Sleep Training, Night 1

Last night Sabine was so tired that she was rubbing her eyes at 7. Amazingly, she stayed awake until 8, and we had a pleasant bath time and bedtime. I prepared Arabella for the evening by telling her that Sabine likely would be crying a lot, but that Sabine would be fine, and Arabella was not to come to Sabine's room nor call out.

I nursed Sabine as usual, but didn't turn out the light or use the boppy (nursing pillow). When she stopped nursing and closed her eyes I cuddled her for a moment, kissed her cheek, laid her in bed, and turned out the light. For a moment she was still and quiet, then she wriggled, then kicked, then began to cry. Eventually she began to scream, and after thinking for a moment I decided to Ferberize, and I patted her one last time, said I loved her and walked out. She howled. I could hear her yelling "MOM! NONONONO!" (to others it would sound more like Mam, nah-nah-nah-nah!) which was quite wrenching, but I held firm.

I went back after 5 minutes, and she pawed me hysterically. I stroked her cheek, kissed her head, and laid her back down. She cried for another 7 minutes, but gave up before the 10 minutes were up. After another 5 minutes I took my shower, and there was not a peep. She woke at 12:30 and again at 4 and 6:30, and each time I nursed her and put her back in the crib awake. Each time when I went to get her, she was still laying down, under her blanket as I had left her. And each time she cried for a shorter time (at 4 she cried for less than 2 minutes, and her heart wasn't really in it, it was just protest). At 6:30 she might have been willing to sleep if I would have snuggled with her, but wasn't wanting back in the crib. She was awake, but I expect she will nap well today.

Part of the reason for doing this is that at some point Arabella and Sabine will have to share a room, and probably sooner than later (like when we travel) and I want both to be able to sleep without long drawn-out rituals.