Still co-sleeping, still loving it!

Drew took this picture one morning a while back before Silas and I woke up. He thought it was hilarious that we were both positioned nearly identically. I do not think it is hilarious that I am somehow lacking definition between a chin and a neck, but I decided to post it anyways, for one very important reason--I think it really conveys, in a very intimate manner, how important and lovely co-sleeping is to us.

I recently found a survey online regarding co-sleeping. The survey is meant to gather data from families who co-sleep (or have in the past) in order to try to dispel some of the negative attention co-sleeping receives in our society. Interestingly enough, the industry most responsible for promoting negative aspects of co-sleeping is (drum roll please) crib manufacturers. There's also a going theory that co-sleeping is unsafe and that it should even possibly be outlawed. How sad. But should such a law be passed, well, there's nothing like a little civil disobedience to keep a family strong.

There's nothing unsafe about healthy sober parents sleeping with their young ones. In fact, there's no safer place for a babe to sleep then in his mother's embrace. Most of the world feels the same and most of the world co-sleeps. I just don't get the controversy. I really don't.

If it works for you, you should co-sleep, no matter what your friends, relatives, or strangers on the street tell you. Your baby will thank you!

Attachment Parenting

Many of you know that we practice attachment parenting with Silas. A few of you (though you may not say anything) may think we're nuts for carrying Silas rather than using a stroller, and for having him in bed with us at night (known as co-sleeping or family bed).

Here's an article which explains why carrying the baby in a sling or carrier will help create a secure child:
Carrying Baby

Here are some facts supporting co-sleeping:
Sleeping with Baby

And finally, a link to:
Attachment Parenting International

We understand that all parents have the right to make their own parenting choices, and we are very happy with ours. I must add that Silas NEVER cries at night, unless he's woken up from a bad dream, which is very rare. There is no need for him to cry, since I'm right there with him--much less stressful for all of us! We love family bed!

Rest assured

We just bought a safety rail for the bed. Now that Silas is able to roll over and scoot a bit, the rail makes us feel much safer. Mom can put Silas on her side of the bed now without worrying. Silas doesn’t know that the rail makes him safer, but he does love to reach out and grab it and also practice standing with it. Before we know it, he’ll be able to hurdle it!

Carrots

Another messy meal: We began stirring vegetables into Silas's rice cereal a few weeks ago. Just a few days ago, we tested out a pear/raspberry combo (his first fruit!). So far, out of everything we've tried, carrots are his favorite.

Sleep update: Silas now goes to sleep between 6:15 and 7:00 pm. Mom and dad don't mind having a bit of time to themselves in the evening! He's not sleeping through the night yet, but that's ok. It takes little energy for me to lift my arm and position myself to feed him. Normally, within a few minutes, we are both back to sleep. Si is a bit of a bed-hog though! Now that he can move around a bit, he'll often press himself against my back while we sleep. I may not have a lot of space, but I still sleep well with my darling boys (Drew, Si and often Sobin as well) surrounding me.