We are now on day 5 of the Ferberization. Brady has adjusted well. We correlate the level of success with the number of minutes spent crying (by both Brady and us). To both of our delight the number of tears and the number of minutes have greatly decreased since day one. I'm thrilled because when I initially began reading the book there was one bit that really stuck out to me... the "What to do when things aren't working" section. I had a sinking feeling that that portion of the book was going to be highlighted and read through at least 50 times. Well, toss the highlighter out the window, we Shannon's have made it!
When I began typing this post I put Brady down for a nap. He began his typical fuss pattern and I started the timer. Today the wait times are 10, 12 and 15 minutes. Over the past 4 days Brady hasn't even made it through the first waiting period. He zonked out in under 5 minutes flat. BUT since I started typing a brag story Brady decided that a bit more protest was needed. He just has to bring me back down to earth. He has now been crying for 16 minutes and 11 seconds. It's a war of the wills! Only 4 and a half minutes until his next comforting visit. This is tough! Brady isn't a fair fighter. He sticks his bottom lip out and cries "mama." Totally unfair. Maybe I should rename this post "work in progress."
Well, it's been 23 minutes and 14 seconds and Brady finally fell asleep. Thank GOD! It appears that he was testing to see if we were still sticking to the method and the answer is a big fat YES. I would like to add a few more things to the Ferber formula:
1. A bottle of wine
2. A 3rd party immunized to your child's cry
3. Ear plugs
4. Another bottle of wine
2 comments:
We feel your pain! This was the hardest thing we had to got through with Tyler his first year. It does get better and everyone will be happy once you're all sleeping well. We're thinking of you all!
P.S. - What an angel he is sleeping in the top picture!
It is so tough. I remember countless nights of this with our Brady...me crying longer than him I think. But, it does work! Thank goodness I haven't really ever had to do that with Ella. Glad to see you are all doing well. We need to get together soon...haven't seen you in a while.
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