Chapter 3,157 in the novel Camille Seeks Sweet Sleep. It’s sure to be a bestseller someday. This week I tried an herbal homeopathic supplement that actually seemed to make her more chatty. 3 nights of that and I discontinued usage . . . her system obviously doesn’t recognize calming herbs. I’m about to get myself some herb and then maybe I won’t care that she doesn’t go to sleep.
I also read that bananas were a miracle cure for a kid who had tried everything for his sleep issues. Magnesium and potassium as a natural muscle relaxer? Why not? She ate bananas and then fell asleep. At 11pm. Then woke up in the middle of the night. Thanks banana!
Last night I was over the whole thing. Someone stole Josh’s bike off the back of our car and our car had a flat tire that Josh spent all evening patching. Because we only have one car the loss of his bike meant that we have to juggle car usage until we can get a new one. I just wanted something to be easy for a change. So I told Camille that she could have an M&M for every 5 minutes that she lay in her own bed without crying. She didn’t go for it at first and cried and wailed on my bedroom floor, but curiosity eventually won out. Would I really give her chocolate in bed?
The first 5 minutes were touch and go. A little whining, some whimpering, but no crying. Then I came in offering her precious prize. She giggled and asked, “Do I get another one?” “In 5 minutes,” I replied. Kisses exchanged and I left without wails of “Mommy! Mommmmeeee!” for the first time in . . . well, probably the first time ever.
Tick tock, tick tock. Perfect silence from her room, my jaw started to relax, and I did a silent celebratory dance. Oops! 6 minutes had elapsed before I knew it and I tiptoed back in with another chocolate reward. I could be an M&M relayer all night if it gave me guaranteed quiet in between. Paradise in 5 minute increments. More giggles and kisses and I reminded her that if she fell asleep, she could have her M&M in the morning.
The 3rd visit of the M&M fairy wasn’t even required. I could hear her relaxed breathing from the doorway. A chocolate miracle. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to bribe her with candy before it loses its charm, but I’m thankful for one day of bedtime ease.
Next up, the sequel: Camille’s Cavity Caper