An Ode To Nap Time Part 2

This time last week I posted an Ode To Nap Time. Everyone who knows us, knows Chloe has definitely gone through her highs and lows when it comes to sleep in general. Did I mention I slept on the floor in her room more nights than not last week? And, again last night. It kinda stunk. All this is why this summer, I've been really determined to conquer this nap time beast.

Say hello to last Friday. I decided to try to start slowly backing her Disney couch back into her room from its destination in the hallway that it sits everyday at nap time. I placed it just inside her door on Friday. There was whining, crying, and all around unhappiness. I didn't let up though. We even made an agreement. If she agreed to stay in her room, I wouldn't put up the gate in the hallway. Ironically, she agreed and didn't leave her room!!! She definitely expressed her disgust with the situation, but she stayed put. I was SO SUPER DUPER PROUD of my baby girl! 

On the weekends it's a rare occasion to be home at nap time, so let's fast forward to Monday. Monday was GREAT!! I backed her couch up just about a foot further into her room. As nap time approached, I gave her some gentle reminders that nap time was coming, she would be sleeping in her room, I wouldn't put the gate up if she stayed...blah blah blah. When it was time, I took her to her room, tucked her in, and she said, "Div me hug mama. I div you a tiss! I wuv you!" And that was that! I walked out, no baby gate, no crying, nothing! Here's the proof!

I sent that message to my friends who know just how much of a pain nap time can be around our house. 

Here's Tuesday: Different day, same story!

Wednesday was no different, and today was even better. Today, she went into her room and LAID DOWN before I even told her it was nap time! Even better, I was able to scoot her couch back even further...probably another 2-2.5 feet!  Eventually we will make it to that bed of hers. :) 

Here's a pic of today's nap. In the picture on the left, I am standing where she used to nap in the hall. Look how far away she is!! The picture on the right is taken in her doorway where we first began this process of scooting back. I am one happy mama!

Celebrating!

Lori

 

P.S. Don't forget to check out tomorrow's 2nd edition of Pic A Day Friday!

An ode to nap time

Anyone who knows me knows that sleepy time at the Thompson house has never been a cake walk with Chloe. From the very beginning, she has been adamantly opposed to the word 'nap.' In her baby days, naps were quite often taken in mommy's arms for fear (and experience) of her waking up the minute I set her down. A good day was one where I could lay her down long enough to get a shower in.

Nowadays, nap time is even more important...and needed to avoid the terrible twos taking over! This summer I decided to sleep train Chloe. For months now, she has been successfully putting herself to sleep and napping for at least two hours at Jakki's house. Yet, at home, she's still rocked and throws fits. :\ We have been working hardcore on this all summer. Don't get me wrong, we've made HUGE strides. At the beginning of the summer, Chloe screamed and cried for over an hour. Through these tantrums she also learned to climb out of her crib. Ugh, bring on the toddler bed. Let me just tell ya, a toddler who is opposed to naps and all the freedoms that go with a big girl bed don't mix well!

Chloe still cries when I put her to bed. However, now, the minute I leave the room, she immediately drags her pillow, blanket, ele, and paci all into the hall. She lays down, whines a tiny bit, and then off to dreamland she goes. Success, right? Eh, kinda. Problem...she's in the HALL!!!! I CAN'T DO ANYTHING! I can't make a peep. Either way though, it's a tiny improvement and I'll take it.

I truly was feeling slightly successful until I got this message and picture from Jakki today.
'You are going to despise this. I laid Chloe down, she never fussed, never got up, and was asleep within 5 minutes.'

Ugh...this kiddo!!! Jakki's living my dream!

Lori