The Four B's

We've created a really nice bedtime routine that I believe is contributing to Ellie's sleeping success. We (or at least I) call it "The Four B's" -- Bath, Book, Bottle, Bed.

Every night, about 45 minutes before we plan to put her to bed, we give Ellie a bath. It's a team effort, with Josh soaping her down and me rinsing her off and helping hold her up. I think it helps her to "power down" for the night. Who wouldn't love a nice bath before bed each night?

After she gets dried off from the bath and dressed for bed, dad brushes her hair (which is the cutest thing ever -- he holds her on his lap and very gently brushes her thinning locks with a tiny soft baby brush). Then it's time for a story. I so want Ellie to enjoy reading as much as Josh and I do, so we're making family reading time a big part of our lives. Right now we're reading her "The Tales of Beedle the Bard," a new book by J.K. Rowling. We take turns -- one parent sits in the rocking chair with the babe, and the other parks on the floor and reads aloud. It's great.

After storytime (or sometimes during, if she's getting fussy) it's time for a bottle and then we swaddle her up, and put her to bed in her crib. Through it all, Riley maintains a careful watch from his bed in the corner of the nursery.

I love this bedtime ritual. It's a great bonding time for the whole family. I enjoy sharing the activities with Josh and I really think it's part of the reason Ellie is sleeping so well.