I think I am on to something!

In most ways Miles has always been my easier child, but he is definitely my harder child when it comes to figuring out what he needs.  I am not just speaking of the fact that he does not talk much.  The things that work to sooth him are ALWAYS changing, or the things he will or will not eat or do or play with.  I am sure other children are just like Miles and I am not complaining... but Avery will tell you exactly what he wants and needs and makes it obvious and easier for me to work with.

When Miles was little it was easy to get him to sleep and lately he has been having a hard time with it.  I think Miles himself could not think of what 'thing' could help him sooth himself to sleep.  Neither of my children want to sleep in their own rooms or beds right now and both sleep on the couch.  I decided I needed to start a better bedtime routine and I needed to do it soon.   

Monday I started letting Miles fall asleep on the couch next to me while watching T.V.  At Target I found a tiger stuffed animal that looks like Hobbs from Calvin and Hobbs... therefore naming the tiger Hobbs.  I kept giving Miles Hobbs to cuddle with, putting his arms around Hobbs every time Miles let go.  Eventually Miles was asleep.  Tuesday and Wednesday the same and it got easier. I figured that I would just get him used to falling asleep with Hobbs and then start working on falling asleep in his bed because he would have Hobbs to help him.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I left him on the couch when I went to bed.  Last night I decided to take Miles and Hobbs to Miles' room after he had fallen asleep.  He stayed asleep until 2:30am when he woke up because he needed a new diaper.  The interesting thing was he woke up and stayed in his room!  The only reason I knew he was up was because I heard him crying.  I went in changed his diaper, put Hobbs into his arms, covered him with his blanket and walked away.  He went back to sleep!  He was up again at 3:30 am.  This time no wet diaper; again he was in his room crying.  I gave him Hobbs, told him Hobbs was with him and I stood there for a minute and left again.  

 One more wake at 5:30.  This time he was in the hall way.  I was tired and decided that I would try to take him to my bed or the couch.  I picked him up and he gave me a big hug. When I started walking away from his room he gave me a little whine so I turned around and walked to his room.  I put him in bed, gave him Hobbs, but I knew he was too awake for me to walk away so I got in his bed and he hugged Hobbs and we fell asleep until Avery woke us up 2 hours later.