I come up with all kinds of brilliant or at least entertaining post ideas when I'm laying in bed and can't sleep (which is a lot lately). I mean, really, inspiration abounds. And yet, once morning dawns, the ideas are fleeting. This obviously means I need an ipad so I can jot them down while I'm in bed, thus not further jeopardizing my attempts to sleep (get ideas out, but don't get out of bed and wake self up even more).
I know what you're thinking - why not just have a pad of paper and pencil. But this has several pitfalls. First, I don't have a bedside table or anything on/in which to store said paper and pencil. Second, it's dark then. And, should I turn on the light, I would risk waking poor hubby. And I certainly wouldn't want to do that. Lastly, one of my children is bound to stab himself or his brother with said pencil. And heaven knows the ED social worker does not need to be bringing one of her children in to the ED with a pencil-eye injury. Really, it's all about job security.
So, clearly, I need an ipad.
Today's Lesson: This genius post is the perfect example of why I need an ipad. The stuff I came up with last night was infinitely more interesting, though likely just as rambling.
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Coming Down from the Melatonin High
It's been awhile since I mentioned baby E and sleep, or Melatonin. I'm assuming you've realized this means sleep has been going well. And, man, has it. After about 2 weeks of the melatonin, E started sleeping consistently through the night, as in no waking up. At all. After 15+ months of waking 2, 3, or more times a night, that sleep was ever so much appreciated.
However, we've now been getting that full time sleep for about 4-5 months. And my guilt about "drugging" him to get him to sleep, has been mounting. The last couple of weeks, he's been sleeping from about 7:30p til at least 7a. Though he's gone til 8a few times. This is all in addition to 2-3hr naps. While it sounds great, I've been worried about how much sleep he's getting. And, yes, I get that that makes me a little crazy.
Mostly, though, in my research prior to us giving him the Melatonin, I read some warnings about people becoming "addicted" to melatonin. Now, this was more in line of your body just stops making it after awhile since you're providing it. We certainly didn't want this to happen. The last thing we want is for him to have to have it, like, forever to be able to sleep.
So, a few weeks ago, I started mentioning to hubby the need to wean baby E from the melatonin. At first he simply shrugged and grunted in a very noncommittal kind of way. Then he just started flat out ignoring me whenever I brought it up. About 2 weeks ago, for some reason, he agreed to give it a try.
I am - over the moon, beyond thrilled - happy to tell you, that baby E has now been Melatonin-free for almost 2 weeks. Actually, that's not the part I'm so excited about. The awesome part is that he has continued to sleep through the night! Now, this has not been without consequences, but they are ones we're willing to accept. At least for now.
First, it's taking him longer to get to sleep at night, and there have been a few nights where he's cried for a bit, necessitating us going back in to his room once, twice, thrice to calm him down. This was similar to what was happening pre-melatonin. But, he does settle down within a half hour and go to sleep on his own.
Second, we've started hearing him whining in his sleep again. He woke me up at 10:45 the other night (he'd gone to bed at 6:45 that night!) whining. I went in and he wasn't really awake, but his blankets had come off. So I covered him back up and he was quiet again. This morning he woke hubby up at like 5a doing the same thing. But then he slept til 7:30a.
Third, his naps have become wonky. He's still napping, mind you (good, 2ish hour ones), it's just that when he takes those naps is all over the board. He used to go down about 1p (give or take 30min). But, in the past week, he's gone down anywhere from 10am (after sleeping til 7:30 that morning!), to 2pm.
Fourth, I don't think he's sleeping as well as he was with the melatonin. He seems to be more restless at night, as evidenced by his blankets being all over the place/him not keeping them on all night (which he had been doing). Also, the poor little fella has had circles under his eyes a few days.
All that said, we're going to give it at least another couple of weeks and see how it goes. If he can sleep on his own, that is absolutely the preferable option. However, if he starts waking again, and just seems tired a lot, we'll go back to it, though probably with a lower dosage.
Today's Lesson: Poop, toots, and pee-pee are frequent topics of conversation in households that a boy-heavy. Also, jokes about those things are apparently just as funny for 35yo boys, as they are for 6yo boys, as they are for 22mon old boys. Sigh...
However, we've now been getting that full time sleep for about 4-5 months. And my guilt about "drugging" him to get him to sleep, has been mounting. The last couple of weeks, he's been sleeping from about 7:30p til at least 7a. Though he's gone til 8a few times. This is all in addition to 2-3hr naps. While it sounds great, I've been worried about how much sleep he's getting. And, yes, I get that that makes me a little crazy.
Mostly, though, in my research prior to us giving him the Melatonin, I read some warnings about people becoming "addicted" to melatonin. Now, this was more in line of your body just stops making it after awhile since you're providing it. We certainly didn't want this to happen. The last thing we want is for him to have to have it, like, forever to be able to sleep.
So, a few weeks ago, I started mentioning to hubby the need to wean baby E from the melatonin. At first he simply shrugged and grunted in a very noncommittal kind of way. Then he just started flat out ignoring me whenever I brought it up. About 2 weeks ago, for some reason, he agreed to give it a try.
I am - over the moon, beyond thrilled - happy to tell you, that baby E has now been Melatonin-free for almost 2 weeks. Actually, that's not the part I'm so excited about. The awesome part is that he has continued to sleep through the night! Now, this has not been without consequences, but they are ones we're willing to accept. At least for now.
First, it's taking him longer to get to sleep at night, and there have been a few nights where he's cried for a bit, necessitating us going back in to his room once, twice, thrice to calm him down. This was similar to what was happening pre-melatonin. But, he does settle down within a half hour and go to sleep on his own.
Second, we've started hearing him whining in his sleep again. He woke me up at 10:45 the other night (he'd gone to bed at 6:45 that night!) whining. I went in and he wasn't really awake, but his blankets had come off. So I covered him back up and he was quiet again. This morning he woke hubby up at like 5a doing the same thing. But then he slept til 7:30a.
Third, his naps have become wonky. He's still napping, mind you (good, 2ish hour ones), it's just that when he takes those naps is all over the board. He used to go down about 1p (give or take 30min). But, in the past week, he's gone down anywhere from 10am (after sleeping til 7:30 that morning!), to 2pm.
Fourth, I don't think he's sleeping as well as he was with the melatonin. He seems to be more restless at night, as evidenced by his blankets being all over the place/him not keeping them on all night (which he had been doing). Also, the poor little fella has had circles under his eyes a few days.
All that said, we're going to give it at least another couple of weeks and see how it goes. If he can sleep on his own, that is absolutely the preferable option. However, if he starts waking again, and just seems tired a lot, we'll go back to it, though probably with a lower dosage.
Today's Lesson: Poop, toots, and pee-pee are frequent topics of conversation in households that a boy-heavy. Also, jokes about those things are apparently just as funny for 35yo boys, as they are for 6yo boys, as they are for 22mon old boys. Sigh...
