Finally Figuring Out the Witching Hour

From about mid-December until a week and a half ago, we were dealing with a seriously cranky baby from about 4:30 until 7 to 9 or so. He would cry and cry and we had no idea what to do to help. Feeding him didn't do anything. Holding him didn't help. We were at a loss and so frustrated.

Finally, after reading some books and talking to my mommy friend, Maren, we decided to try instituting more regular nap times during the day. The rule of thumb was to try not to let him stay awake for more than two hours at a time and to let him sleep as long as he wanted once he was down.

Well, this has been a miracle. Not only has the witching hour disappeared (knock on wood), but I am now enjoying a little extra time to get work done around the house while the little guy naps. It's a win-win!

5.75 hours of sleep in a row!

Last night, Joaquin went to bed at 6:45 and did not wake up to eat until 12:30! Wow. I hope this continues!

Sleep!

Joaquin slept for 5 1/2 hours in a row just now. So, of course, here I am at 3:45 am blogging because I am not tired! I guess my body is so used to not getting real sleep these days that if I get 5 1/2 hours in a row, it feels fully rested and ready to go.

Hopefully in 20 more minutes I will be able to sleep again.

Yay! Real naps have begun!

Thanks to a great tip from my mother-in-law, we have succeeded in starting actual naps. It all began when I (reluctantly) left Joaquin with Dayle and Nini on Christmas day to go to the movies with the rest of the family (a Nunez tradition on Christmas). I was having a hard time being away from Joaquin for that long. Three hours away from him was a record.

When we returned from the movie, I nervously asked how he had done - hoping he hadn't been too fussy. Dayle pointed to my little guy, fast asleep on a blanket on the kitchen table! He stayed sleeping there for another hour or so after I returned.

Jay and I attempted this on our own when we got home. And it worked! Yesterday, Joaquin took three naps on the table lasting over an hour and a half each. It was fantastic. I was so excited that I did about 6 loads of laundry, cleaned the house, paid some bills and was generally very productive. I really should have napped with him though. Oh well - next time!

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