I never thought I would give co-sleeping a try before I had kids!!

Then along came my DS and he is a high-need child and he also fights sleep like anything. It has been a struggle most nights to get him to sleep and then to keep him asleep. Also when he was a newborn he needed to nurse every 2 hours just about around the clock and I was just getting really exhausted from the whole thing.

My dad and step-mom were visiting from the states in April and it was actually my dad who first suggested that I co-sleep with James and I really can't thank him enough for the suggestion. That first night was bliss and both James and I actually got a decent night sleep.

So our routine now is that James starts the night in his bed (which is right next to my side of the bed anyway) then whenever he wakes during the night I make the decision to re-settle him in his bed or to take him to bed with me. It always depends on how tired I am and whether or not James will settle back into bed on his own. Sometimes he snuggles right in and goes to sleep and other times he decides he needs his own space and doesn't settle until I put him back in his bed. We just go with the flow.

Early this morning was precious... I was feeding him in our bed and was still enough awake when he finished nursing to witness him detach, roll over (away from me) and cuddle up to my DH which was just sweet to see.

I have had a lot of guidance from Dr Sears website, Pinky McKay's book and also Elizabeth Pantley's book and I know this is what is best for our family. I think the most important thing for people to decide as far as co-sleeping is concerned is whether it is something they want to do, and it is also important to be in agreement with your partner as to whether or not to co-sleep, where and for how long. I'm thankful that my DH is understanding of James and his needs and is willing and happy to have him sleep in our room and also in our bed for as long as he needs.

So although there are MANY people out there who disagree with co-sleeping and are very willing to share their opinion with you - ignore them and decide to do what you feel is right for your child and your family. We are emotionally attached to these precious little angels we have been given and so we have to take that into account as well.

I'm just glad that there are websites, books, and chat rooms or forums out there that are supportive of our decisions and that we can seek out information, support and advice. In the grand scheme of things they are only babies for such a short time. I really can't believe that James is nearly 9 months old and sometimes I feel like I've missed out of really special, precious moments with him that I can never get back because I've been too busy sweating all the small stuff!!