Monday, July 13, 2009

In the market for an alarm clock

Will has been my alarm clock for the past 20 months. He has never slept past 7:30 in his life. Until about 10 days ago, he woke up at least once a night, usually two, sometimes three and occassionally more. I do not say this to martyr myself; on the contrary, I admit it even though it embarrassingly reveals my poor skills at sleep training. I can give you all my excuses some other time.

My life transformed a week and a half or so ago when I had a conversation with Will about his night wakings. I told him that he was not to wake up anymore during the night. We read the two books in the Goodnight Moon (My World is the other book)series every night (and prenap) that week and I emphasized how contented the little bunny was in his bed and crib. Somehow, all of this worked from the first night of it. Will has been sleeping through ever since.

Saturday was a landmark day in our home. Andrew came in our room in bright sunlight and woke us up. I got in the shower, wondering what time it was, as I had my sister's baby shower to attend at 10, and some fruit salad to buy before that. I figured it was around 9, a typical wake up for Andrew, who goes to bed at 9 during the summer (the previous night he didnt go down until 10:30, though, for very important and justifiable reasons which I cannot recall). I marvelled that Will not only slept through the night, but slept in. We don't have a clock in our room. We have never needed one.

"Alexandra, it is 10:30!" Brigham exclaimed, ruining my leisurely shower. 10:30. Needless to say, I was an hour late for my sister's party.

I can tell she is going to be a great mom already. She wasn't even mad at me.

11 comments:

Carolina said...

Oh how I long for a late morning like that, even if my punctuality is compromised.

Monica Rich said...

So ... who's having a baby?!?

terrah said...

That's hilarious! I'm sure your extra sleep was much needed.

And I'm so impressed that Will has been sleeping so well after your discussions and readings. I wonder when Violet will be old enough to grasp that concept.

Michelle said...

I love it! I hope they went to bed okay for you that night. Sorry we stayed over so late!

Ashley said...

How glorious. My kids are getting worse--waking up more--and I am too tired to do anything other than cater to all their needs. You have arrived. Live it up. By live it up I mean remain unconscious as long as possible--NO ALARM NEEDED.

Momo Cannon said...

Oh Alexandra, I hope coming out to Utah won't upset this welcome new schedule! We are so looking forward to seeing you all!! I will be sure to have "Nemo" in the van's video. Love you all, Momo

alexandra said...

Monica, it is Jessica who is expecting. This is her first baby.

Andrea, Mrs. said...

For some reason, this post just totally cracked me up. Perhaps because I've had a little battery-powered alarm clock for the last eight years and it has finally decided that it has seen its day and will no longer work. Only, it didn't give me the memo--I had to figure it out on my own.

Monica Rich said...

Oh, that's such happy news! She is going to be an awesome mother. Please pass my congrats to her.

Gina said...

Too funny and yet so sad that you finally were able to sleep in and then have it go so wrong! I love that the explanation helped with the sleeping. Can I enlist you to talk to Christopher for me? My efforts have not been successful thus far and he is 7!

Unknown said...

Wow! That's awesome that you were just able to explain it to him and it worked! It was like that with Benjamin and nursing. :)

Congratulations to Jessica! How exciting!