually wakes to nurse around midnight and then again around 5am.  It is not perfect, but it is sooooo much better than it was before.  He was literally waking every 2-3 hours all night long.  So, I am happy with the progress we have made.  But what makes me happiest is knowing that Guppy is well-rested.

If he hasn't stopped nursing at night in a few months, I'll probably use the Ferber method at night too.  But for now, I am happy and excited about all of the sleep we have been getting!