I know everyone has their own opinions on the Cry It Out (CIO) method of “sleep training”… with that said, we are CIO people. Well, some variation of CIO… we have been going back in to check on her (but not take her out of her crib) after 20 minutes, then 25, then 30, etc. Thankfully, Charlotte doesn’t often put us in a situation where this method is tested, as she typically goes to sleep pretty easily… or at least with only a little fussing.

For some reason, these past few days, she’s been exercising her lungs much more frequently at bed and/or naptime… and it’s killing me. Or at least today it is. She is now finally quieting down after a very long and painful 20 minutes. I know, I know… 20 minutes. But seriously, it’s been terrible. And, she’s not done. Just a little more settled than she’s been.

So, with all the pain of listening to our sweet girl howl, why do we let her cry? I can honestly say that my motivation is her. I know she is tired… exhausted even. She hasn’t had a good nap since early this morning and she needs some serious rest. However, if left to her own devices, our sweet girl would stay awake ALL day. She loves to hang out.

Earlier today, I went in to check on her after 25 minutes of howling, and within 30 seconds of seeing me, all cries had subsided and she had a huge smile on her face. That is a baby girl who just wants to hang out, but is in serious need of a rest.

So, I sit here, scratching the stress hives that have begun showing up on my body, hoping that this little nugget will tucker out and fall asleep soon.