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Some Camping Lessons
Memorial Day weekend was our first camping trip of the summer. Here are a few short lessons I learned:
- Just because your baby hated, and I mean hated (!!!!!), the pool recently, it doesn't mean he won't be jumping in to water over his head the very next time.
- Watching your 6yo be the leader of a gang of kids will provoke feelings of pride, wonder, and a little nostalgia.
- Your baby, who loves to eat rocks at home, well, he will still love to eat rocks while you're camping.
- If you're going to spend a few hours at the pool and your hair is in pig tails, you should apply sunscreen along the part. Or just plan not to brush it or use the hairdryer for the next few days.
- Melatonin is still a wonder drug, even when you're camping.
- Having your mom there to help watch the kids makes this whole camping with 2 kids thing a lot easier.
- Watching a family who has 4 little kids camp will make you feel silly for complaining about camping with just 2 (and want to take lessons from them about how to pack and organize everything!).
- Camping is a fun way to spend your birthday (although a spa day would be great, too).
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Lullabies
From the time he came home from the hospital, we have had a consistent bedtime routine with the kid. It was jammies, 2 books, 2 songs, bed. Of course when he was little there was massage, diaper, and a feeding in there as well. When he was just a babe, I of course chose the books and songs. But, since he started to show a preference - which was really early on - he's been choosing.
His favorite songs are "Blackbirds" (Idk the "real" name of the song, but the first line goes "Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye, four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie...") and Lullaby (you know, the classic, "lullaby, and goodnight...". Actually most people don't really know the lyrics to that one, so here's a clip of the melody so you know what I'm talking about. Although, it really doesn't matter a darn bit whether you do or not. And, now that I'm looking at the lyrics, there are about 1000 different versions, but none are what I sing to him. So, since I've made a big deal about it and all, click over and listen to the freaking song already. Or don't. Whichever. Focus, Becky, focus. Okay).
Before baby E was born, I put the kid to bed nearly every night of his life. And he picked at least 1 of these two songs, every night, often both of them. Since E's come along, I tend to be nursing him to bed as hubby puts the kid to bed. But, on the nights when I do get to put him to bed, it's still always 1 or both of these songs that the kid asks me to sing for him. That's a lot of Blackbird and Lullaby renditions. And those songs are kind of our "thing".
Now, baby E, as you may remember, didn't get this lovely bedtime routine til he was a bit older. Rest assured, he has it now - and has for at least half of his life at this point. But, because bedtime was often a fussy time for baby E early on (in hindsight, probably because we'd waited too long and he was overtired), it took some finagling to find a song or two he likes. (Remember, I told you the other day what we've ended up with.)
But sometimes, well frankly often, I get totally sick of that Bear song and try to throw something else in the mix. And, because I now rarely have the chance to put the kid to bed and sing "our" songs to him, sometimes I try to sneak them in with baby E because I kind of miss those songs. Not that he'll usually let me. But, if he's almost asleep, I can usually get through Lullaby.
Funny enough, I usually find myself feeling guilty about singing one of these two songs that are mine and the kid's to baby E. I feel in some way like I am betraying him. For me, music is often tied to strongly emotional memories. And these songs remind me of tender times with my big boy. So, to share such an intimate (in a way) experience with someone else seems, somehow, wrong.
So, I've stopped using those songs with baby E. Also, though, I don't do the Bear song with the kid. Because that feels just as uncomfortably like cheating. Such an odd emotional response. And yet, there it is.
Today's lesson: It's funny how something as simple as a song about blackbirds can become something more important in a relationship than just words and a melody. It becomes the sum of the experiences you have had. All the snuggles in bed, the back rubbing, the sweet kisses on the softly snoring head. Important. Oh so memorable. And the moments of parenthood you don't ever want to forget.
His favorite songs are "Blackbirds" (Idk the "real" name of the song, but the first line goes "Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye, four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie...") and Lullaby (you know, the classic, "lullaby, and goodnight...". Actually most people don't really know the lyrics to that one, so here's a clip of the melody so you know what I'm talking about. Although, it really doesn't matter a darn bit whether you do or not. And, now that I'm looking at the lyrics, there are about 1000 different versions, but none are what I sing to him. So, since I've made a big deal about it and all, click over and listen to the freaking song already. Or don't. Whichever. Focus, Becky, focus. Okay).
Before baby E was born, I put the kid to bed nearly every night of his life. And he picked at least 1 of these two songs, every night, often both of them. Since E's come along, I tend to be nursing him to bed as hubby puts the kid to bed. But, on the nights when I do get to put him to bed, it's still always 1 or both of these songs that the kid asks me to sing for him. That's a lot of Blackbird and Lullaby renditions. And those songs are kind of our "thing".
Now, baby E, as you may remember, didn't get this lovely bedtime routine til he was a bit older. Rest assured, he has it now - and has for at least half of his life at this point. But, because bedtime was often a fussy time for baby E early on (in hindsight, probably because we'd waited too long and he was overtired), it took some finagling to find a song or two he likes. (Remember, I told you the other day what we've ended up with.)
But sometimes, well frankly often, I get totally sick of that Bear song and try to throw something else in the mix. And, because I now rarely have the chance to put the kid to bed and sing "our" songs to him, sometimes I try to sneak them in with baby E because I kind of miss those songs. Not that he'll usually let me. But, if he's almost asleep, I can usually get through Lullaby.
Funny enough, I usually find myself feeling guilty about singing one of these two songs that are mine and the kid's to baby E. I feel in some way like I am betraying him. For me, music is often tied to strongly emotional memories. And these songs remind me of tender times with my big boy. So, to share such an intimate (in a way) experience with someone else seems, somehow, wrong.
So, I've stopped using those songs with baby E. Also, though, I don't do the Bear song with the kid. Because that feels just as uncomfortably like cheating. Such an odd emotional response. And yet, there it is.
Today's lesson: It's funny how something as simple as a song about blackbirds can become something more important in a relationship than just words and a melody. It becomes the sum of the experiences you have had. All the snuggles in bed, the back rubbing, the sweet kisses on the softly snoring head. Important. Oh so memorable. And the moments of parenthood you don't ever want to forget.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
I met a Bear
Sometimes it's funny the things we do to sooth our kids. Heck, to sooth ourselves enough to be able to sooth our kids.
Because bedtime was often a fussy time for baby E early on, I found myself having to sing the same song over and over and over again before he'd calm down. So I tried to find the longest song possible, so that there was less repetition necessary (you know, for my own sanity, because lord knows singing Twinkle, Twinkle 432 times is gonna push a momma over the very closely looming edge pretty darn fast). What I've ended up with singing to baby E most often is not exactly a traditional lullaby. Oh heck, it's not a lullaby at all.
