The downside to parenting.

I can't give Isabella everything she wants. Mostly, because it isn't good for her. But tonight I am trying very hard to get her to sleep in her own crib, because she prefers to sleep in my bed, in my arms. Sleeping with her makes me stiff, sore, and I don't sleep well. These are things that give more power to the fibromyalgia. If I can get Isabella to accept sleeping in the beautiful bed we got for her, She will sleep better, I will sleep better, and we will both be happier people. And, I will be in less pain.

The problem is, she doesn't want to sleep in there. And I want to give her what she wants. So now we are in a struggle. *sigh* parenting often involves some sort of struggle. Soon enough I will be typing about weaning, too, as I am still breastfeeding a one year old who is very much a diva. At least we made some progress with nursing less often. we had one good night of sleep and then it got worse on an epic level.

what else can i type about tonight? depression is getting to me. I feel so confused as to why my life must be lived this way. I am having a hard time struggling to be inspired by anything at all, really. I can't let myself fall into the pity routine but it's so, so tempting.

What will I do when I have to really encourage Zander to potty train? I am forever being grateful that Mason is 100% out of diapers. Diaper changes are tough for me, but try to get a wriggly tot to sit on the potty makes my back ache like I am 110. It's all part of the struggle.

So, tonight I did modified crying it out for Isabella. I read her some stories, gave her lots of snugglies, and offered her the sippy cup she likes as much as I can. I laid her in her bed and tucked her in, caressing her cheeks and hair. I told her I wold be back in a few minutes to check on her, and of course she was upset. I went back after only one minute, tucked her back in and comforted her, then did the same thing, telling her she is okay, and that i would be back momentarily. I went back after 2 minutes several times, then 3, then 4. I thought i might give in but she started settling in. It was working! finally she was asleep- faster than when i let her have her own way at night! Hard to believe it. I know she will throw a bigger fit tomorrow but I am sticking to my guns. I am offering her lots of extra attention during the day though because this is not just one step for her, but two- she is used to nursing to sleep in my arms and sleeping with me. I am now having her fall asleep without nursing in her own bed in her own room. (I know it must be torture to have to go to sleep in a beautiful bed with soft, pretty bedding and a room painted and designed just for you, Isabella, but you will have to get used to it anyway)


I did this with Zander and it worked immediatly and he is still a very easy kid to put to bed. I wish I had done it with Mason when he was younger because he can be stubborn if he wants to. Luckily, if he is tired, he doesn't mind going to bed. The only real struggle there is that he always wants to drink chocolate milk immediatly before falling asleep. I always say no. It's water or nothing, because it will wreck his teeth.

well, that is enough for tonight. Here is hoping for a better night's sleep.