CIO - that's online parent-speak for "Cry It Out." It's just what it says, a method of getting the baby back to sleep by letting him cry his sad little eyes out. Well, it sucks. We gave it an honest-to-goodness try last night for the first time. We've kind of tried in the past, but usually caved in after a few minutes. But I'm getting ahead of myself ...
About a month and a half ago, Alex got sick for the first time. Before then he was sleeping through the night, but after he got sick he started waking up several times a night. Then, about two weeks ago, he got another ear infection. Ever since then, his sleeping has gotten even worse. With one night being the exception, every single night for the past two weeks, Alex has ended up on the couch or in bed with us. He may wake up off and on the first couple of hours, but then it's like clockwork: at 2:30 a.m. he starts screaming crying and will not stop no matter how long we stand there and pat his bottom or give him his pacifier. Andy suspects that Alex has got us figured out - he knows that we will eventually give up. I'm not so sure he's that smart yet, but I don't have a better explanation.
Anyway, last night we were at our wits end. At 2:30 on the dot, he started crying. We lay (laid?) there in bed and listen to him cry. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes. By this time, it was blood-curdling, on-the-verge-of-vomiting screaming. And crying always sounds worse over a baby monitor, for some reason. Andy caved. He brought Alex to bed. The crying must have worn him out, though, because he slept very soundly the second he hit our bed (he usually wakes up a few more times, just for fun). For about an hour after being brought to our bed his breathing was staggered, punctuated by hiccups; the way you do after a good, hard cry. I felt a little guilty, but I also have visions of trying to convince a seven-year-old little boy that it's not normal to still sleep in the bed with his parents. Besides, if Alex ever wants a little brother or sister, he has got to cut this out. 'Cause it ain't happening otherwise.
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A glimpse into the daily life of the Dyer Family
1 comment:
So, I'm one of those CIO advocates. At least it worked wonders with my kids. It really, really does suck, but thankfully I have two children that go to sleep on their own now and sleep continuously through the night.
You'll figure it out! And as far as the second baby issue...sometimes I wish I could use the kid in the bed excuse on hubby! ;)
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