Eden with Coach Erin
The obstacle course
Look at how much fun she's having!! That's her favorite girl friend Mia behind her.
Here's the gang. The party had a Dora the Explorer theme complete with a pinata. So fun!Okay, one more thing. We've had a major victory at the Mason house this month. For those who've been following our blog since we adopted Eden, you may remember that sleep/nights have been the hardest struggle for Eden's transition into our family. It's been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, trying new things, thinking we had it beat, and then more struggles. Basically, Eden has been in our room and/or bed for most of the time she's been home.
This means I honestly only slept well probably 5 nights in 2008...I'm not exaggerating. It's been hard. She spent only 1 night away from us in the 18 months she's been home....until last week, that is. About 4 weeks ago Eden finally started going down in her bed without any anxiety, and staying in her bed all night. She usually wakes up once and comes in our room, but I'm able to take her straight back to her bed where she stays until morning. This is huge for us!
Last week she went to my mom's for not one, but two nights and did great. She was not scared, anxious or nervous at all. She had a great time and even told me she wanted to stay 4 nights, which I nixed because I missed HER so much! This is such an answered prayer for us, as Eden's anxiety comes out at night. She HATES to be alone, as I'm sure many kids do. We tried everything and she was just unable to self-soothe at night.
You know what finally did the trick? Our dog. Yes, our 85-pound, gentle, sweet, chocolate lab Maggie sleeps in Eden's room with her now. She isn't alone if Maggie is with her, and she feels safe. That, along with a very regimented bedtime routine, closet light on, and praying over her every night has resulted in much better sleep for all of us...except maybe Maggie, who had to sacrifice her spot for the last 10 years for Eden. This is one of the many reasons I adore that sweet dog! Her silent, steady loyalty.
So, for all of you struggling with sleep issues...there is hope. My advice is to trust your instincts above what anyone else tells you and give your child what he/she needs, even if it doesn't fit with your preference or expectation (of course there is always balance in that)...if that fails, get a big, cuddly dog :0) Hope this encourages some of you.
Here's a picture of Eden painting cookies at her sleepover.
Check out her hairdo that she designed "all by" herself.
This means I honestly only slept well probably 5 nights in 2008...I'm not exaggerating. It's been hard. She spent only 1 night away from us in the 18 months she's been home....until last week, that is. About 4 weeks ago Eden finally started going down in her bed without any anxiety, and staying in her bed all night. She usually wakes up once and comes in our room, but I'm able to take her straight back to her bed where she stays until morning. This is huge for us!
Last week she went to my mom's for not one, but two nights and did great. She was not scared, anxious or nervous at all. She had a great time and even told me she wanted to stay 4 nights, which I nixed because I missed HER so much! This is such an answered prayer for us, as Eden's anxiety comes out at night. She HATES to be alone, as I'm sure many kids do. We tried everything and she was just unable to self-soothe at night.
You know what finally did the trick? Our dog. Yes, our 85-pound, gentle, sweet, chocolate lab Maggie sleeps in Eden's room with her now. She isn't alone if Maggie is with her, and she feels safe. That, along with a very regimented bedtime routine, closet light on, and praying over her every night has resulted in much better sleep for all of us...except maybe Maggie, who had to sacrifice her spot for the last 10 years for Eden. This is one of the many reasons I adore that sweet dog! Her silent, steady loyalty.
So, for all of you struggling with sleep issues...there is hope. My advice is to trust your instincts above what anyone else tells you and give your child what he/she needs, even if it doesn't fit with your preference or expectation (of course there is always balance in that)...if that fails, get a big, cuddly dog :0) Hope this encourages some of you.
Here's a picture of Eden painting cookies at her sleepover.
Check out her hairdo that she designed "all by" herself.Well, I better run. Hope you are all well. Have a great day!
1 comment:
What a wonderful birthday party!!! You guys are so awesome!! How great too that she spent the night away...I know you were so blessed by that!!(so was your mom!! :) Bless your heart. I didn't realize that she hasn't been sleeping in her room. Wow...Sadie has been from night one...but I think it helps having Sophie and Silas with her. I bet you feel like a new person!!! And wow...how wonderful of your dog!! I just LOVE dogs!! They make us all feel so loved!!! Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for the update!!
Blessings,
Buffi
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