The first week

Of course, the first 24 hours was the hardest and it didn't turn out so bad. As I helped Zach get ready for his afternoon nap on Monday, he asked for his paci. When I told him that he gave it to the babies at the hospital, he just cried. Sad. Reality hit, and he said, "Go back and get it." Smile. When I told him we couldn't do that, he just cried some more. Naptime turned into quiet time ... and then screaming time periodically. But in reality, neither of the boys slept at all. I read some books with him while we rocked in the glider. But within minutes of him being alone after I left the room, he was at the door crying and asking for his paci. He'd calm down for awhile, then come back and knock on the door saying, "I'm awake, Mom! I'm awake." Not surprising. That's what he says when he's ready to come out of his room either after his nap or in the morning. It made me giggle though since he never slept. I spent more time in his room (Sam stays in our room for naptime these days.), reading books, laying next to him, etc. Within the hour, he was ready to come out and play.

At dinner, Doug asked Zach where his pacis were, and he replied, "The babies have them." After a bath and books w/Daddy, both of them were ready to sleep. When I went in to say good night, Zach asked for the Little People book and had his nightlight on and ready. I couldn't help but get my camera. I know it's blurry, but you get the idea. Within a half hour, Zach was out. It had been a tiring day!

Normally, Zach is an early riser (and pooper, if you recall), so I was anxious to see how this transition would affect my mornings. Thankfully he's only had one morning of crying in his sleep at 5am. Other than that, he hasn't been up any earlier than usual.

Our hardest part has definitely been naptime. He's had two good naps at a regular time in his room ... on Wednesday (3rd day) and today (7th day). The pic is from Wed. I thought we had turned a corner but the next three days proved just as tiring for me as for him. Maybe this week we'll be "all better". He hasn't asked for it in several days. It seems like this transition is always so hard to actually commit to do as parents, and our experience is that they don't depend on it nearly as much as we do. So, you know what's next ... the potty ... we'll see if he REALLY likes to imitate Sam or if that's just all "talk." (Zach repeats just about everything Sam says.) Don't worry I won't be starting that for at least another month or two, if then. I'm definitely looking for the window (of opportunity and readiness) to open even just a crack.