[JanelleD]

My biggest "problem" right now is with napping and sleeping. I put our son down, knowing that he is tired. Right now he is still on 2 naps a day, he's not even 1 year old yet.

Then, he sleeps for just a few minutes and wakes up. Sometimes he will wake up and play for a minute, but usually he wakes up and screams.

I am having a hard time knowing what to do about this. I know he needs sleep. I have tried taking him out and rocking him but that doesn't help. I know he is tired when I put him down so that's not the issue.

Obviously, I feel bad if I let him cry. But on the other hand, I think if I pick him up now and don't enforce the sleeping that I am setting myself up for trouble somewhat. The only reason I say that is becuase eventually he is going to have to stay in his bed, I wouldn't let this go on forever. So say I pick him up now, I know that in time that's not going to be what I want to do. Also, if I pick him up, he is exhauseted. He lays on the floor or our arms and cries.

This isn't just nap time, it's bedtime too. He's been home only 2 1/2 weeks. When he first came home all he did was sleep. I think he was just exhausted from all of the changes plus he was sick. Also, I know when he was in Guat. he was on a very strict sleep schedule. In fact, I think he was sleeping too much. I also don't think he was eating enough in Guat. so he might have been just tired and worn out.

Does anyone have any ideas for me? I'm not a proponent of crying-it-out. But then again, my other dc have been with me since birth and so the bonding and attachment have never been the issues they are now.

Basically, I'm having a hard time balancing meeting his needs so he doesn't feel neglected with helping him have a routine that will be good for him. Does that make sense?

I'm so afraid of messing up!! I'm afraid of doing the wrong thing for him and having him have issues because of that.

If you have already brought your child home and have any ideas, please share. I know that before he came home I would have thought I had all the answers but God sure is humbling me now!!


Blessings,