Update on Mariah's Waking

Thank you all SOOO much for all the great suggestions on how to get Mariah to stay in her bed. We are already doing a lot of things like blacking out her windows, having a good bedtime routine, and she usually goes to bed about 8:00pm.

We decided to try the putting-her-back-in-bed method, as I think it would go best with her temperament. I'm kind of scared to put any sort of doorknob lock on her door because I don't want to freak her out if she can't get out of her room. If this method doesn't work, we might consider using a gate (but who knows, she might be too clever/big for those now)

Yesterday was our first day we both committed to putting Mariah back in her bed until a more respectable time (fingers crossed for 7:00pm!).

Here are how our mornings have gone so far:

6/6/11

5:15am

Mariah comes in on Brian's side of the bed. But instead of picking her up, Brian says, "it's not time to wake up yet," and puts her back in bed. He doesn't return to bed (sometimes we can't sleep after she wakes us up). I think the problem is solved and try to go back to sleep. 

5:20am

I hear the TV click on and think, oh no!. I go out to see Mariah and Brian watching Mickey Mouse. It looks like Brian tried to put her back down but she wouldn't stay in bed. He figures letting her get up for the day is better than letting her stay in our bed.

5:20-5:40am

I take over the task and the battle begins. Who will win: Mom vs toddler. Mariah is having a crying fit. As soon as I put her in her bed and she immediately comes out. After about 20 minutes of this nonsense (try having patience to do this at 5:30am!). I get the idea to use an old alarm clock and try to reason with her. I get her in bed and to stop crying. I set the clock to the right time and show her that the first number says 5. I tell her that it's not time to get up until the first number on the clock says 7. She surprisingly understands and settles into bed.

5:45am

I go back to my room and listen anxiously for signs of her out of bed. While waiting, I must have fallen asleep.

7:20am

I get up for the day with Brian. Haleluia it worked! Mariah got another hour and a half of sleep.

6/7/11

5:20am

Mariah comes into our room on Brian's side of the bed. It is my morning to try to put her back in bed. I tell her that right now the first number on the clock says 5 and that it won't be time to get up until the clock says 7. She agrees (a little more grudgingly this time) and settles into bed.

5:30am

I can't sleep yet and have to use the bathroom (I'm 6 months pregnant, 'nuff said). I just happen to look out in the living room and there is Mariah, playing quietly with a necklace. At least she didn't come in our room tho, right? I pick her up and do the routine again. 

7:20am

She comes into my room and we get up for the day together.

Today was SIGNIFICANTLY easier than yesterday. Hopefully only a few more days of putting her back to bed and she will stop getting out altogether!

Once again, thanks again for all your great suggestions. Hopefully soon we will be getting our sleep back :)