Sleep Training

I have to say, as a Mommy, sleep training is about as hard as it gets (so far!). Its something we should have done a long time ago, but due to the circumstances of living on the boat and all, we didnt. John has always been a good sleeper but he has learned to fall asleep being rocked with a bottle... Well, he is getting to be a big boy and we are trying to teach him how to fall asleep on his own. Mandy and Jed gave us the book they used with Owen which is ther Ferber Method "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems" by Richard Ferber, M.D. He has a schedule for letting the child cry it out (CIO) starting with 5 minuets and gradually increasing the intervals. Tonight is night 3 and John cried for 15 minutes and then I went in to reassure him (as the book says) and he cried another 10 minutes before he fell asleep. I was truly encouraged after last night when he only cried for 6 minutes! Today at nap time he had a hard time too- crying for an entire hour (checked on in regular intervals)!!! Jeff was down working on the stairs to the beach (I'll post pictures tomorrow!) so he wasn't here to offer moral support. Hearing your child cry and not soothing him has got to be the worst feeling in the world. That said... John is now sleeping and all is quiet. Last night he slept from 8-8... he rarely sleeps in that late! I even have the coffee maker set to start my morning brew at 7:15 because I know he'll be up by then! So much for fresh coffee this morning. I'll keep you posted (my loyal what, 5 readers?) on our progress with sleep training.