To Ferberize, or not to Ferberize?

This is the big question that many parents face. Should I let my baby cry it out at bedtime, allowing him to learn the tools necessary to fall asleep on his own, or do I do what is easier and more comforting for us both, and let him fall asleep in my arms with a bottle?

Up until two nights ago, Paul and I chose the latter. It was faster, easier, and predictable. However, after months of waking up through the night, it was clear that our little guy just wasn't getting the good night's sleep he needed or deserved. So, we decided to try the controversial Ferber method. Not so much controversial in the realms of sleeping theories, but more in the realm of sensitive and nervous parents. Of course no parent wants to hear their child cry, especially for an hour, or sometimes more. But sometimes we can overlook the real problems right in front of us for the sake of our own peace of mind and comfort.

Saturday night was our final straw with night time wakings. Mom was up 3-4 times with him, and then Paul a few times-once for about an hour. In the morning I declared the scary but glaring truth: We must change the rules! No more bottles to fall asleep, and no more picking him up when he cries, or cooing and shushing him to sleep with luxurious backrubs. No. We must be strong and let him cry.

My saving grace with this method is that you are allowed to check in on him periodically throughout the wailing. The first night I went into the room every five minutes to reassure Jacob that I loved him, but that it was bedtime. One pukey bed and half an hour later he was asleep. He awoke once during the night, and again I let him cry, though this time it took more like an hour and a half to return to slumber.
Last night, though I was only allowed to check on him every 10 minutes, much to our delight and surprise, it only took 20 minutes to fall asleep (with no vomit incidence). And, knock on wood and cross all toes and fingers, he slept through the night completely! I can just hear him starting to stir now. Yes, that's right, I am actually awake before he is! That hasn't happened since he was a new born.
So, we still have some time to go before we can say this is a sure method, but so far things are looking a heck of a lot brighter around here. I actually managed to write this whole post without downing a giant coffee first. Now that, my friends, is magical:)