Crying it out – or caving in

I’m writing this with one hand – so please forgive my spelling and grammar mistakes.  The other hand, you see, is stuck under a sleeping baby and I dare not move it.  I sat down with him and my laptop about an hour ago after letting him cty for about 20 minutes in his crib.  He’s really tired, and needs a nap, but the crib still isn’t his favorite spot – Mommy is.  At 3 and a half months its high time I transitioned him out of my arms and into his crib for his naps.  It actually worked today – he fell asleep after less than ten minutes of crying, but woke up 20 minutes later.  That’s when I let him cry for 20 more minutes and finally caved under the pressure.  I’m really NOT good at letting him cry it out. Last night, for the first time in his young life, he did fall asleep in his crib, but I had to hold myself back for half an hour as he cried himself into slumber..

This is the part of parenting I find really difficult.  I know, from experience, that his life and mine will be easier if I get him into his crib now, at this younger  age.  Because the longer you wait, the longer the crying gets.  Ooohhh but its so hard to listen to your baby cry,  So here I sit, quietly typing with one free hand so he can sleep.  Those of you without children will find this crazy, but most moms I know have been here at some point.  I take comfort in the knowledge that my first child eventually has been able to fall asleeep in his own bed (although it took nearly 5 years!)  I think with number 2, it will be quicker ’cause mommy will let him cry sometimes secure in the knowledge that he’ll be fine.  Just not today.  Today we cuddle, and I type – with one hand,  We’ll try again tomorrow.