Do you feel like you are experiencing déjà vu? If you've been around for awhile, you will recognize this photo below as Nina's bedroom, pre-big girl bed. Well, guess what? This is also Nina's bedroom, today!
Yep, we moved her back to her crib. Remember how I mentioned in this post that she been having some, ah, nocturnal adventures? Well, those expanded into climbing onto furniture, falling off furniture, and skipping naps altogether, resulting in about 2-3 hours less sleep per day. Cranky little girl, cranky mommy. Bad!
The reason I share this with you is this: there has been a book that I have used religiously since Nina was a newborn. I read so many sleep books when she was an infant, desperate as I was to find some way to get more sleep for her and for us. "Sleeping Through the Night," by Jodi Mindell, was my favorite, and I credit it for Nina's status as a "good sleeper" (up until now, at least)!
So of course when we ran into these new developments, I immediately turned to this book. Unfortunately, she didn't have a ton of info on my particular problem, so I did what any blogger would do. I Googled her. I found her email address. She holds a PhD and teaches at a university in Philadelphia. I sent her a very polite and (I hope) appreciative email, describing our situation and asking what we should do.Here's where it gets really good. She wrote me back. Within 30 minutes, people. With a thoughtful and educated response. I was floored. And am also about ready to throw her a parade here in Denver. For those of you who have ever felt unsure of what to do in the world of parenting, or, for that matter, in life itself, you will recognize how valuable and rare it is to have a true expert swoop in and help you right when you are about to lose it. I am so impressed by this woman!
So I write this post to tell you how wonderful Dr. Jodi Mindell is, how much I love her book, and how peaceful it is to be sitting here during Nina's nap, knowing that she is sleeping well in her crib and that she just was too young, not ready for the switch to the big girl bed. We will try again in a few months when she is cognitively and behaviorally more ready to deal with lack of boundaries in a bed.
In the meantime, I will be sleeping through the night too! Works For Me!
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63 comments:
Enjoy your sleep...I always say good sleep..good mom!
-sandy toe
wow yes that is funny , I had the same issues with emma a while back and the doc saids maybe too early she hersef was not ready, when I changed her room and she was next to me instead of on the opp side wow what a difference . she is in a big girl bed and is doing ok , maybwe wakes up for a drink here and there at 6 am but we all are getting up any way .
but finilly the adjustment is working ..
I;m so glad that dr e-mailed you back and I hope she answered the questions
as a friend just know with an another new baby comes more stress for nina and she may just need that crib more then you know cause she will want to be the baby the # 1 in tyour life and not comprehend the difference between the two.. nina will want all the attention cause new babay is in town, so I agree take it slow means more sleep for now for you then take it..
god gives and takes well if sleep is the give if she has a crib i'll take it....
enjoy your day freind as hard as that was to regress backwards it might just be what she needede at this time . try again after the babay is born and she has time to adjust to it, and that will be a praise for her that wow this is the baby and this is the big girl ... look nina your a big girl see.... love ya relaxtx and sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.
michelle@circle of life...
I am so glad things turned out for the good. "Sleep tight" greetings to the little one, and a "good job" to the mom! Enjoy your rest!!
Honestely, who would want to leave that cozy looking crib?!
Nina's room is adoralbe.
Lea
xo
That was such good advice. I remember when my boys were babies, I was always so worried..because of a friends comments..that we weren't doing everything quickly enough. The truth is that sweet little babies have their own developmental time table and their own need to feel secure. It will happen when it happens. I'm proud of you too!!
Glad to hear that everyone is sleeping tight....zzzzzz:)
We had the similar issues when transitioning our second (all of my kids were out of cribs between 15 and 18 months due to the next little bundle's arrival). We're lucky to live in Dr. Ferber land -- one call and we were on our way to see him. Like you, I was due at any time and it was so reassuring to talk to someone who understood and had ideas. My second is still not a great sleeper, but we've come to realize that it's okay (the other two always sleep well) and she'll find her own way in time!
By the way, I nominated you for a Lemonade Award (?! - LOL) over at my homekeeping blog.
Aw...I'm glad you got things figured out. I think "big beds" can sometimes be a bit scary for children, which could prove that they're just not ready for the transition yet. I'm so impressed that the author of that book responded to your question in such a timely manner...that almost never happens! Glad she was able to give you some sound advice.
Here's to a good night's sleep for all! :)
Good for you! Enjoy your sleep while you can...!!! : ) I kept both of mine in their cribs for as long as I could. It was always a nice feeling knowing that they were "contained". What a great lady to respond back to your e-mail within 30 minutes! That's amazing!
That is awesome! It is wonderful that she got right back with you! I am glad you are all getting more sleep :)
But, now that I have looked at the creme painted brass bed, it is equally beautiful.
the time will be right. But, honestly you did an awesome job on that brass bed!
Lea
So glad she was able to give you some helpful advice. Enjoy those naptimes.
How's our baby progress coming along?
