Oh, what a week this has been! I don't think I've had such a frustrating week since she was brand new. I've been trying to establish a routine for Ella. Not a schedule, just a routine. Which pretty much means she wakes up, eats, plays for a little while and when she starts showing signs of being sleepy (usually about an hour after she wakes up), I put her down for a nap. Sounds simple enough, and it is. Until that "putting her down for a nap" part. Some times it's not so bad. I rock her for a few minutes, she starts to fall asleep in my arms, I lay her down and pat her back, she falls asleep and stays asleep. But most of the time, she fights falling asleep, even as she's yawning and rubbing her eyes; she wakes up and cries as soon as I lay her down and we have to start the process all over again; or she wakes up crying within a few minutes of me making it out of the room. I don't know what else to do really, just keep doing the same process over and over again and hope she gets the hang of it.
I refuse to let her "cry it out". It goes against every mothering instinct I have. I know it works for some people, but I just can't do it. However, I have been trying not to run in and "rescue" her every time she fusses. As long as the fussing doesn't escalate to crying, she usually falls back to sleep fairly quickly. My poor baby. I know she's tired and I can see how much better she feels when she gets good day time sleep. I don't know why it has to be so hard! I really hope it's just a phase she'll grow out of.
Speaking of sleep, here is proof that she does occasionally do it:
She's all decked out in her Aggie gear today for the Cotton Bowl. I can't be held responsible if she spits up all over it later...
*Disclaimer: Yes, she is sleeping on her tummy, but we have a video monitor and watch her at all times! It's the only way she'll sleep by herself.
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