Ok, are you ready for it? Here is the lovingly lullaby I sing to my sweet baby, "The other day (the other day), I met a bear (I met a bear), a great big bear (a great big bear), a way out there (a way out there). The other day I met a bear, a great big bear a way out there...".
Anyone else know this song? It's one I learned at 4H camp. It's one of those back and forth songs (hence the words being repeated in the parentheses). I remember it being loud and kind of yelled back and forth between the camp staff and the kids. And holymoly, I just discovered that the B.are N.aked L.adies totally recorded it. And here are the lyrics, you know, in case you're super desperate for an awesome lullaby as well. Although, I must be honest, I totally changed the line about having guns, because that just seemed wrong to sing about guns to him in a lullaby. I mean, I have standards and all, y'all.
So, anyway, the Bear song was the longest song I could think of - especially with the verses I may have made up and added. Plus, it was super easy to remember in the middle of my super sleep-deprived existence. And, because it was so very long, baby E had almost always calmed down by the end of it. So it was like this promise to myself "just make it til the end of this song and he'll be calm and maybe even asleep". That silly song gave me hope, people.
Even now, if he's fussing or squirming big time, I know that without a doubt he'll be content and likely asleep by the time I'm done. Occasionally it takes a 2nd round to get him to sleep, but usually one does the trick.
Of all the things I dreamed about singing when I was taking voice lessons (what, you didn't know about that? Yes, I took voice lessons for probably 7 or 8 years), old camp songs to my screaming baby was not one of them. And yet, it works. And, truthfully, he's not such a fan of some of the more traditional songs and has been known to sign "all done" when I start up one of them. This little guy has quite the opinion about things.
Today's lessons: While, as we previously learned, washable markers are not so washable sometimes, and the washing machine is not that effective at taking care of not-supposed-to-be-pink cloth diapers, Mother Nature is quite the expert. She, at least, can bleach some diapers back to their original lovely white color. Thank you, Mother Nature for sending sunshine this week!
Because bedtime was often a fussy time for baby E early on, I found myself having to sing the same song over and over and over again before he'd calm down. So I tried to find the longest song possible, so that there was less repetition necessary (you know, for my own sanity, because lord knows singing Twinkle, Twinkle 432 times is gonna push a momma over the very closely looming edge pretty darn fast). What I've ended up with singing to baby E most often is not exactly a traditional lullaby. Oh heck, it's not a lullaby at all.
Ok, are you ready for it? Here is the lovingly lullaby I sing to my sweet baby, "The other day (the other day), I met a bear (I met a bear), a great big bear (a great big bear), a way out there (a way out there). The other day I met a bear, a great big bear a way out there...".
Anyone else know this song? It's one I learned at 4H camp. It's one of those back and forth songs (hence the words being repeated in the parentheses). I remember it being loud and kind of yelled back and forth between the camp staff and the kids. And holymoly, I just discovered that the B.are N.aked L.adies totally recorded it. And here are the lyrics, you know, in case you're super desperate for an awesome lullaby as well. Although, I must be honest, I totally changed the line about having guns, because that just seemed wrong to sing about guns to him in a lullaby. I mean, I have standards and all, y'all.
So, anyway, the Bear song was the longest song I could think of - especially with the verses I may have made up and added. Plus, it was super easy to remember in the middle of my super sleep-deprived existence. And, because it was so very long, baby E had almost always calmed down by the end of it. So it was like this promise to myself "just make it til the end of this song and he'll be calm and maybe even asleep". That silly song gave me hope, people.
Even now, if he's fussing or squirming big time, I know that without a doubt he'll be content and likely asleep by the time I'm done. Occasionally it takes a 2nd round to get him to sleep, but usually one does the trick.
Of all the things I dreamed about singing when I was taking voice lessons (what, you didn't know about that? Yes, I took voice lessons for probably 7 or 8 years), old camp songs to my screaming baby was not one of them. And yet, it works. And, truthfully, he's not such a fan of some of the more traditional songs and has been known to sign "all done" when I start up one of them. This little guy has quite the opinion about things.
Today's lessons: While, as we previously learned, washable markers are not so washable sometimes, and the washing machine is not that effective at taking care of not-supposed-to-be-pink cloth diapers, Mother Nature is quite the expert. She, at least, can bleach some diapers back to their original lovely white color. Thank you, Mother Nature for sending sunshine this week!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Why I both love and hate Melatonin
It's been roughly a month since we started drugging baby E to get him to sleep at night. Though I say that in jest, I do still have some reservations and guilt about it. However, lemme just tell ya, that baby is now sleeping. Not every night, all night. But most nights, mostly all night. We are getting up with him maybe once a night, and at that only every other night or so. Instead of 2-4 times each and every night. That means that at a minimum every other night I get to sleep all. night. long. I mean, the Melatonin - for real - has been the savior of my sanity. And probably my marriage.
My sweet baby E is happier and napping better during the day, too. He's taking (generally) 1 nap a day now, instead of two. And it's a longer one, like 2-3 hours, instead of an hour and a half or less. He is less crabby and that baby's language development has taken off. (A post for another day.) He's still into everything, but I don't think that has a thing to do with anything other than who he is.
I'm a happier momma because I'm finally sleeping. I am more patient, calmer, less edgy, and better able to focus on everything - work, kids, hubby, adult conversation, everything. Hubby, too, is more patient and less cranky. It's been a good, good thing for us all.
So why then do I continue to struggle with it?
Well, in short, I hate giving my kids medicine. And while I don't consider Melatonin a medicine exactly, it is a pill (albeit crushed up in some applesauce). I feel like we're drugging him to get him to sleep. Which isn't, of course, addressing any possible underlying issue (i.e. whatever it is causing him to not sleep on his own). It feels in some ways like a really selfish decision, "making" him sleep when his body doesn't seem ready to do it on its own.
And yet, that sleep...oh that sleep... I can't turn it down. So, I guess I'll continue to feel guilty about drugging him to get him to sleep. Because neither hubby or I are willing to give up that sleep. At least for the meantime. Maybe in a couple of months when our sleep deficit has been significantly decreased we'll consider weaning him off it and see what happens. Maybe. Hopefully. Possibly.
Today's lesson: As people, as parents, we are often judgemental. About the decisions that other parents make. About the decisions our co-parent makes. About the decisions we make ourselves. We're often heard to say "I would never...". And, yet, I don't think we ever really know what we will do in a particular situation until we find ourselves in said position. And I choose to believe that we all make the best decisions we can in the midst of the situation. It may not be the same decision we would make a moment, a month, or 5 years later, but it's the best we can do right then. And, because of that, we owe it to ourselves to be more gentle with ourselves, with each other.
My sweet baby E is happier and napping better during the day, too. He's taking (generally) 1 nap a day now, instead of two. And it's a longer one, like 2-3 hours, instead of an hour and a half or less. He is less crabby and that baby's language development has taken off. (A post for another day.) He's still into everything, but I don't think that has a thing to do with anything other than who he is.
