I've been working on getting Paige to fall asleep without being held. I am hoping to help her learn to "self-soothe" - something apparently I have not been doing. She is not ready to be left in her crib to "cry herself to sleep". We tried that and I felt terrible. She cried so hard she was gagging. Well anyway...what I have been doing is. Cuddling her for 5 mins in her rocking chair (reading or singing, or just cuddling). Sending the message it's sleep time. Then I put her down in her crib with her soother, and leave her room. She can cry, do what ever she wants. I won't come back for 5 mins. Then I go back in and sooth her, rub her head, give her her soother back (NEVER picking her up)...stay no longer than 5 mins. Then leave again for 5 mins. Come back...you get the picture.

Yesterday's naptime took well over an hour! But today...she was asleep in 20 minutes!!! I am going to keep trying this method. Eventually my soothing will be quicker visits, or me just sitting in her room, not touching her, not talking to her. Just sitting. We'll see how it goes! Wish me luck! I've never done this before...