Sacrifice pays off.

About a month ago, Michael talked with a behaviorist about Miranda. She was from Kaiser and we were referred to her from our Pediatrician when she said the sleep issues were not medical. He had to fill out some surveys and then chatted with her on the phone. After a long talk, she recommended we sleep on the floor in the kids room and when they woke up, tell them to go back to sleep without helping them at all. They lost their blanket? Get it yourself. They need help with the covers. Tough, do it yourself. Need some water. Not likely. Go to sleep.

So, Michael, being the trooper that he is, did it. For a little over 2 weeks. And man, what a sacrifice he made to do this. They woke up a lot and there was a lot of crying and screaming and not helping them. Usually it was Miranda, but Eli joined in on occasion. Luckily, unlike me, Michael can actually sleep with them and can go back to sleep when they wake him up. Had I been in there, I would be wide awake all night long listening to their every breath and moan.

So, about a week ago, he moved back to the bed and told them they would be on their own if they woke up. Daddy would not come in the room. No matter what. For a few days, it was touch and go. Some nights were good and some were bad (like the night he slept in the backhouse and I was upstairs and Miranda screamed for an hour about wanting Daddy whilst being on the ground pressed up against the door...needless to say, I was about to cave and go in the room but listened to Michael and got him back in the house to save me.)

For the last few nights, they have done a great job. If they wake up, they go back to sleep. If they scream out, they go back to sleep. If Miranda loses her lovey, Elizabeth helps her find it.

And even today at naps (where Miranda still usually wakes up after about 40-60 minutes), she woke up, sat up, and adjusted her covers and went back to sleep. They have all been sleeping for about 2 hours now.

So, I say to Michael, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.