Lessons on Sleep

I have thought and read a lot about sleep since Michayla was born. I am no expert and probably know less today that I did to start! Here are some things I have learned though:
1) A baby`s sleep needs will change drastically in the first two years. Be prepared to make a lot of adjustments.
2) It is always better to err on the side of sensitivity towards your baby.
3) Sleep regressions, changes in sleep needs, travel, changes in routine, shots, teething and sickness can all throw off your baby`s sleep. Be prepared to have a lot of rough spots here and there.
4) It isn`t about my wants or needs, it is about what the Spirit is directing us to do when it comes to wanting to help Michayla sleep better. Yes, God wants to be involved even in things like sleep. He has definitely convicted me of being selfish here and there when it comes to sleep.
5) Culture, family, friends and books can all influence the decisions people make about their baby`s sleep. Be careful of any negative influences and stick to what the Spirit is leading you to do!

We recently started the transition from 2 naps to 1. It went really well for a while, but then started to backfire! Michayla started to wake up at the crack of dawn (sometimes before 5!)! And then, of course, couldn`t make it to her one nap, so the last few days we have been back to two naps, which makes her bedtime later. It is a cycle of her not getting enough sleep, and she has been a little grumpy on and off! We have been trying to help her through this transition and determine what her needs truly are, but at times I am confused and frustrated! She has been highly needy of Mommy`s attention and love this week. Today, though, it suddenly came to me that maybe she has been teething again! She has definitely had a lot of symptoms in that direction. Sure enough, when I peeked into her mouth, two new bottom teeth are just starting to pop through! Silly me for again forgetting to look for the obvious!