That's how long it will take me to type this entry as one of my hands is holding a sleeping baby:)Actually 3 hours and 45 minutes is how long the boys slept last night. That's right, from 2:45 to 6:30! It's the longest stretch of sleep they've had since they came home. Unfortunately I failed to take advantage of this golden opportunity to get an extra snooze because after 2.5 hours I was busy watching the clock, wondering if they were starving and doing random "nose-checks" to make sure they were still breathing. Everything was fine.

I don't know if this was a fluke or if this can really be attributed to the technique I tried from The Happiest Baby on the Block. I got the book yesterday and decided to try a couple of tips that night. One mistake we were making was failing to establish a bedtime for the boys. Now I know what you must be thinking: a bedtime for a 5 week old is absurd and bordering abusive. I thought the same thing. But before you make that call to CPS, keep reading. The idea is to have baby spend his daylight hours in a well lit room with TV on, loud talking, everyday activities, etc. At the time that you would eventually like your older infant to be put to bed (for us it will be 8), you move baby to his sleeping quarters, turn out the lights, and put him in his bed. From that point until the next morning (daylight), all feedings and diaperings are done in the dark and with minimal stimulation. I tried it last night and things went really smoothly. I also used a night light (okay, a cracked bathroom door) instead of the television which I think helped as well. Whatever the case, we all had a great night and woke up feeling quite refreshed.

4 comments

1. Anonymous on July 26, 2007 at 9:39 PM

   So happy for all of you Larami! The boys are precious. Can't wait to see them. I remember falling asleep while nursing :) I would dream about nursing too and then wake up, look down and think he had gone missing. I don't think your bedtime is bad at all. We did something very similar and Zach has slept through the night almost every night since he was 3 months old. I'm so glad to hear everyone is doing well. Remember - they can't be too hungry if they're asleep. :) Jennifer Dacy

    
2. Anonymous on July 27, 2007 at 9:45 AM

   Larami, Congratulations on your beautiful baby boys!! I really enjoyed reading your blogs as they were full of emotion. See you at the class reunion...and don't forget to bring lots of pictures!!!
   Kime Smith, LHS c/o 97
   kimesmith@hotmail.com

    
3. Anonymous on July 27, 2007 at 11:27 AM

   I have read your blog over the last few weeks now and it has been incredibly inspirational as I am in the almost the same position you are. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I know it was probably meant for your family but I enjoy it very much. You're boys are beautiful.
   
   -Janice

    
4. Serg on July 28, 2007 at 10:23 AM

   Congrats!!!!! Love the pics you posted of your babies, they are absolutley beautiful.