Sleep Update: End of Week #1

So we've now gone for 8 straight nights of sleep training using the Mindell method (a modified Ferber method). And if you've been following my posts, you're probably sick of reading about this -- which is why I've waited a couple days to provide another update. Well, and I was just too excited tonight not to post about this project. So here's the summary from nights 6-8:

Night #6: just like the fifth night, this was somewhat demoralizing. Holden cried for 42 minutes, making this the worst night (for all of us). He was extremely fussy at bedtime, which might have been a true sign of this whole "extinction burst" thing that I kept trying to convince myself was happening each night.

Night #7: major break-through ... Holden only cried for 19 minutes. This was a full day of nap training that just about killed Bryna and myself (I came home to watch Holden and to be here when the plumber showed up, since our sewer pipe was backing up ... which added to the stress). We did make a couple changes to the bedtime and naptime situation, including adding some white noise using a sound machine and putting one of Bryna's shirts tied in knots in Holden's crib. Overall, this night was a huge moment, but only if it lasts...

Night #8 (tonight): Holy schnikes! Holden only cried 9 minutes tonight (and that was after a particularly fussy bedtime). Can I get a "boo-ya, grandma"!!! While the 19 minutes the previous night could have been a fluke, now I truly believe this is working, and that we're making major progress. What a freakin' relief! I had confidence that we could make it through this and that Holden would respond well, but those nights when he cried for 40-42 minutes were enough to make me question this whole method and process. But now I am leaning back toward worshiping Dr. Mindell (and the general belief in the whole "cry-it-out" sleep training method). Even our soon-to-be new pediatrician was completely in support of this sleep training (which boosted our confidence as this week neared its end). So anyway, without going on forever, we're just so glad that Holden is turning a corner here on this whole going-to-sleep thing. I feel like he's never quite ready to give in until mommy and daddy go through some serious stress, doubt, and a bit of crying.

Now it's time for Bryna and I to relax, have some of her patented Spicy Penne, some good Italian wine, and bask in the progress of the past week (and maybe even watch a movie ... how crazy would that be?!?!?!?). Not that this is over yet (because I'm not that stupid), but it's going in a good direction, which kind of re-energizes us and puts some much-needed wind behind our sails again.

p.s To all of you fellow parents who have sent us your own advice and success stories of sleep training through blogs, Facebook, or e-mail, a huge thanks! It means a lot to us to have a support community out there, even if it stretches from New York and Washington, DC, to Chicago and Austin, Texas.