It's been 5 months since Crew's horrible grand mal seizure. I can't believe it's been that long. After the seizure I was terrified and started sleeping with Crew... just in case he had another one. Now we've developed bad habits. Crew has really gotten use to having me with him. I haven't had a good nights sleep since. The seizures are under control but the sleeping isn't! Crew is a strong-willed little boy and has been known to cry it out for hours. I always give in because it's easier and everyone sleeps better when mom gives in.
It has to stop.
After visiting Grandpa and Grandma on Sunday night we decided to leave S & H there overnight so we could bring Crew home and let him "cry it out". He fell asleep about 10:00 pm and woke at his usual midnight. After letting him cry for a bit I went in and reassured him then went back to my bed.... AND I DID NOT BRING HIM WITH ME! Now, aren't you proud of me!
He cried and cried for probably 4+ hours. Tonight, I've got S & H settled down on the couches and we are beginning night 2 of "THE END OF THIS PHASE"! Lets hope he figures this out quick because I need my sleep back!
After a beautiful sunny weekend we woke this morning to about 6 inches of snow! DH was working on the basement so I tackled the task of shoveling the driveway. It felt great! The sun was shining and everything felt calm and peaceful.
I put in a half day at work. Grandpa and Grandma brought S & H to the office. They watched a movie in the kids room as I was finishing up and then I brought them home. School starts up tomorrow. Tuesdays are crazy because I drive carpool and I have to get the 3 boys and myself ready by 7:45 am. Crew catches the bus at 8:00 and then I head off to work.
I hate ending those phases. I so won't tell you about Ethan's sleeping arrangements. *grin*
ReplyDeleteGood job Mom. I know it is tough!
That's a HARD thing to end...but I'm proud of you for sticking with it...even tho I'm sure you had a HARD time of it! *hugs* You're doing well, mama!! :)
ReplyDeleteGood Job Mel. I'm proud of you. That is really a feat to listen to your little one cry for 4+ hours. I too hope this "ends this phase" so you can get a good nights rest.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad to hear that you finally got your turn to take advantage of the kids room. Sounds like the kids had a blast.
I also love the "# people make me happy."
We've been bringing Jack to our bed since his Grand Mal seizure as well. I dread the day we have to put him back in his own bed! Jack and Crew have very similar sleeping habits. I will keep you in my thoughts -- I am proud of you! Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that is so tough for you. However, in the long run, it will be best for you AND Crew. Hang in there. It will only get better.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you. It's not easy to let a baby cry it out, I can't imagine a 3 year old. Hope last night and tonight are a little smoother.
ReplyDeleteI must say this is a wonderful bit of parenting - doing what you know is in your child's best interest and acknowledging your own needs rather than continuing a pattern that reassured the both of you.
ReplyDeleteI STILL have to force myself in matters like this - and my kids are 30 and 32!! They no longer scream in the night, but my pull to rescue and comfort when they are struggling is not one whit diminished, even when I KNOW the right thing to do is let them sort out life's complexities on their own. I'm going to remember this posting of yours the next time one of my boys is in crisis. COMFORT, REASSURE - then GO BACK TO YOUR OWN ROOM. That will be my mantra. Thanks for setting a great example!