Sleep Challenged

Past this week at the daycare, Benjamin has been having a strong aversion to sleep. Poor Ben and poor babysitter! She remarked how he has the stamina to cry and scream continually. We have been e-mailing constantly to think of a better way to help him sleep, but I was running out of suggestions fast. Finally, yesterday I decided to throw in the towel and try to get Benjamin to sleep on his own in the crib. Naturally, he immediately started protesting and crying. I signed to him, it is time to sleep and that I love him. After hugging and kissing him, I left his bedroom promptly but watched him from the baby video monitor in the living room. I can see how he was crying and screaming. Every inch of my body was tempted to run to his crib to soothe him, but I knew I have to endure for at least ten minutes. It felt like eternity! After a while, I can see he was starting to calm down a bit. Crying continually sure can wear you out. Finally, he decided to fall asleep. He did wake up in the middle of the night, but I definitely think we are on the road to success. As a matter of the fact, he is sleeping in his crib right now.

Today he did not even take a nap at the daycare. What? Both the babysitter Sarah and we decided that we will work on setting up specific nap time and bed time for Benjamin. I believe that the kids do better with a daily routine, of course, with some flexibility especially during the weekends. Past this summer we were wayyyyy flexible because Luis did not have to work (he's a teacher). Now school starts for yet other new school year, we are once again trying to settle into a daily routine. Of course, I am certain that happens to practically all parents though.

Oh hey, I just saw Michael Phelps winning 100m butterfly....just barely! AMAZING. Way to go!