A NEW, EXHAUSTING STAGE!

Sam has entered a new, exhausting stage. He isn't sleeping though the night. He says he's afraid and since I sleep with Daddy, he should have someone to sleep with too.

We have a bedtime routine. We have a snack, drink water, read books and talk about our day....Then we turn out the lights, snuggle and finally say our goodnights.

Last night he woke at midnight and said he was too scared. We've already tried sitting in there with him until he falls asleep, but he won't go to sleep. We also have "monster spray."

We were using a larger light, but it was too bright. So...

...we have switched to this....it makes stars appear on the ceiling....

....and three of these. So there is a lot of ambient light.

So, even though there were a lot of tears we checked on him, reassured him there are no monsters, said we love you and we'll be back in ten minutes. We did this from midnight to 1 a.m. last night and he finally fell back asleep.

We are also going to shorten his napping time.

Any other suggestions.....now time for another cup of coffee!