I think this has been one of the hardest parts of having 4 children. Learning to stagger. Because obviously you can't simultaneously put 4 kids down. (I know, rocket science). And since there are 2 in each bedroom, staggering has been super helpful in order to have a peaceful bedtime routine. Letting one settle down before we put the other one down has been the smartest thing we've started doing!
So how it usually goes down is Olivia is first to bed - since she has the longest day and doesn't get to rest. She doesn't like it, but I know she's tired because she is usually the last to rise in the morning.
Then I put Rhodes down in Landon's room. Let him settle in and find his perfect little curled up spot with his blanket in his crib - he sleeps in the cutest positions.
Then it's Lillian and Landon's turn. They usually get at least a rest time (Lillian still sleeps at least 2 hours a day if not more during the afternoon) during the day so they can stay up just a little longer.
The whole routine from dinner to bed takes close 2 hours - including bath, sips, teeth brushing, reading, prayers, bathroom breaks, etc. Usually we can sneak a little "horsey" time in there too. ;-)
All of this is followed by a pretty sleepy momma crawling in bed around 8:30 p.m. I know, it's sad. But sleep is precious and if I'm going to get any, it has to begin then!
So that's a little glimpse into our weeknight evenings! Sounds fun, huh!
Ohhhh, that's precious. I have three boys (7, 5 and 2), and I understand about the bedtime routine. Since we don't get home from work until 6:45 with all the boys, we are usually rushed to do all the "routine" things. As a matter of fact, the boys usually only get two baths during the week!
ReplyDeleteI am LOLing at the toes sticking out the end of the sleeper! Too precious!
ReplyDeleteI love Rhodes toesy poking through him jammies! So cute!!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even notice the toes! That was Olivia's sleeper! So it's been around a while!!! They are pretty cute little toes though! ;-)
ReplyDeleteglad to know we're not the only ones...my oldest goes to sleep first. although the youngest usually is last. funny how that works, but it makes perfect sense to us!! we have been wondering how things will be different with four come october. keep up the good examples for us!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you shared this. I often put mine to bed by myself (because of T's hours) and it takes me right at an hour and a half to do all that. I've also discovered it takes me two hours to get myself and all three fed, changed, and loaded into the car to be on time for church. TWO hours. I kind of thought I must be doing something wrong, but a few seasoned mamas confirmed that two hours was pretty right on. I suppose an hour and a half for three at bedtime is about right too, huh? :)
ReplyDeletePS I love those little toes, too!
Sometimes I feel like it takes forever just to put 2 down and you can laugh at that one!! I know you just adjust as they come and its fun to know how you get things done!
ReplyDeletehe's so sweet! and i'm glad i'm not the only one who is willing to show that they propped up bottles so they could get something else done.
ReplyDeleteand i'm totally digging the toes sticking out!