ENGAGING THE PROCESS

I had one of those moments tonight- it was kind of like a mixture of “Ah-ha!” and “Elementary, my dear Watson*,” all at the same time.   After 8 months of co-sleeping, we’re trying to teach our youngest how to put himself to sleep and the process started last night.  I’ve read the “ferberize” method, made popular by pediatric sleep specialist Dr. Ferber (his book is actually a really good reference for lots of sleep related question), but following the methodology to the letter just doesn’t seem like the right fit for our little guy.   He’s sort of extra-sensitive in this really odd and funny way, so happy most of the time as he scoots his 26 pound body around with this funky three legged crawl he’s recently mastered.  It’s hilarious really, he’s this big lug of a dude, and he absolutely HATES being alone.  This probably shouldn’t surprise me, as it sounds like many men I know, but to see it play out with him this young is fascinating.  And funny.   He’s definitely a pretty tough guy until everyone goes into the bathroom to brush their teeth without him, then all hell breaks loose.   Seriously, if you leave his sight line it is nothing short of full-on wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

Whoa.