When we last saw our heroes, Evie was sleeping through the night but getting up very early (4:30 or so).  At first we were pretty excited about that because it was such an improvement over what it had been.  But 4:30 sure is super, super early and it started to be a problem.  We decided to make a rule that she couldn’t get out of her crib before 5:30.  This meant that before long I was back on the floor again in her room.  Usually I drifted in and out of sleep for about an hour while she alternately slept, played or cried.  Finally, at 5:30 (or a little before if I couldn’t take it) I would get her out of the crib.

So we weren’t back to square one by any stretch of the imagination, however, the more things change the more they stay the same.  We decided that at bedtime we would try putting her in bed and letting her fall asleep on her own, rather than reading or singing until she fell asleep.  I was hoping that she would at least become more comfortable to spending time alone in her crib.  I don’t care if she wakes up at 4:30 if she just plays by herself; it was my involvement that I had a problem with!

So we figured she would howl when we left, but she really didn’t.  She cried a little bit for maybe two minutes, and then she was out.  I guess she inherited her parents’ ability to fall asleep fast!  Nap time was a little bit tougher, but she never stayed awake for longer than 15 minutes and we never had to go back in more than once.

And then the most amazing thing happened!  After maybe the second day, Evie just started sleeping in!  She went to bed around 8:10 and slept in to 6:30.  This has been going on for about a week, so it seems to be permanent now.  This morning she slept until 7!  7!  That might not sound like much to you, but 7 is a long, long way from 4:30.  Even to type the sentence fills me with joy!

Clearly she learned some skills that help her fall back asleep without our help.  That was the main thing.  But I think there were also some ancilary things going on as well.  I think that she was at the right age for it.  I think, in retrospect, I also must have been something of a distraction to her.  Certainly when I was trying to read her to sleep she would be silly: playing peekaboo behind the bars, playing with her blanket, kicking the side, etc.  So I guess it works better if I am just out of her hair.

Within just a few nights, she was certainly down with our new routine.  Now as soon as I put her in the crib she says, “Door!” and points.  So, I think our new found sleeping bliss may just be permanent!