I am in desperate need of some suggestions...
About a number of issues...
And I know that in the past, I may not have been open to suggestions, but at this point, I am ready and willing to make any changes necessary so that I (and my husband and children) can get more sleep.
The boys are not sleeping through the night, and they are not sleeping in long enough in the mornings. They are also still *super attached* to their binkies & bubbas.
I will tell you our situation, then you can consult your own wisdom, as well as friends, coworkers and random moms you see at the store with two-year-olds or twins, and report back to me.
Right now this is what our days look like:
5:30am- The boys are up for the day.
7:00am- Breakfast
Play, usually at home
10:00am- Snack
12:00pm- Lunch
After lunch we lay them down for sleep in their bedrooms, with their fan on, their sleepy time CD on, with their bubs, binkies & blankets. They are sleeping in "big boy beds", so Josh and I take turns sitting on the floor in there until they fall asleep, which is about five or ten minutes. They generally sleep 1hr45m to 2hrs.
2:00pm- Wake up, change diapers, snack
Go for a walk and play at the park
5:30pm- Dinner, although lately we've been waiting until 6pm to feed them
6:30pm- Bath time
6:45pm- Pj's, Story Time, and lights out.
Again, the fan is on, the CD is on (just one time through, not on repeat), and we used to have the nightlight on but about two weeks ago I stopped turning it on, because when they woke up at night they would start playing. The nightlight being off has stopped the playful behavior, but now they can't find their binkies in the dark.
7:30pm- Most night it takes the boys about 20 to 35 minutes to fall asleep, and we walk out of their room at this time. Again, we just sit on the floor, not interacting (very Nanny 911ish) and wait for them to fall asleep.
1:00am- If the boys have not woken up at 11:00pm (which they occasionally do) this will be the first wake up. It's typically Logan, who just cries until I wake up. When I go in, he says he needs his binky and bubba, and is ready to get back to bed.
4:00am- This wake up is usually Jack, who stands at their child proof door and knocks. "Mommy, where are you?" he calls. When I get in there, he is generally really awake, and has sometimes woke Logan up, but generally not. I give him his bubba and binky and lay him down. He always seems tired once he's laying down, but if I try to leave and go back to bed, I hear the knocking yet again. This morning, we did this three times before I called for back up and sent Josh in so I could sleep.
5:30am- They're up for the day again.
I guess I am just wondering if this is normal two year old behavior... Is it just a phase? Do you think it's the two year molars? Are they hungry? Are they scared? Will it get better when they break their binky habit and they no longer need to look around for their bink during the night?
I know I am wearing them out everyday. I am worn out everyday. But could I be doing more? Should they watch less TV? Is this just their personalities? I never slept through the night. Ever. Is it payback?
Someone, anyone, help me!
Please!