I'm a happier momma because I'm finally sleeping. I am more patient, calmer, less edgy, and better able to focus on everything - work, kids, hubby, adult conversation, everything. Hubby, too, is more patient and less cranky. It's been a good, good thing for us all.
So why then do I continue to struggle with it?
Well, in short, I hate giving my kids medicine. And while I don't consider Melatonin a medicine exactly, it is a pill (albeit crushed up in some applesauce). I feel like we're drugging him to get him to sleep. Which isn't, of course, addressing any possible underlying issue (i.e. whatever it is causing him to not sleep on his own). It feels in some ways like a really selfish decision, "making" him sleep when his body doesn't seem ready to do it on its own.
And yet, that sleep...oh that sleep... I can't turn it down. So, I guess I'll continue to feel guilty about drugging him to get him to sleep. Because neither hubby or I are willing to give up that sleep. At least for the meantime. Maybe in a couple of months when our sleep deficit has been significantly decreased we'll consider weaning him off it and see what happens. Maybe. Hopefully. Possibly.
Today's lesson: As people, as parents, we are often judgemental. About the decisions that other parents make. About the decisions our co-parent makes. About the decisions we make ourselves. We're often heard to say "I would never...". And, yet, I don't think we ever really know what we will do in a particular situation until we find ourselves in said position. And I choose to believe that we all make the best decisions we can in the midst of the situation. It may not be the same decision we would make a moment, a month, or 5 years later, but it's the best we can do right then. And, because of that, we owe it to ourselves to be more gentle with ourselves, with each other.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sometimes we sleep
I'd like someone to explain to me why, just when baby E seems to finally be sleeping better (note: we're usually still up once or twice, but they're brief, and that's still half the times we used to be up), the kid is now getting up. I mean, seriously?! I'm pretty sure they must be conspiring against us. For some reason. Like they like us being sleep-deprived. And cranky. And think the dark circles under my eyes are becoming. Or maybe they wouldn't even recognize me without them. Like when I got my hair cut super short and E kept looking behind me for it.
That, or it has nothing to do with us and they - individually- have stuff going on that's messing with their sleep. One of the two.
Either which way, I am thrilled to report that baby E is sleeping sooooooooooo very much better. Last night he was only up once, and briefly at that. But the previous 2 nights he slept about 11hrs straight. That's 11hrs each night. Not waking up. At all. I call it awesomeness. The melatonin seems to be doing the trick. Though, interestingly, he also seems to sleep better at night when we put him in a wool diaper cover. Not sure what kind of a connection there could be there. But, by George, we will continue to use them! And the melatonin. (Unless one of our pharmacist people finds something that indicates otherwise.)
Now, if only we could get them both sleeping 8pm-7am... Someday...
Today's lesson: Melatonin is my friend. And never say never, especially when it comes to parenting. You know, like you should never say you won't give your kid meds to sleep. Because you might just get super duper desperate and be willing to try anything. Even crushed up pills.
That, or it has nothing to do with us and they - individually- have stuff going on that's messing with their sleep. One of the two.
Either which way, I am thrilled to report that baby E is sleeping sooooooooooo very much better. Last night he was only up once, and briefly at that. But the previous 2 nights he slept about 11hrs straight. That's 11hrs each night. Not waking up. At all. I call it awesomeness. The melatonin seems to be doing the trick. Though, interestingly, he also seems to sleep better at night when we put him in a wool diaper cover. Not sure what kind of a connection there could be there. But, by George, we will continue to use them! And the melatonin. (Unless one of our pharmacist people finds something that indicates otherwise.)
Now, if only we could get them both sleeping 8pm-7am... Someday...
Today's lesson: Melatonin is my friend. And never say never, especially when it comes to parenting. You know, like you should never say you won't give your kid meds to sleep. Because you might just get super duper desperate and be willing to try anything. Even crushed up pills.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Momma the druggist
Last week I took baby E to his 15 month well child. He's perfect by the way, still skinny, with an enormous head (big heads are good in babies after all because big head = big brain) but absolutely perfect. Except for that whole not sleeping thing. (big, huge, sigh) But, for the very first time, the pediatrician was able to offer a possibility of something to help. Her suggestion? Melatonin. 1mg about a half hour before bed, crushed up. Our decision? What the hell, it's worth a try.
I must admit I feel a little uncomfortable with giving him the Melatonin. I mean, I fall into the whole, "no antibiotics unless absolutely necessary/a fever doesn't necessitate Tylenol/delayed vaccination" camp. So, to give my babe a pill (albeit it crushed up in applesauce) every night, makes me a feel a bit ugh-ish. The boys' pediatrician was a bit flippant about it all, throwing out a dosage that she just guessed on. However, as you well know, we're a big desperate for sleep around here and, short of a hot toddy, we're willing to give about anything a shot so to speak.
Hubby and I - desperate beyond belief to get some freaking sleep - jumped on it. The 1st night we crushed up a 3mg pill, giving him approximately 1mg mixed in applesauce. Imagine my surprise, when little E was asleep in my arms before I even finished the bedtime routine. And then slept 6hours straight. Followed by a brief waking, and then another several hours of sleeping. The 2nd night, he again went to sleep super easy. He was pretty restless, but didn't necessitate parental intervention. I mean, I was still awake several times, but at least I didn't have to get up. The 3rd night, he was up twice, but 1 of those was because of a leaking diaper, so I still count that as a success.
Tonight is the 4th night, and we are back to him taking forever to get to sleep. Not sure what's up with that...maybe we didn't give it to him early enough? No idea. He's in there screaming "night-night. Night-night!!!". But I've got my fingers crossed for a decent night. Please, whoever-is-the-patron-saint-of-babies-and-sleep, make this baby sleep tonight! [Update: After about 45minutes, he's out. This is still a huge improvement!]
But, I continue to worry a bit about whether it is safe, appropriate dosage, long-term effects, etc... So, when trolling facebook the other night, I was reminded that one FB friend from high school is now a pharmacist. I decided on a whim to send him a message and ask him his opinion. (Side note: it's so funny/odd to be faced with someone you knew that long ago as just your kid brother's friend, but he's now this super smart professional. Cool, but weird.) Well, awesome person that he is, he called and gave me all the info he could dig up. He asked about E's medical history, current symptoms, and a myriad of other clinically relevant questions. He shared his concerns, the primarily one being that he could find no information regarding what might be an appropriate dosage for baby E based on his age and weight. He was professional, informative, empathetic, and so very kind.
He's going to continue to see what he can come up with for appropriate dosage. He suggested getting a compounding pharmacy to make up the right dosage (once we figure out what it is - probably .5mg) so we know for sure. He recommended absolutely not using it if there is any child-specific or biological family history of seizures or liver problems. Certainly baby E hasn't had issues with either of these and the medical histories we have from his birth families doesn't indicate a history there either. The last thing he recommended was using a specific company for the supplement, as herbals aren't regulated by the FDA but this company sends their products to a 3rd party for verification. Because I'm thorough (Read: slightly OCD), we also spoke with hubby's aunt who is also a pharmacist and she's looking for some info for us as well.
