Update

I hear that sometimes moms feel isolated and lonely.  Though that's not something I struggle with, I have to think that with modern mamas being able to express thoughts, ask questions, and get such fast, knowledgeable responses, it has to make a difference!  Thank you so much- it was just good to hear that what was happening was normal.

We decided to go with a little tough love, with the goal in mind of not getting her until 7 a.m. unless she was really frieking out (she used to sleep until sometime between 7:15 and 8:00).  She went to sleep fine and woke up once at 5:30, cried for 10 minutes, slept til 6:20, cried off and on for 20 minutes, then slept until 7:45!  She woke up sooo happy and had a great day yesterday.  Last night she slept until 5:40, squawked twice, then slept until 6:40.  She cried off and on until we got her up at 7:00.  We feel good about our choice to let her cry it out a bit- especially with her being so much more like herself during the day, too.  All that's not to say we won't check on her if she wakes in the night, but waking up earlier than usual in the morning seems more of a habit that formed than her having trouble with teeth, ears, etc.  Also, for those who were concerned about her ears, I had them checked last week and they were fine- thanks for thinking of that, though!

One funny story.  She's been clapping and saying "yea!" when we do.  On Saturday, she was wearing some thick, fleecy PJs that prevented us from realizing that she had a huge, dirty diaper.  When we did realize it and Jake was changing it, she started clapping for him!!!  Bless her baby heart!  Ever since then, she's been clapping when she's excited about something- when one of us walks in the door, when she sees her Puffs, etc.  It's fun to see her express herself!