We tried the Miracle Blanket (as you know) for a week before Houdini figured out how to get out of it. Also, he didn't really like being strapped into a straight jacket. He would get really angry most of the time. It kind of defeats the purpose of a peaceful bedtime routine when baby gets spitting mad. For now, I'm giving up on the Miracle Blanket.
Fortunately, age seems to have helped us with the sleeping. The weekend Shay and Papa Mac were here, Austin started sleeping about 4 hours at a time consistently (if you can call 5 nights consistent). This coincided with his 8 week anniversary. It also coincided with a more structured nap schedule. And a much happier mom!
Most folks tell you that you should do the same thing before every nap and at night. Since Austin is too young for a book, we swaddle him, rock him, and sing him a song. Once his eyes start getting heavy, I put him in the crib and turn on the white noise. Most of the time, he cries for about 10 minutes before going to sleep. He still isn't able to cry himself back to sleep, but he does go to sleep pretty easily.
After living with me, Mr. Jim might tell you that I am tone deaf. Unfortunately, he would be wrong. I know just how bad I sound when singing. I prefer not to subject anyone, especially a young baby, to my singing, but all the books tell you that babies thrive on music (even if the singer is really, really bad). Good thing!
I decided that if I needed to sing to Austin, and if the song that I sing needs to be repeated at every bed time, I wanted to send Austin a message. What do I want Austin to know from the very beginning? And if I am unable to tell him anything else, what is the most important thing for him to understand? What is my most important job as his parent? To instill in him a love for Jesus Christ. So, we sing "Jesus Loves Me" before every bedtime. I have even created a few new verses. Each morning, afternoon, and night, Austin learns the following:
Jesus loves you, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Austin Brooks to Him belongs.
You are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
The Bible tells us so.
Jesus loves you, for He came
To this Earth your soul to save.
You're a sinner, but He's pure.
He'll forgive you, that's for sure.
Yes, He'll forgive you.
Yes, He'll forgive you.
Yes, He'll forgive you.
The Bible tells us so.
Jesus loves you, little dear,
For His Angels hover near
Watching o'er you while you sleep
You are safe, you're in His keep.
Yes, angels watch you.
Yes, angels watch you.
Yes, angels watch you.
The Bible tells us so.
Thank you, Gigi.
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