doing what needs to be done

We haven't ever taught Bec how to sleep on his own. When he first came home from the orphanage, we were so set on bonding and attaching, he slept with one of us from the very beginning. I'm sure that he went to sleep on his own in Ethiopia, but it was such a huge transition for a baby that we began cosleeping that first night.

Well, the child has probably slept with us 97% of the nights since. And it is starting to get really old. He sleeps on his own on his cot at daycare no problem. He is asleep within 10 minutes of laying down after his lunch time. It is really cute as I've watched him through the window many times in amazement how easily he gets himself to sleep there. He turns his little face a certain way and fixes his blanket just so. Then he is out like a light.

Home is a totally different story. He needs so many different variables in place before he even considers going to bed. He needs many little transition/comfort objects that take forever to find because he is always sneaking into them and scattering them all over. Then someone has to lay with him. He watches a movie and we come in to lay with him when it is over if he is still awake. He is always still awake.

Whichever one of us lays down with him will fall asleep in his bed. then we will wake up and head to our own bed. Lo and behold the child will come find us at least once during the night. We always break down and sleep with him or let him sleep with us. Keeping him in his own bed is as difficult as coming up with a diet pill for men.

Tonight I've started battling his bedtime routine. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck. I know that I have to be dedicated and consistent. The other two can sleep on their own. It's time that chris and I did the same service to Bec.