Well I did it.

Finally after a week of contemplation. I had to let Chase just cry to sleep.
I have no choice right now, I have to do childcare. Chris and I have cut every expense possible. We don't have tv, not even a converter box, so we watch salt and pepper, we own both our cars, we don't have a home phone, gas and groceries are on a tight budget too. So, we are tossing any extra money right and left at all the medical expenses and other debts. (big praise my school loan was paid off in August!!!)

So with me watching 5 kids total, 2 my own, I had no choice but to let Chase cry it out. (I just dont have enough time for 3 naps and bed time, to soothe him for an hour each time) The past few days were very evident that he is very mature for his age. He is already insisting to spend time with us rather than sleep.
I made sure he was fed, burped, dry, etc, I rocked him and nursed him, and placed him in his crib......screamed. Chris tried to rock him. He quickly opened his eyes and started flashing those awesome smiles at Chris. I walked in a few minutes later, only to see them smiling at each other. okay, enough is enough. It was 1hour and 40minues of trying to get Chase to take a nap. At that point we are just robbing him of his sleep. So I decided if all he wants is to play with us, we need to respect his Need for sleep. So out we walked.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
pg. 215, there is no evidence that babies are harmed when they are allowed to cry.
pg. 215, different children require different approaches
pg. 220, keep in mind the distinction between a protest cry and sad cry. You are leaving your baby alone to let her learn to soothe herself to sleep. You are not abandoning her.
pg, 225, This is no different from being sensitive to her need to be fed or changed.
pg. 226, it's never to hot or cold to sleep well.
pg. 232, usually the total duration of wakefulness plus time of soothing should be less than two hours. ..... crying is the consequense of becoming over tired. ..... nap deprivation causes night waking.
pg. 235 contrary to popular belief, your child will not develop night-sleeping porblems if you include breast-feeding as part of the wind down process.....also contrary to popular belief it's not nessisary you always put him down fully awake. just be consistent.
pg. 239, teaching them good sleep habits and more importantly the ability to fall asleep unassisted is the best gift you can ever give!
pg.210 always consider you child's ability, temperment and your resources for prolonged daytime and nighttime soothing.



The last quote was the kicker. I don't have the resources to spend all that time with Chase right now. I have 5 kids to tend to. If he doesn't have a need, just a want, i have to let him sleep. I really don't like making a young baby cry. But my situation has changed from just having Carter, and Chase is just soooo different.

I have learned after having Chase. To each his own. I am greatful for the time spent with both Carter and Chase, sleeping in my arms, endless hugging, cuddeling and nursing, but now it's time for us all to get better sleep. I will be a better mommy now when we all get better sleep.

Besides like my mom tells me all the time. "Jolene, you cried all the time, and look we still have a great relationship now." I know my kids won't even remember this stage, and you know what, chances are I won't either.