......she sleeps.....

aaahhhhh.....10:09 and I finally hear peace and quiet.....

So, as far as I know, everyone on the planet has kids who are "sleepers"....but not us. Nope, no sleepers here. Those of you who I am lucky enough to talk to on a regular basis, know that the delicious little precious 3 year old that I was telling you about earlier IS NOT a sleeper- never has been. The night time drama is getting close to unbelieveable. I'm sure some of you will find this funny, as I laugh at just the thought, but we have literally tried everything!! We have tried strict schedules, coupled with routine. We have tried crying and screaming, coupled with butt whoopins. We have held the door, put a towel over the door, rewarded until I've made myself sick, snuggled and cuddled until I fall asleep (and Riley lays next to me and pokes me and sings songs). I've even gone Supernanny's route of no eye contact, no talking and carrying her back into her room until she gets the message (that night, I carried her back to her bed over 50 times- and I was about 8 months pregnant)- she never got the message.

Right when I think we've done it, Riley forgets everything she knows, and reverts back to crying and screaming, out of her bed, and out of her room until.....I don't know what happens- I guess she just gets tired enough and secure enough in the knowledge that she has us stumped, she then decides that she will sleep....(I guess I just figured out the key- SHE decides- not WE decide!)

I can't imagine where she gets this stubbornness, but I'm sure it will come in handy someday! ;-)

By the way, if any of you have any suggestions, or have figured out any tricks of the trade, they are welcome here!!