I’ve been strangely joyful lately. I caught myself whistling Zip-a-dee-do-da this morning for no apparent reason so I stopped myself and did a little mental check. Why so happy?

Simple really. My darling daughter has figured out how to sooth herself. Yes, a mere week before her 9 month birthday, Leina has crossed a major threshold. With a big grin, I feel confident announcing, she is offically sleeping through the night. (knock on wood)

Crazy, huh? I’ve gone eight long months without a full nights rest. It doesn’t really seem possible but it’s true. The baby sleep book I love warned me that some breast fed babies will require one or two night time feedings up until 9 months and guess what? Leina was one of those babies. My book also informed me that around 9 months, if baby wakes, it’s out of habit and not hunger so it’s ok not to go nurse ’em. I’m so glad Leina figured this out all on her own. I was a little worried we were going to have some night time screaming here real soon. But no, my darling daughter taught herself how to sleep. Oh, she still gets up around 11:30 and 2am but after a few minutes of mild fussing, she puts herself to sleep. Me? I’m sacked out the entire time and have even taken the very big step of sleeping without the baby monitor on. If she has a real problem, I’ll hear her just fine.

Even bigger news, Leina has finally figured out how to nap! Yesterday, for the first time in nine months, I sang her a lulliby, tucked her in and left her room. After only a minute or two of fussing, total silence. She was asleep! No more rocking, no more patting, no more rolling her over onto her belly again and again.

Is it any wonder I’m giddy with joy!!!

Sleep, wonderful sleep, how I’ve missed you!