Based on all that, the decision we've came to is to continue with the melatonin, for now. It seems to be working for E. He's sleeping - much - longer (for him) and the little circles under his eyes have started to go away. My circles are still there, but I have faith that a few more days of 6+hours of sleep will help those start to resolve as well.
Today's lesson: Some time you do things you never thought you would. I mean, we delay vaccinations and hesitate to even give our kids Tylenol. Giving them a pill to make them sleep is not something I ever thought I'd do. And yet, here we are. You do whatcha gotta do. And that's okay.
I must admit I feel a little uncomfortable with giving him the Melatonin. I mean, I fall into the whole, "no antibiotics unless absolutely necessary/a fever doesn't necessitate Tylenol/delayed vaccination" camp. So, to give my babe a pill (albeit it crushed up in applesauce) every night, makes me a feel a bit ugh-ish. The boys' pediatrician was a bit flippant about it all, throwing out a dosage that she just guessed on. However, as you well know, we're a big desperate for sleep around here and, short of a hot toddy, we're willing to give about anything a shot so to speak.
Hubby and I - desperate beyond belief to get some freaking sleep - jumped on it. The 1st night we crushed up a 3mg pill, giving him approximately 1mg mixed in applesauce. Imagine my surprise, when little E was asleep in my arms before I even finished the bedtime routine. And then slept 6hours straight. Followed by a brief waking, and then another several hours of sleeping. The 2nd night, he again went to sleep super easy. He was pretty restless, but didn't necessitate parental intervention. I mean, I was still awake several times, but at least I didn't have to get up. The 3rd night, he was up twice, but 1 of those was because of a leaking diaper, so I still count that as a success.
Tonight is the 4th night, and we are back to him taking forever to get to sleep. Not sure what's up with that...maybe we didn't give it to him early enough? No idea. He's in there screaming "night-night. Night-night!!!". But I've got my fingers crossed for a decent night. Please, whoever-is-the-patron-saint-of-babies-and-sleep, make this baby sleep tonight! [Update: After about 45minutes, he's out. This is still a huge improvement!]
But, I continue to worry a bit about whether it is safe, appropriate dosage, long-term effects, etc... So, when trolling facebook the other night, I was reminded that one FB friend from high school is now a pharmacist. I decided on a whim to send him a message and ask him his opinion. (Side note: it's so funny/odd to be faced with someone you knew that long ago as just your kid brother's friend, but he's now this super smart professional. Cool, but weird.) Well, awesome person that he is, he called and gave me all the info he could dig up. He asked about E's medical history, current symptoms, and a myriad of other clinically relevant questions. He shared his concerns, the primarily one being that he could find no information regarding what might be an appropriate dosage for baby E based on his age and weight. He was professional, informative, empathetic, and so very kind.
He's going to continue to see what he can come up with for appropriate dosage. He suggested getting a compounding pharmacy to make up the right dosage (once we figure out what it is - probably .5mg) so we know for sure. He recommended absolutely not using it if there is any child-specific or biological family history of seizures or liver problems. Certainly baby E hasn't had issues with either of these and the medical histories we have from his birth families doesn't indicate a history there either. The last thing he recommended was using a specific company for the supplement, as herbals aren't regulated by the FDA but this company sends their products to a 3rd party for verification. Because I'm thorough (Read: slightly OCD), we also spoke with hubby's aunt who is also a pharmacist and she's looking for some info for us as well.
Based on all that, the decision we've came to is to continue with the melatonin, for now. It seems to be working for E. He's sleeping - much - longer (for him) and the little circles under his eyes have started to go away. My circles are still there, but I have faith that a few more days of 6+hours of sleep will help those start to resolve as well.
Today's lesson: Some time you do things you never thought you would. I mean, we delay vaccinations and hesitate to even give our kids Tylenol. Giving them a pill to make them sleep is not something I ever thought I'd do. And yet, here we are. You do whatcha gotta do. And that's okay.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
ICLW
I've done ICLW several times, though I guess I've never done a synopsis "this is who I am" kind of post. And, since that seems like something I can do relatively quick, here it is. Oh, yeah, and if you have no idea what ICLW is, click here for more info.
Hubby and I have been married for 11.5 years and experienced unexplained infertility for several years. We have 2 boys who joined our family through adoption. Both are open, domestic, transracial adoptions. I was present in the delivery rooms of both my sweet boys. We adore both of their birth families, though our relationships have not always been smooth or easy. My kid is 5 and a half and in Kindergarten. Baby E is nearly 15 months and still doesn't sleep for crap at night. We're exhausted. All. the. time.
I blog about parenting, the funny crap my kid says, things we try that don't get baby E to sleep at night, life in general, social work, breastfeeding (oh yeah, I induced lactation and have been breastfeeding baby E since he was born), milk sharing, random stuff, and I don't really know what else. Even though I'm now parenting the best kids ever (pretty sure I'm not biased about that), I continue to deal with the affects of infertility. It's still something that pops up at the most unexpected moments. So I guess that is something I also blog about. Something else I write about is that my MIL was killed in a freak accident a few months ago. So, any references to grief, mourning ,etc... are about her. It was such a shock. We're mostly still reeling from it. I write about her to try to process it all. Also, usually what I write is more interesting than this post. I think. I hope.
Today's lesson: Apparently sometimes a person just has a song in his soul and he has to sing it out. At bed time. Because that's when it's aching to get out. At least that's the story my kid told tonight. It seems possible that it's also a strategy to delay bedtime.
Hubby and I have been married for 11.5 years and experienced unexplained infertility for several years. We have 2 boys who joined our family through adoption. Both are open, domestic, transracial adoptions. I was present in the delivery rooms of both my sweet boys. We adore both of their birth families, though our relationships have not always been smooth or easy. My kid is 5 and a half and in Kindergarten. Baby E is nearly 15 months and still doesn't sleep for crap at night. We're exhausted. All. the. time.
I blog about parenting, the funny crap my kid says, things we try that don't get baby E to sleep at night, life in general, social work, breastfeeding (oh yeah, I induced lactation and have been breastfeeding baby E since he was born), milk sharing, random stuff, and I don't really know what else. Even though I'm now parenting the best kids ever (pretty sure I'm not biased about that), I continue to deal with the affects of infertility. It's still something that pops up at the most unexpected moments. So I guess that is something I also blog about. Something else I write about is that my MIL was killed in a freak accident a few months ago. So, any references to grief, mourning ,etc... are about her. It was such a shock. We're mostly still reeling from it. I write about her to try to process it all. Also, usually what I write is more interesting than this post. I think. I hope.
