sleep training, round 1

After much deliberation and a couple of rough nights, it was decided that it is time for sleep training.  The trial went reasonably well - Zev cried for 5 minutes, then for 10, then fell asleep without a sound.  The biggest victim was Mom, who chewed on her nails non-stop.

The next night we braced ourselves, prepared, and decided to do it proper.  Mom started us well, having managed to let Zev cry for a few minutes after the 6:30 meal.  I do believe she even has some nails left.

For the actual training Mom was banished over to Vika's house for what I was hoping (in vain) would be a decent night's sleep.  Equipped with instructions, several texts from Mom, and a repeated promise to kill me if I hurt the children, I settled in for the night.  Our friend and sitter Shawna came over to help and promised to stick with the program, also contrary to her nature.

The evening started with Zev waking up at 22:55 and demanding his meal loudly.  It took a few minutes to get organized (plastic ware was in the kitchen), which improved Zev disposition not one bit.  Per instructions, both boys had their diapers changed before the meal, which clearly did not help matters either.  In an attempt to provide speedier service I offered room temperature formula, which was rejected by both customers, leading to yet another bout of complaining about the service.  Clearly, I was not getting a tip.  To make matters worse, it took me a bit to realize that the plastic ware was not washed.  The night started rather ominously.
Finally, 8 wasted ounces of formula and minutes later, the food was offered in an acceptable way.  The boys ate.  Ben, in his usual fashion, went straight to sleep.  Zev complained about being put into the bed, and we were off.
Strictly per instructions, I comforted Zev and left.  The timer was set for 5 minutes and I settled in to wait.  To my surprise, in two minutes Zev was asleep.  And that, pretty much was the story for the night.  Ben slept straight through.  Zev woke at 3:30, ate some formula, cried for two more minutes and went to sleep again.  The story repeated around 6am, which was getting close to the actual wake up time.  By 6:15 mom (who hardly slept) was back and I was off to work.

Right now Alla is asleep.  Rita (Alla's mom) and I are getting ready to feed.  Everyone is pumped (OK, let me rephrase - we are all less anxious that we should be) for the second night of sleep training.  I really hope it goes as well as last night.  Because if it doesn't - well, I hope it does...