Resting her cheek upon her hands, her face soft and content, my little one falls to sleep. It has been several weeks now that she has been sleeping in her own room and in her own bed. I feel so many things all at once: happiness (for her independence), gratitude (for my family’s restful nights), and a bittersweet ache (that my baby is growing up). “Sweet dreams,” I whisper to my sleeping angel. And then quietly, ever so quietly, I leave her room.
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{ 8 comments }
Hope, yes, I think so. And so far as weaning goes, I guess just listen to your instincts. I had mixed feelings about night weaning, though I ultimately decided it was going to make me feel more energetic and enthusiastic for daytime mothering. Still, it was hard . . .
Ruth, thank you! And yes, we are expecting that our bed will be full again in another 5 1/2 months with both the arrival of our new baby and revisiting from Annabelle. Your story about how your kids joined you in your room to share in the AC made me laugh. I remember something similar to that happening when we were growing up too. Also, you remind me, again and again, of some of the A.P. moms who come back to speak at our local chapter meetings (they are so inspiring). If you’re ever in the D.C. area, I’d love to have you come to one of our meetings. =)
Aw, so sweet and how cute! What an accomplishment! Don’t worry, your bed will be getting “crowded” again before too long . . . and don’t be surprised when Annabelle moves back in for a bit, too! I’ll never forget the summer that the only room in the house that had AC was our bedroom and the three kids moved in with sleeping bags, affectionately referring to it as the “big bedroom!” It was fun . . . and they’re all in rooms of their own now . . . two of them even in their own houses! It all works out . . .
So adorable! That is bittersweet, but I’m sure your body and your new baby thank you. I’ve realized after reading your last post on weaning and observing our path lately that I’m not ready to give up night feeding after all (with Del at 14 months). Funny how these things go. It seems the right time will find us.
Courtney, I have to say that I was hesitant to make the transition, but it seems like she is sleeping better and even naps with greater ease during the daytime too (for the first time in 2 years I am able to get up from beside her to do something that I want to do . . . though napping wasn’t all that bad all of the time). And yes, of course, there is hope! When you’re ready (and Mikey too), your family, I imagine, will make whatever changes it needs and wants to.
Abbie, yes! Absolutely! Exciting, scary, and wonderful. I am sleeping so well (and so are Annabelle and my husband), which my body really needs since it is working on building another baby right now.
How exciting and scary at the same time, your little girl is growing up!
Oops, forgot to leave my name. It’s Courtney (Mikey’s Mommy).
And you thought the co-sleeping would NEVER end! Thanks for sharing…It gives me hope that I, too, may one day sleep through the night. Hopefully sooner than later.
she’s so sweet. I can understand the pain of even that slight separation.