Today's lesson: Apparently sometimes a person just has a song in his soul and he has to sing it out. At bed time. Because that's when it's aching to get out. At least that's the story my kid told tonight. It seems possible that it's also a strategy to delay bedtime.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
And then, we still weren't sleeping
So, maybe it feels like I'm beating a dead horse with this topic, because really what else could I have to say, and yet here it is... We're not sleeping here at my house. Yeah, still. It's been more than a year and this crazy baby is still up every 2-3 hours. Thought lately it seems like it's been more like every 1.5-2 hours. It's the epitome of awesomeness. Or the antithesis. One of those. Although one night recently he did sleep 9 hours straight. I'm betting it won't happen again for another month. 'Cause that's how things roll at my house.
And I'm just tired. I'm beyond tired. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. I have moments where I am on the brink of a breakdown. The moments seem to come more often of late. They're moments when I just can't deal with whatever it is that's going on, which is usually related to my sweet kid. He is getting the brunt of it. I sort of hate myself for that at times because I know it's not his fault. I know he's innocent and already struggling himself because of all the ridiculous school stuff. (Sigh) But, it is what it is right now.
So, I'm feeling desperate. Like almost to the point of going the CIO (cry it out) route with baby E, because, seriously, I just don't know what else to do. I've been sleeping on the floor of his room with my arm in his crib for much of this week. Because, sadly, I still seem to get more sleep that way than if he's in there alone, or even in our bed. It hurts, as in I can hardly move today because my back hurts so much. However, I'm at a loss of what else to do.
Everything we did with the kid and all the suggestions I've given to other parents, none of them have worked. Sometimes he'll sleep 7-9 hours (though those are rare, like once every couple of weeks), but most of the time he's up several times a night. And those times he's up, he lately is crying, not screaming, but crying, just until we either pick him up or pat on him. He'll eventually for back to sleep, but it's short-lived. Up until a couple of months ago, he was just grunting and it was only minutes til he was back asleep. Now, though, it's more like 10-15 minutes. Long enough that I'm fully awake and it takes awhile to get back to sleep.
And I can't pick out any kind of a pattern as to when he does sleep. I mean, it's usually when he's had 2 good uninterrupted naps in the day, but getting those naps is by no means a guarantee that he will sleep all night. On the nights he does sleep, he's usually taken 8+oz while nursing just before bed, but, again, just because he does have that much doesn't mean he'll sleep. But those two things are about the only factors I've identified. Beyond that, I got nothin'. Other than frustration and exhaustion. Those I've got a-plenty.
Today's lesson - the baby knows when you're complaining about him and will inevitably wake up and fuss. Just to prove to you that he knows you're talking about him and doesn't appreciate it. And that you'd better get in there and pat his butt before he screams, and wakes up his brother. Because that's even less of a fun party.
And I'm just tired. I'm beyond tired. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. I have moments where I am on the brink of a breakdown. The moments seem to come more often of late. They're moments when I just can't deal with whatever it is that's going on, which is usually related to my sweet kid. He is getting the brunt of it. I sort of hate myself for that at times because I know it's not his fault. I know he's innocent and already struggling himself because of all the ridiculous school stuff. (Sigh) But, it is what it is right now.
So, I'm feeling desperate. Like almost to the point of going the CIO (cry it out) route with baby E, because, seriously, I just don't know what else to do. I've been sleeping on the floor of his room with my arm in his crib for much of this week. Because, sadly, I still seem to get more sleep that way than if he's in there alone, or even in our bed. It hurts, as in I can hardly move today because my back hurts so much. However, I'm at a loss of what else to do.
Everything we did with the kid and all the suggestions I've given to other parents, none of them have worked. Sometimes he'll sleep 7-9 hours (though those are rare, like once every couple of weeks), but most of the time he's up several times a night. And those times he's up, he lately is crying, not screaming, but crying, just until we either pick him up or pat on him. He'll eventually for back to sleep, but it's short-lived. Up until a couple of months ago, he was just grunting and it was only minutes til he was back asleep. Now, though, it's more like 10-15 minutes. Long enough that I'm fully awake and it takes awhile to get back to sleep.
And I can't pick out any kind of a pattern as to when he does sleep. I mean, it's usually when he's had 2 good uninterrupted naps in the day, but getting those naps is by no means a guarantee that he will sleep all night. On the nights he does sleep, he's usually taken 8+oz while nursing just before bed, but, again, just because he does have that much doesn't mean he'll sleep. But those two things are about the only factors I've identified. Beyond that, I got nothin'. Other than frustration and exhaustion. Those I've got a-plenty.
Today's lesson - the baby knows when you're complaining about him and will inevitably wake up and fuss. Just to prove to you that he knows you're talking about him and doesn't appreciate it. And that you'd better get in there and pat his butt before he screams, and wakes up his brother. Because that's even less of a fun party.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Just UGH!
Things have been rough around here. Baby E still isn't sleeping (big ole shocker there). I've been sick for, like, forever (really, this is week 3 of this crud, which I think actually is the big, nasty flu 'cause I thought I was going to die for awhile, or at least I wanted to). The time change is causing big problems in the kid's sleep (as in he's been getting up at 5am or earlier, for a couple of weeks now which is - most assuredly - pure awesomeness for his behavior, or the antithesis there of, one of those two). Baby E is into EVERYTHING (garbage, toilet, cabinets, drawers, etc...) and is driving me somewhat mad. Hubby and I have been particularly crabby with each other of late (can't imagine why, but it sure doesn't help with any of the rest of it all). Work is just...grrrrr. The kid's 1st report card came home today and things are not good, y'all (I completely hate that teacher - update on that whole mess to come in the next couple of days, hopefully, if I can get my shit together again long enough to write a blog post that is). And I'm just flippin' exhausted, like all the time. Ah, yes, and to top off this lovely mess with a fun little cherry, I think I'm pms-ing, in a ferociously bad (like worse than I've had since before I started the whole inducing lactation protocol more than 2 years ago) kind of way.
Doesn't that make you wanna come on over to my house? I thought as much. But there's cleaning - dusting in particular - to be done! I thought that might convince you.
Whine session over.
Today's lesson - sometimes things just suck. Sometimes it's really hard to remember that tomorrow (or the tomorrow after tomorrow, or the one after that) will be better. Sometimes it's easy to get stuck in the suckiness. And then something small happens, to remind you in some itty bitty way, that - really - the better is coming. If you can just hold on long enough for it to arrive.
Doesn't that make you wanna come on over to my house? I thought as much. But there's cleaning - dusting in particular - to be done! I thought that might convince you.
Whine session over.
Today's lesson - sometimes things just suck. Sometimes it's really hard to remember that tomorrow (or the tomorrow after tomorrow, or the one after that) will be better. Sometimes it's easy to get stuck in the suckiness. And then something small happens, to remind you in some itty bitty way, that - really - the better is coming. If you can just hold on long enough for it to arrive.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Another breastfeeding benefit, maybe?
