It’s been two nights since we started the Ferber sleep method, and so far we’ve been much more successful than I expected. The first night, Edwin whimper/cried for 56 minutes before falling asleep. After that, even though he woke up three times over the course of the night, we only had to go in his room twice and it only took a few minutes for him to return to sleep each time. Edwin woke up at 5:20 in the morning and I had to get up with him because I didn’t think he’d be able to put himself back to sleep again. The hardest part was keeping him up between his regular naps yesterday, since he was so tired. He was a little cranky, and we had to do some extra distracting and cuddling, but it went fine. Last night, he only cried for 5 minutes before falling asleep! 56 minutes down to 5- WOW! The rest of the night, we didn’t have to go in at all, because even though he woke up several times, he put himself back to sleep within a minute or two. He slept today until 6:20, which I can definitely handle, and so far seems relatively rested and happy.

I suppose at this point I should be saying, “I wish I had done this months ago,” but I know I wasn’t ready then. I had to be ready, or I wouldn’t be feeling calm and committed throughout the process, and I might have caved in. As it is, I’m not even missing the nighttime cuddles as much as I thought I would. It helps that the cats are now welcome back in our bedroom- it’s been nine months since my sweet Ari has snuggled up against me at night, and I really missed her! After a little more adjusting, we should all be happy with the new arrangements.

Thanks again to all of you who sent us encouragement! During that first hour of crying, it helped to know there were people thinking of us and supporting our decision.

And now to the second part of my post. Since it’s Father’s Day, I want to take a moment to honor my dad. My dad is one of my favorite people in the world, and we have a very close relationship. The other day, Dad came with me to Edwin’s 9 month checkup because my husband had to work. He’s come in with me several times in the past for various reasons, so the pediatrician knows him almost as well as my husband and me. At one point during the visit, the doctor asked if Dad and I have always been this close. He said he and his two-year-old daughter were very bonded and hoped that they would be as close as my dad and me later in life. It was a special moment for me, realizing that my dad and I were an example to other father-daughter pairs. I know how lucky I am to have a strong bond with my father, and I never stop treasuring it.

Dad has taught me many important life lessons over the years, but there’s one little story I always turn to when I consider the essence of his parenting. One day when I was a pre-teen (I can’t remember my exact age) Dad took me out to lunch at Pizza Hut, followed by an afternoon of shopping for something (clothes for an upcoming event, perhaps). We’d left Pizza Hut many miles and minutes behind us and were in the midst of shopping when my dad suddenly gasped and said, “Oh no. I forgot to leave a tip!” Even though it was well out of our way, later that afternoon we went all the way back to Pizza Hut so my dad could give the waitress her tip. It wasn’t about the money so much; he just didn’t want her to think that she’d done something wrong. It must have been a long day for the waitress; she was still working hours later when we returned. I still remember the smile on her face when Dad handed the few dollars over and apologized for forgetting.

This little act taught me so much. It showed me the importance of being kind and generous to others, even strangers. It taught me that it’s worth going out of your way to right a wrong or make someone’s day. I also realized, even then, that my dad was trying to set an example for me. If he hadn’t gone back to Pizza Hut, I probably would have forgotten the whole day entirely. But because he had, I still remember it years later, and I know it will inform my parenting decisions in the future. There will be plenty of opportunities to take the easy choice, but knowing that Edwin is watching me will help me to make the right choice more often.

So thanks, Dad, and lots of love.

To all of you fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!

To those of you missing your fathers today, my heart is with you.

And to my own husband, congratulations: this Father’s Day, you’ve earned a whole uninterrupted night’s sleep in your own bed!

(I love you, Dr. Ferber.)