It's amazing how sleep can affect everything. I feel that if I get a good night's sleep, I can handle pretty much whatever the kids throw at me throughout the day. I also used that book, and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby. In the end, I also just do what I've got to do - whatever that may be at the time. good luck.
i'm so excited about your post! i can't wait to get on the phone with my sister. she and her husband have been having a time with their newborn and his sleep habits. i'm recommending that she pick up this book asap! hope nina gets back into a routine and all can rest again at your house!
~nicole
How wonderful! That was so kind of her to help you out. I read an article not long ago saying that most children are not ready to move to "big beds" until the age of 3--like you said, they aren't ready for the lack of boundaries. My 2 1/2 year old is still in his crib, too!!
Wow! That's great that she emailed you back...and so soon!!
How wonderful that she emailed you back with an answer! That's really amazing to me. And what's even better, is that it worked! I'm happy for you. I have sleep issues with my 3rd. Getting him to bed is a near impossibility...and yes, it all happened with the switch to the big boy bed. Wish I'd had your foresight...I wonder if he'd go back in a crib now...ha ha.
Ahhh- used that book too when we were having sleep issues! Wish I would have contacted her and gotten advice when M started climbing out of her crib at the ripe old age of 2!
So glad she is back to sleeping better and you can get a little sleep too. Take care.
Janet
I totally respect Jodi's advice and opinion. I have read her books before. I am so impressed that she immediately responded to you too. Enjoy your last few days of good sleep! HA HA!
Good to know as we are considering changing Jack to a big boy bed. He has slept in them a few times on vacation and such but now I will be more careful deciding when we are going to do it. Thanks.
How cool that the author wrote you back so promptly and helped you with the situation. I am so glad that you and Nina will be getting the sleep you need especially right before the new baby arrives.
I'm glad the sleeping is back to normal! That is so nice that she wrote you back so quick. I'll keep that book in mind when I have kids.
My son wasn't that great of a sleeper (or at least I didn't thinks so) I couldn't tell you how old he was when he slept threw the night. I nursed so every stir I thought he was hungry for you don't know how much they are getting. Then he didn't take the pacifer too much. As far as naps when he got older he didn't want to take them. I knew he would fall asleep in the car so I would say lets got see the horses. I would drive a little out of town where there were some horses. Well, he caught on to that after awhile and would say I don't want to see the horses!! Now that he is 13 he LOVES to sleep in!!
I think switching back to the crib was a very good idea. You will know when she is ready :o)
I will pass this along to my friends! Good sleep...good mom...I agree with Sandy Toes! :)
Awesome! Did you want to turn this into a WFMW ;) there are other ladies who would most likely love this.
Don't you love it when people aren't too 'big' to respond. And particularly when you get the help you need.
Thought of you and the girls, I actually did a craft yesterday in front of the Inauguration/before our big snow fun! One day I'll share it, it turned out! :)
I'm so glad for you, there's nothing a mommy expectant or not, needs than good sleep. How wonderful to have an expert to call on!
That's really amazing that you got such a quick and helpful response!
Shilo
That's very impressive that she emailed you immediately - so nice to have an answer and a confirmation.
I am glad to hear you are getting your sleep again. I will also be running to my bookstore to find this book. Aidan has all of a sudden decided sleeping is not what he wants to do anymore, and I am looking for new ideas on what to do. Thanks for the tip!
Please, go to our blog and pray for my boss and spread the news to all.
You need your sleep! Don't worry she'll get it although I have a 4+year old still in a crib with a crib tent over it but I need my sleep and so does he! As long as he fits and is safe and sleeping I don't care. Can you answer a question about your daughter's room? I love that long shelf you have up . . . did you do that yourself? If so any tips, I might do something like that in my children's room. thanks!
Wow, that is wonderful. I always say to what is best for your family.
I wish I knew about this book 9 year ago when Anna would not sleep and I mean notsleep anywhere. She is a good sleeper now but dang she better be at 9 year old.
Sleep tight!
we've been having problems with our son too since we moved him over to a bed. any advice on what to do if they climb out of the crib too? no point in moving him back to a crib if he just climbs out of it. :-/
Wow, I can't believe you thought to email her let alone the fact that she emailed you back...in 30 minutes! Good for you! Nina will probably be more ready when she sees a baby sleeping in a crib, you can convince her to be a "big girl" and not sleep in one.
Are you going into labor anytime soon? Bet you wish you were!
-Desiree
So glad you guys are catching some much deserved zzz's and quiet time again! Momma needs some down time after all!
Sleep well hugs~ Les
Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. :)
Jo
Woah! I'm impressed that she wrote and so quickly. Thanks for sharing this and if Greg and I ever have children, we'll buy her book. How fantastic that she came to your assistance and obviuosly gave you sound advice!
I love this book too. I am currently having sleep issues with my 14-month old first child. I noticed a huge difference right away. We are still experiencing bumps in the road and the occasional set back. But her advise is right on.
I love that book too. You hit the nail on the head-when she is ready in all ways, then it will work. All my three boys are amazing sleepers-colic and food allergies even-and that book and Babywise were my "Baby Bibles"
Good luck-You have another one on the way, you really need your sleep right now!