So, I was conversing with another amazing momma who donated milk for baby E a few weeks ago and something she said has led me to an interesting thought. She was asking how long we're planning on nursing (in a conversational, not judgemental kind of way) and then said she thinks she'll either nurse this baby (her 3rd) forever, or have to keep having babies. Because the oxytocin high is too addictive to give up. She described how she is transported into this blissful state of happiness and not caring what else is going on. It was like talking to an addict, y'all (but not in a bad way).
And that got me thinking. Well, truth be told, first I got all jealous and IF-y and started being pissed off that my body can't do yet another thing the "right" way. And not only can I not get pregnant, or produce enough milk to really feed my baby, but apparently my body can't even make itself feel all high and blissful and crap. UGH!
But then, once I pulled myself together, I started thinking that maybe it actually is doing something pretty cool here. Because here's the thing...people ask me all the time how I function on so little sleep. Really, y'all it really is in about 2hr increments all. night. long. I often get somewhere along the lines of about 4-5 hours of sleep/night, total, and -again - in about 1.5-2hr increments. That's half the amount of sleep I used to get nightly, which was of course all in a row. I usually just shrug this off with a "well, you get used to it and just do what you have to do". But, hubby hasn't gotten used to it (uh, at all, even though he tries, it's usually just easier and faster - and quieter - for me to deal with E). In truth, hubby's tolerance for being up at night is going downhill fast.
Oh yeah, here's the other thing that - for me at least - gives some credence to this hypothesis. In the last month-ish, baby E has been nursing less frequently. And my tolerance level for both boys' difficult behaviors (baby E being up so frequently at night, and the kid not listening/following directions) has gone down. And the amount of sleep I'm getting is the same (not less). So, I think this could mean there's some correlation there.
SO, what if actually the oxytocin is what's helped me not lose it and kill one of my children - or, to be a little less dramatic, just not lose it and yell at baby E at night, or the kid during the day? What if the oxytocin from nursing baby E is actually filling me with some of those calming hormones, to a lesser degree than that milk momma was talking about? What if my body is doing something right? Wouldn't that be awesome! I mean, it seems a long shot, my body doing something right, but I think I'm gonna go with it. Mostly because I need something to go right about now.
Count that as reason one hundred and thirty-five why nursing rocks. Or yet more proof that the benefits of nursing are about much more than just the (albeit numerous) benefits of breastmilk. Or that nursing is also really good for mommas. Yeah, maybe I'll continue nursing baby E forever, too. Or (have to convince hubby to) keep adding more babies to our family.
Today's lesson - babies and mommas are made to nurse. There are benefits of this relationship that science and even mommas have yet to uncover. Also, sometimes our bodies actually come through and don't fail us even when that's what we expect them to do. Oh, yeah. And mommas rock!
And that got me thinking. Well, truth be told, first I got all jealous and IF-y and started being pissed off that my body can't do yet another thing the "right" way. And not only can I not get pregnant, or produce enough milk to really feed my baby, but apparently my body can't even make itself feel all high and blissful and crap. UGH!
But then, once I pulled myself together, I started thinking that maybe it actually is doing something pretty cool here. Because here's the thing...people ask me all the time how I function on so little sleep. Really, y'all it really is in about 2hr increments all. night. long. I often get somewhere along the lines of about 4-5 hours of sleep/night, total, and -again - in about 1.5-2hr increments. That's half the amount of sleep I used to get nightly, which was of course all in a row. I usually just shrug this off with a "well, you get used to it and just do what you have to do". But, hubby hasn't gotten used to it (uh, at all, even though he tries, it's usually just easier and faster - and quieter - for me to deal with E). In truth, hubby's tolerance for being up at night is going downhill fast.
Oh yeah, here's the other thing that - for me at least - gives some credence to this hypothesis. In the last month-ish, baby E has been nursing less frequently. And my tolerance level for both boys' difficult behaviors (baby E being up so frequently at night, and the kid not listening/following directions) has gone down. And the amount of sleep I'm getting is the same (not less). So, I think this could mean there's some correlation there.
SO, what if actually the oxytocin is what's helped me not lose it and kill one of my children - or, to be a little less dramatic, just not lose it and yell at baby E at night, or the kid during the day? What if the oxytocin from nursing baby E is actually filling me with some of those calming hormones, to a lesser degree than that milk momma was talking about? What if my body is doing something right? Wouldn't that be awesome! I mean, it seems a long shot, my body doing something right, but I think I'm gonna go with it. Mostly because I need something to go right about now.
Count that as reason one hundred and thirty-five why nursing rocks. Or yet more proof that the benefits of nursing are about much more than just the (albeit numerous) benefits of breastmilk. Or that nursing is also really good for mommas. Yeah, maybe I'll continue nursing baby E forever, too. Or (have to convince hubby to) keep adding more babies to our family.
Today's lesson - babies and mommas are made to nurse. There are benefits of this relationship that science and even mommas have yet to uncover. Also, sometimes our bodies actually come through and don't fail us even when that's what we expect them to do. Oh, yeah. And mommas rock!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
This week has been...
... long. Baby E has been feeling sickly (I think it's teeth?) and work has been... not even sure the right word for that. Brutal, maybe? Disappointing for sure. Things are about to change big time there and change is always hard. Also, I'm not sure these changes are going to be good for me or my family. So, I'm job searching. Again. Sigh...
But there have also been awesome things this week. The kid seems to have hit upon some kind of understanding of what the expectations are at school and has had a pretty super week. Mostly all "green" days. Thank the lord for that. He's been awesomely behaved at home as well. I think part of this is that his asthma symptoms again seem to be under control so he's sleeping better. Fall often seems to be a difficult time for him. Remember THIS, when he was biting? Yeah. Early fall's not that kid's season.
Also, baby E - and seriously I'm terrified to put this out there - has now slept through the night and in his bed for 3 nights straight. Now, I'm going to go ahead and asssume it's 'cause he's not feeling well and we've given him some Motrin (which I don't really like doing, but he seems miserable without it!). So, probably today, since he's feeling better and we didn't give the motrin to him, he'll be up all night again. Hopefully not. But probably. I'm happy I got those 3 awesome nights at least.
So, I'm grateful for this weekend. As we recover from baby E being whiny and clingy for several days, and prepare for bad work news on Monday, I am grateful for a weekend of play dates with new friends, wonderful friends who borrow the kid for a trip to a corn maze, a chance to prepare for baby E's birthday next weekend (right?!! Can you believe he'll be 1 next week?!??!! I can't!!!!), and just some down time.
Today's lesson - a year in some ways is a very short amount of time. Like the year between when your baby is born, and when he turns 1. But a year in some ways, is ever so long. Like the year before you know that baby will be born. Time is such a funny thing. You really don't ever know what it will bring. And while that year can be impossibly long, it can at the same time be impossibly short. Funny how something can be both a thing, and it's opposite all at once...
