And so it begins.

Even though Camden is not yet 4 months old, I decided to go ahead and start a little bit of sleep training--just some simple stuff. So here's what I've implemented as of 2 days ago:
*An earlier bedtime. Gone are Camden's night owl days. Right now, he is going to bed at 9:30. We are gradually working towards an 8pm bedtime- maybe earlier.
*No (or limited) napping on Mommy. Camden is now taking some naps in his crib and in his swing. However, we've traded one problem for another. Instead of napping for 1-2 hours like usual, he is now taking 30-40 minute "catnaps". Frustrating? Yes. But hey- babysteps. We're making progress.
*Putting Camden down to sleep when he's awake. Normally, I laid him down at night when he was completely and totally zonked out. Like, so deeply asleep that an earthquake wouldn't wake him. I was worried about how he'd handle soothing himself to sleep. And so far, it's been hit and miss. Sometimes, he falls asleep easily. Sometimes, he rolls around and grunts until I come and get him. No crying so far though, which I consider a huge plus. I do believe that the key to this method is to put the baby down when he or she is a little tired but not yet to that fussy/tired stage.
*Sleeping in his crib. I loved having him in bed with us, but I think we were keeping each other up. Matt or I would roll over during the night and Camden would stir a bit. And then Camden would stir an hour later and wake me up.
*A bedtime routine! Believe it or not, we didn't have much of a nighttime routine with Camden. Sure, he'd get a bath. Yep, I'd read him a book or two. Of course he was changed into his pajamas. But it was never really at a consistent time or in a consistent order. So now, one hour prior to his bedtime each night, we follow the same routine in the same order: bath, lotion/massage, pajamas, read 2 books, some horrible singing from Mommy, nurse and rock, then bedtime.

So, that's where we're at right now. And we've still got a ways to go. But I'm proud of our progress so far. I'm posting this so I can hold myself accountable and make sure I keep up with this sleep training, even on the days (and I'm sure there will be plenty) that I'm tempted to cave and return to our old ways.

In other big news....Camden rolled over yesterday! He was doing the dreaded tummy time and all of a sudden he was on his back again. I think he surprised both himself and me. I was ridiculously proud of him.