1. Napping in their cot.
From the age of 0 to about 14 months, the boys slept in their pushchair. This was the easiest way to get them to sleep at the same time and be in a place where I can see them. When they got a big bigger, we moved them into their cot to sleep and honestly we should have done it sooner. But it worked at the time.
2. Making noise so they get used to it when in bed.
Whilst the boys sept in their pushchair for the a long time for their naps, I used to play white noise for them. This would have been something like a hoover or hairdryer noise that would be constantly on play. If I turned it off, they would wake up! Magic hey! When they changed to their cots to sleep, the was turned off They nap really well now. At night however, with Fin being such a terrible sleeper, I was like a cat when I hear the slightest of noise. My ears would prick up when Mark made a drink, the tap sounded like a waterfall and the creaking on the stairs sounded like the earth had opened up. God forbid if we have to flush the loo. Im learning to be more tolerant of every daynoises, but when you have had the lack of sleep that we have had, you would do anything for your sweet little 'angels' to give you a good nights sleep!
3. Not eating chocolate or junk food.
If it keeps them quiet for a little while, why not?
4. Not even knowing what a McDonalds is. I think the boys have probably been ten times in their lives. I think that's ok!
5. Sleeping training.
I wanted these children to be happy contented sleepers. Having been taught the skills to self soothe and be weaned off milk in the night so we have no night wakings. Lets just say . . . Been there, tried that, didn't work!
6. Sleep training at 6 months.
Umm see above!
7. Sleep training at 12 months.
Not quite happening!
8. Sleep training at 18 months.
Getting there but the stubborn little monsters still think we are their night slaves!
9. Sleep training at 2 years. Back teeth and colds make an appearance so out of the window that goes!
10. Not watching TV.
See number 3! Let's just say when ever they see a tv, they ask for beebies and raa raa! Bugger.
However everyone is allowed a little indulgence right? The boys are happy, cheerful little boys who are confident and not shy. They will eventually sleep better. They will have more concentration to play with puzzles and read. They love apples, bananas, grapes, blueberries, peas and broccoli so a bit of chocolate when they are being good will do no harm. Everything in moderation! X
