Lets cuddle to sleep - Co-Sleeping!

I was reading Sharon's blog today about co-sleeping and I thought I would share our story.

I am a big advocate for Co-Sleeping! I love co-sleeping, I would feel so strange if my child was in another room, all alone without me or my husband. I usually tell people that think we're strange for letting our little ones sleep with us is - "I don't want to sleep alone, I like to cuddle right up with my husband, I'd be scared." I'm a 25 year old wife and mom, I'd be scared and feel alone, why wouldn't my newly born baby who has been inside of me for nine months not feel the same way? That's all he/she has known and I'm not about to make he/she feel that way. What little child isn't scared of something? They need their parents love and protection, it only lasts for awhile and it's worth it. =)

We've been co-sleeping ever since Landen was born. It was definitely the plan the entire pregnancy, but I think we kind of had this idea that he'd be in his own bed eventually (as a baby). We did after all have a crib all set up in the other room. =) Well time went by, he slept wonderfully, we slept wonderfully. No getting up when he was awake or crying. Just rolled over and let him nurse. My husband never rolled on him, and I always let him sleep in the crook of my arm. Worked great!

Then when I was pregnant with Amelia, we decided to have Landen's little bed next to our bed and the wall. It was right level with our bed and he'd cuddle with mom and dad to fall asleep and then we'd move him to his own little bed. He rarely fell asleep in there, we'd just move him over.Time went on, I was getting bigger and bigger.. our little queen sized bed wasn't working too well for a big preggo momma, a daddy and a little guy who was all over in bed. I didn't want to make Landen feel abandoned or learn to hate Amelia because she took over his place, so we continued to do the same thing, but encouraged him to sleep in his little bed more often.

Right before Amelia was born we put his little mattress on the floor next to our bed, but against a wall so he had to physically get up and walk over to our bed if he needed us. We could tell he wasn't ready to be in his own room. He wasn't even two yet.

So, that's what we're currently doing and it seems to be working pretty good for the most part. He does however fall asleep in our bed, or his bed with usually his daddy cuddling with him. Amelia sleeps in our bed with me arm protecting her if big brother needs to cuddle with us during the night. Kurt usually always puts him back though once he's fallen in a good sleep. Then in the morning he's back with me when Kurt's gone for work.

I know, to some this may seem horrible, or like Landen will never be in his own bed. I cherish these times right now though. He won't want to sleep with us forever.. he will soon want to be in his own little room, with his bed and out of our cuddling arms. I always just try to put myself into my children's shoes, how are they feeling - how would I feel. I'd feel so scared being in another room - that's just me though and they have my genetics so they probably have some of that in them. I also want to say.. I get crabby and I want to throw them out of my bed at times too! I'm not a Saint.. I am striving to be though. =)

I encourage everyone to read about co-sleeping before they disregard it. There are huge benefits to it. Dr. Sears has some great things to say about it. Here is a great article about it. Check out Sharon's Blog Post today about co-sleeping. She also has some good reads in this post! There is lots you can read about it and find out. Some negative, some positive.

Let me know what you all do and why. If you have a toddler like us that is in and out, what do you do? I'm curious. =) Also, I know there are lots of ways to co-sleep as well and I want to make it clear that I'm not saying if you don't do it your not a good parent. We all have to do what we really feel is best for our children and situation. This just is what we have chosen and believe is the best for us.