Wow!
Sweet dreams, momma!
That's wonderful! How thoughtful & kind that was of her to write you back -love that! I'll have to be sure & tell my friend about this book. I hope you're getting some much needed rest! :)
Well, hope Nina sleeps better back in her crib. Lord knows you need rest and so does she! That book is a really good book. I referred to it during Isaiah's early years for some sleep assistance.
Happy Wednesday!
P.S. The place I went and had sushi was actually in Thornton. I think it was like Sushi Tokoro or something like that. Really good! I have a new love and appreciation for sushi!
That's so nice she wrote back with great advice for you! :)
I might have to try reading this book myself! How old is your little girl? Mine is a little over two years and she WON'T take a nap during the day. It's exhausting to me but she NEVER seems tired. She's even hard to get into bed at night, but maybe that's a sign of her tiredness. Good luck with your sleeping issues! :)
That is fantastic that not only did she write you back, but also so quickly! I think she's a columnist for Parents or one of those parenting magazines.
My (almost) three year old still is in his crib and loves it there, so I'm not rocking the boat!
~ Sarah
Whatever works is my motto. I hate to tell you this but you know when they're teenagers you're back to no sleep again. So rest up while you can! Mimi
I'm so glad you got the answer you were looking for. I bet you feel so relieved. I know that we decided to wait to transition our daughter from the crib. She'll be 3 years old in April, and we just did it only a few weeks ago. I think it is definitely an age thing, so I bet she'll be ready later on. Plus, with the transition of having the new baby soon, she'll probably enjoy having some familiarity of the crib. Stock up on that sleep. :)
Good for you for finding a solution that works well for BOTH of you. Here's to good sleepers and a happy mommy!
AAAAH!! I cannot believe she wrote you back. I LOVE HER!! That book was the best thing in the world for us with both of my girls. She is so inspiring when everyone else thinks you should just put them in the room, shut the door and let them cry until morning. I love her so much and the fact that she wrote you back makes me love her more!!!
So good to know...I will be adding this to my reading list!
WOW...that is awesome that she got back to you within 30 minutes!! Hey, next time I am in the city, I can drop in and say hello to her...only kidding!!
I might have to grab a copy of that book, we have major sleeping issues going on in our house....Sarah is in our bed more than her own...
As always, thanks for the tip!!
Lisa
Amazing! I love that she wrote to you back. And I am glad to hear she told you to put her back in her crib. It is making me feel better about not taking my 2 year old of the the crib yet. I am already a fan of this lady. Maybe I need to look into her book for my upcoming baby. (I know I don't know you, but found you through other blogs and love reading yours!)
It works for me too! I read them all and I liked her approach. that is awesome that she wrote you back. My sons are 2 years apart and I decided to buy an inexpensive crib so that we didn't have to move my older son too soon. I say a contained child is a good thing!
He's still in his crib and will stay as long as we can squeeze him in there. BTW he is able to climb in and out, but he never does!
Holly
That is really impressive that you got a response and it was at lightning speed! So glad you got your problem solved.
YES CAN SISTER.. COME BACK TOMORROW i have one other story that happened in teh bank but I THINK 3 NEW POSTA IS ENOUGH!!!
YOU SHOULD BE SLEEPING SISTER!
So I left a comment (for the first time I might add--thanks too for visiting my blog) on your story about your daughter's new bed. I was telling you all about the WILD success we have had using the Supernanny's tricks with our son, who is 22 months and has been in a bed for the last two months.
WELL...the VERY DAY that I wrote you bragging about our wonderful sleep and wonderful son and wonderful parenting and all of our general awsome-ness, the kid would not sleep. I spent two hours that night coralling him back into bed. And the next night. And then the next night. And every night for the last few weeks. His little brother got bumped down to the pack n play so that on particularly trying nights he can sleep in the crib.
Doesn't it just work that way? I think I may avoid giving advice. And I will also be ordering the book you reccomended!
I will definitely keep this book in mind as we continue our adoption process!! :D
I feel your pain! My boys are 16 months apart, so we moved my oldest into a big boy bed at 14 months. There was a rough patch, but he adjusted fine. My second son, was no where near ready that early because he was more of an adventurer like Nina. KIDS!
Wow, that is amazing that she emailed back so quickly. I think several readers will be checking out that book!
Baby Wise worked great for me with my first but next time around I'll def check out her book.
Yay for you getting more sleep. Hope baby comes soon for your sake. :)
Thanks for the comment on my blog regarding this book. I'm going to look into purchasing it, but when do I find to read it! :) Any tips or good book recommendations on potty training???
I love that you emailed her. That's awesome! My guy is going through a nap strike and it is awful!! I understand the need for good sleep!
And I'm insisting he stay in his crib as long as possible!
What a beautiful room Nina has!! I came upon your blog by looking up Jodi Mindell's name and I am so thrilled to read how responsive she was to you. WONDERFUL! I just ordered her book from Amazon today and am even happier I did now that I read your post.
I hope Nina is sleeping better...
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