50 Weeks!

I realized today that my bouncing baby boy is now 50 weeks old, only two weeks shy of being a one-year-old....don't worry, though, I didn't get emotional over this particular realization.

Things with the little guy are starting to become more and more interesting, he is tons of fun but becoming more and more work.

In addition to his improving conversational skills and coordination, he has developed a knack for throwing fits and getting into trouble... knowing exactly what he wants and expecting it to be given to him or done exactly how he wants it

and climbing on the furniture, including the ottoman that we've had specifically placed in front of our entertainment center to protect Ryan's gaming consoles.

He thinks he is quite funny for all of this as well. Admittedly, his gap-toothed smile and dazzling blue eyes help him get away with some of his trouble.

In addition to this quick Dax Chase update I am looking for advice...

Once upon a time, several months ago, Ryan and I were successful in sleep training Dax to put himself to sleep; however, after months of being watched by a different set of grandparents (before the wonderful retirement of my Grandma Candy and Papa who now consistently watch Dax) every couple of days this habit was quickly broken. While I do understand the joys of snuggling up with a baby as he sweetly drifts to sleep, I am also the person who deals with the downside of having a child who's self-soothing has been spoiled.

Ryan and I have finally become fed up with the nightly wake-up routines, although some nights are better than others things have been getting worse, and tonight marks the first night that Dax will begin his second round of sleep training. I am going solo on this first night due to the fact that Ryan is out of town for work and am slightly terrified of what is to come. I love Dax and hearing him cry is one of the things I've struggled with most since his birth...you can ask anyone about this and they will agree.

I know it's good for Dax to be able to put himself to sleep- especially since he has begun waking up around 5 or 6 every morning and I know that I can be a better mommy to him when I'm more well rested- however, I feel like a poor mother listening to him cry rather than rushing to his aid. Nearly everyone I've questioned concerning this issue has encouraged me to stay strong, that the crying becomes more manageable after only a couple of nights, but most of the scientific research pertains to two opposing schools of thought on the issue. And trust me, I've researched the crap out of the issue.

If anyone out there, the select few that even know this blog exists, has any words of encouragement or advice, they'd be greatly appreciated about now...

Don't worry, the little guy is not going to be completely abandoned tonight to fend for himself, I will check on him periodically as I have read to, however, he's going to be crying more than he's used to. Please wish me luck.