Sleeping
So we are currently in the process of teaching Harrison to self-settle. We are going by a book (because we are first time parents and we don’t know what else to do!) and we calm him down, change his nappy and give him a bottle. Then we (and by that I mean Dylan) put him to bed and leave him for 5 minutes, then, if he’s crying, Dylan will (without talking) go in and give him a cuddle and then put him back in bed. Then we wait 6 minutes and go in and settle him, and then 7 minutes and so on.
This actually seems to be working as last night he didn’t need any cuddling and was asleep within the first 5 minutes. YAY!!!
So, its hard work and we feel mean but it will be better in the long run if he learns now rather then when he is 2 or 3.
Harrison and I went up North last Wednesday as Nana (my mum) is going to Wellington for 2 months and won’t see the little man for that long. We enjoyed ourselves with Harrison using his first clear and in the right context word “dog”. He says Mummummummum and Daddad - but only when hes upset or trying to tell us something so we aren’t sure whether these count.
Anyway he enjoyed playing with Niki and attempted to get her to chase him. She sat around, looked bemused and attempted to lick him whenever he came near.
He also tried to play with the “tat” but I discourage that as Billy scratched him last time.
Oh yes and Poppa said “no” to Harrison which resulted in tears and pouting and “mummummummum”.
May 5th, 2006 at 8:06 am
Glad to hear the sleeping thing is working for you. I did the same thing with Zack and I must say it does make life so much easier. It also helps them to get back to sleep on their own during the night if they happen to wake up which means more sleep for you and thats ALWAYS good! I had to laugh when you said he cried when he got told off…Zack went through the same thing, I think it still actually works on Mum to a certain extent. Her heart breaks and she gives him loves!