Loving Lessons

Letting your baby "cry-it-out" has got to be one of the most painful, heartbreaking experiences of parenting.  Deep down I know it is for the best to have let Madeline cry--for quite a while--last night, because she needs to figure out how to sleep through the night without waking up and needing a paci, a snack, a comfort, and because I need to actually have several full night's sleep in a row.  Getting up once or twice pretty much every night for six months is making me TIRED.  But lying in bed while she calls out, then angrily protests, then cries, then full-on mad screams just tears me in a half.  Every part of my mothering instinct tells me to go in there and hold her and soothe her.  It takes every ounce of self control I have in me not to do it.  (Though I did go in there three times just to secretly peek at her and make sure she was okay...)  I know she doesn't need anything in the middle of the night any more.  I know this is actually giving her the gift of independent sleep.  I know we have been through this with both boys and it does work.  But I sure can't wait for her to wake up this morning now so I can cuddle her and love on her and show her how much I love her.