So this is our bedtime ritual:
6:30ish p.m.
Dinner as a family, usually quite nice until Sam bats his hands back and forth making his "all done" sign and we let him out of his booster seat, at which point he either
A)Runs around and eventually ends up on my lap sticking his fingers in my dinner (which I have yet to eat because I was getting up and down making sure everbody had everything they needed) or
B)Matt plays with him in the living room so I can finish undisturbed(quite nice as long as I have a newspaper to read).
7:30ish p.m.
Bath...either Matt gives him a bath or I do...if you give the bath the other puts to sleep, if you do not bathe, you clean the kitchen...most nights I am ready for a break and I opt for the cleaning. Sometimes a bath is nice though and I enjoy playing with Sam while he's in the tub.
8:00ish p.m.
Books/Banana in Sam's room...Sam is now conditioned to go right into his bedroom after his bath for story time. This is my favorite part of the bedtime routine. Both Matt and I are there and we read stories to Sam either in his bed on all snuggled in his little tent. Sam loves the books and he will bring them to you until you can't see straight anymore. He also eats a banana (or most of one anyway) at this time. We have found it helps him to sleep better. He wants it every night, too...if we forget he runs into the kitchen and points at the fruit bowl!
8:30ish p.m.
Sleepy time...so here is where it gets interesting. Now that there is no nursing involved in out nightime routine, either Matt or I can put Sam to sleep. Some nights he is very picky and only wants me to do it and I usually honor that, but most nights he is fine with either of us or both of us. There are two ways this can go from here:
1. Me putting Sam to sleep...I lay down with Sam, lights out, bear in arms and blankets wrapped and tucked tight...then I sing my version of "Lullaby and Goodnight" once, then hum it once and if it is a good night, he'll be asleep. If it is a bad night, he will play with my nose and eyes and hair; try to pick my nose; stick his hands up my shirt, down my shirt, in my sleeve; play with my hair, nose, cheek, his nose, hair, cheek (yes, these are his favorites),;shake his head back and forth OR bump it against the wall...anything to keep himslef awake. At some point I go nuts and leave and Matt takes over OR I eventually fall asleep and wake up an hour later and sneak out.
2. Matt putting Sam to sleep...when Sam seems sleepy I give him lots of kisses and hug him and tuck him in then leave the room. I might hear a little cry, but usually nothing. Then I go check my email; post on my blog; fold laundry; read stuff online; paint the dining room trim (or whatever else I am painting at the moment); stuff diapers; read the newspaper and drink tea; make a fire in the fireplace; sit in the dark on the couch upstairs and look at our beautiful night view....I like it when Matt puts Sam to sleep!
So we've decided that Sam will eventually need to learn how to put himself to sleep. How do we teach him that at this point and still do it gently??