But there have also been awesome things this week. The kid seems to have hit upon some kind of understanding of what the expectations are at school and has had a pretty super week. Mostly all "green" days. Thank the lord for that. He's been awesomely behaved at home as well. I think part of this is that his asthma symptoms again seem to be under control so he's sleeping better. Fall often seems to be a difficult time for him. Remember THIS, when he was biting? Yeah. Early fall's not that kid's season.
Also, baby E - and seriously I'm terrified to put this out there - has now slept through the night and in his bed for 3 nights straight. Now, I'm going to go ahead and asssume it's 'cause he's not feeling well and we've given him some Motrin (which I don't really like doing, but he seems miserable without it!). So, probably today, since he's feeling better and we didn't give the motrin to him, he'll be up all night again. Hopefully not. But probably. I'm happy I got those 3 awesome nights at least.
So, I'm grateful for this weekend. As we recover from baby E being whiny and clingy for several days, and prepare for bad work news on Monday, I am grateful for a weekend of play dates with new friends, wonderful friends who borrow the kid for a trip to a corn maze, a chance to prepare for baby E's birthday next weekend (right?!! Can you believe he'll be 1 next week?!??!! I can't!!!!), and just some down time.
Today's lesson - a year in some ways is a very short amount of time. Like the year between when your baby is born, and when he turns 1. But a year in some ways, is ever so long. Like the year before you know that baby will be born. Time is such a funny thing. You really don't ever know what it will bring. And while that year can be impossibly long, it can at the same time be impossibly short. Funny how something can be both a thing, and it's opposite all at once...
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Night from...
Yeah, well, by the end of this post, I'm sure you'll be able to fill in that blank for me.
Here's how my night went...
About 8:30, momma thinks to herself and probably says out loud, "Well, this baby has got to be tired, he didn't really nap this afternoon. Time for bed, mister. And no repeats of last night when it took you 2 hours to get to sleep".
Baby E, looks very innocently at momma, "sure. I'd be happy to oblige. There's just one little thing. Uh, well, I don't wanna."
Momma, looks sternly at baby E, "well, it is bedtime, sir, and you will go to sleep."
Baby E, smiles beatifically, "of course, momma, I love you and will always do whatever you ask, happily and without complaint". (snickers to himself)
Momma nurses baby E. Then rocks him. Baby E is trying to tell momma something, incessantly babbling; she is unable to understand so continues rocking.
That's not working, so she lays him in his bed (tell me, why am I writing this in 3rd person? Oh well...) . The fussing starts. Poppa comes in and the SCREAMING commences. Good times.
There's patting, then rocking, then he finally falls asleep (about an hour later). Momma feels not too bad about the whole thing, she was obviously successful in getting him to sleep in less time than it took the night before. She goes to read a book before going to sleep.
Baby E, however, has other plans. He wakes up screaming after about 45 minutes of sleep. And pretty much doesn't stop for - ready - 2 hours. It was not awesome. At all.
He screams and he screams and he screams. Nothing works. Until finally something does (I don't remember but I'm guessing it was rocking in combination with exhaustion that finally won). Momma, who is exhausted herself by this time as it is 12:15am, simply puts him in bed with her.
He wakes up about an hour later. And then every 30 to 45 minutes thereafter. All. Night. Long. This was the epitome of not awesome.
So, obviously something is wrong with him. He does appear to have another bottom tooth coming in. It seems odd to me that that would be the problem when none of the other 4 caused such issues, but who knows?!
Also, we had sweet potatoes for dinner last night. He didn't have much because he didn't like them (which was odd because 1. what baby doesn't like sweet potatoes, and 2. This kid eats anything including sweet potatoes, which he's had before). I remembered in the middle of the night, while he was passing gas, that it seems like we also had a rough night - though not this rough! - the last time he had sweet potatoes. Then again, all that screaming might have led to gas. So, who flippin' knows.
Good thing is we both had a couple hour nap on the couch this morning and he (knock on wood) is having another one (in his bed) as we speak. Please, Lord, let this be a long nap. Momma needs a break from this whiny, clingy boy who woke up this morning.
Today's lesson - It's a good thing babies come out being so cute and lovable, wrapping us around their little fingers shortly after they're born. Because if they didn't, there would certainly be more child abuse in the world.
Here's how my night went...
About 8:30, momma thinks to herself and probably says out loud, "Well, this baby has got to be tired, he didn't really nap this afternoon. Time for bed, mister. And no repeats of last night when it took you 2 hours to get to sleep".
Baby E, looks very innocently at momma, "sure. I'd be happy to oblige. There's just one little thing. Uh, well, I don't wanna."
Momma, looks sternly at baby E, "well, it is bedtime, sir, and you will go to sleep."
Baby E, smiles beatifically, "of course, momma, I love you and will always do whatever you ask, happily and without complaint". (snickers to himself)
Momma nurses baby E. Then rocks him. Baby E is trying to tell momma something, incessantly babbling; she is unable to understand so continues rocking.
That's not working, so she lays him in his bed (tell me, why am I writing this in 3rd person? Oh well...) . The fussing starts. Poppa comes in and the SCREAMING commences. Good times.
There's patting, then rocking, then he finally falls asleep (about an hour later). Momma feels not too bad about the whole thing, she was obviously successful in getting him to sleep in less time than it took the night before. She goes to read a book before going to sleep.
Baby E, however, has other plans. He wakes up screaming after about 45 minutes of sleep. And pretty much doesn't stop for - ready - 2 hours. It was not awesome. At all.
He screams and he screams and he screams. Nothing works. Until finally something does (I don't remember but I'm guessing it was rocking in combination with exhaustion that finally won). Momma, who is exhausted herself by this time as it is 12:15am, simply puts him in bed with her.
He wakes up about an hour later. And then every 30 to 45 minutes thereafter. All. Night. Long. This was the epitome of not awesome.
So, obviously something is wrong with him. He does appear to have another bottom tooth coming in. It seems odd to me that that would be the problem when none of the other 4 caused such issues, but who knows?!
Also, we had sweet potatoes for dinner last night. He didn't have much because he didn't like them (which was odd because 1. what baby doesn't like sweet potatoes, and 2. This kid eats anything including sweet potatoes, which he's had before). I remembered in the middle of the night, while he was passing gas, that it seems like we also had a rough night - though not this rough! - the last time he had sweet potatoes. Then again, all that screaming might have led to gas. So, who flippin' knows.
Good thing is we both had a couple hour nap on the couch this morning and he (knock on wood) is having another one (in his bed) as we speak. Please, Lord, let this be a long nap. Momma needs a break from this whiny, clingy boy who woke up this morning.
Today's lesson - It's a good thing babies come out being so cute and lovable, wrapping us around their little fingers shortly after they're born. Because if they didn't, there would certainly be more child abuse in the world.
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