It's On.

After sleeping through the night from approximately 3 months to about 8 months, Syed Brian has decided that uninterrupted sleep is not necessary. Rather, he views it as a luxury and one of which he has chosen to deprive his parents. Frankly, Syed and I are tired of not having 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. We have tried to be understanding, acommodating, nurturing parents for the past few months, hoping that our loving tendencies would encourage him to see the error of his ways, develop a new appreciation for what we provide for him, and that he would make the right decision on his own to sleep through the night. But he has only further developed manipulative tendencies and he is not taking the hint. Sooo...IT'S ON.

Syed Brian looks like an innocent, sweet, loving, charming little boy. Don't be fooled. He is nothing but a clever manipulator, particularly when it comes to sleeping. And I'm onto his tricks. No more unnecessary bottles (clearly he is not malnourished nor does he miss many meals). No more unnecessary walks around the house with the purpose of soothing. No more unnecessary trips to the swing or bouncy seat (he's so big that they barely swing/bounce anymore). Nope. We're done. The new mantra is self-soothing...all the way to sleep.

Showdown will begin tonight and it will be of an unknown duration. What is certain is that Syed and I will prevail...or at least I will (Syed may be on his own for this one once I am back traveling). It may be a painful, bitter, sleep deprived few nights, but it's time. Syed Brian is stubborn and determined. Fortunately, his mother knows about those tendencies all too well, as she [might] be partially responsible for instilling them into him. At least that is what his father says...

For those parents out there who have been in similar situations, please feel free to share some tips in the comments section about what you found useful in teaching your children to sleep. I'm happy to consider suggestions, appreciate your stories, and would enjoy commiserating. Or feel free to mock us, too.

To Syed Brian, I have the following message: Sweet dreams, my son. I love you. Now bring it on.