We thought we had it in the bag...Eleanore was a great sleeper. Beginning at about three weeks she started sleeping for a six hour stretch at night and then only waking once to eat. Well, that is a thing of the past. Since we went to Idaho last month she has not gotten back into her routine, but rather is waking several times a night with a determination to cuddle with Mom until she is ready to sleep again. I am exhausted. And, unfortunately, I have to admit I've been very frustrated. I haven't been able to understand why she won't just sleep -- I know she knows how. Well last night, we were doing the same thing. At about 3 a.m. I was walking around the living room -- she was screaming and my eyes were half closed. I was wishing I could crawl back into bed. Finally, I uttered a little prayer that she would sleep and that I could be more patient. Almost instantly the crying stopped. I thought to myself, "Wow! Talk about answers to prayers...that really worked. Heavenly Father must know how tired I am." I opened my eyes and looked down. She wasn't asleep, but she was smiling ear to ear, looking straight at me, as if to say, "Thanks Mom. I love you."
I sat and rocked her until she fell back asleep. And, she did wake up one more time before morning came. So, I guess my prayer wasn't answered how I hoped. I don't think our sleep problem is fixed. Instead, I was reminded to be grateful for such a sweet little spirit, and that these precious moments are fleeting. It won't be long until she won't need me to rock her to sleep. So for now, I'll savor the time that I can call her my little one.
11 comments:
Oh man, those moments are very few at 3 in the morning, but it is so great for you to see them. I'm sorry she is not getting it. I wish I had some advice, but since moving here, we are usually up once or twice with Thomas laying on the floor next to his crib. I've been trying to let him cry it out but it is so frantic, i feel like right now he really needs comfort from us. I am sure he would be fine, because I can see it is a habit because for him it happens at the same time each night. Hopefully this doesn't carry into a few more months when we have another waking up. Good luck, and let me know if anything works! For now, I guess we'll both be sleeping when they take their long naps. Is she doing better with longer naps?
I remember those nights. Glad you get to experience them but I feel bad that I have been dragging you out to do things when you have been tired. I didnt realize you were exhausted. You are a so good to still go play even after nights like that. Eleanore is lucky to have such a loving mom as you. You are so patient and caring....not just with her either. I can think of three others that get the same attention as Eleanore.
Welcome to the mysterious land of motherhood...just when you think you've got it all figured out...they change on you!!! I'm always finding that. I think it's meant to be that way, so we don't get so confident about our abilities to raise these kids "on our own" or something. Whenever one of my kids makes another obvious change that I can't quite understand--always makes me realize how much help from above I really do need. Anyway--you have such a good attitude!! You are an awesome mommy!!!
Crazy girl! It's such a sweet story, but sorry you're so exhausted. Seth fooled me too. I thought I had the best parenting skills when he started sleeping through the night at 6 wks. Boy was I wrong. He went through so many phases and he's finally good again. Who knows what Grady will do to us. Gone are the days of 8 hrs of solid sleep:(. Hang in there and keep up the great attitude.
milly plays the same tricks on me lately!!! her new thing is she will fake cough until i roll over and look at her...!! If you ever figure this out let me know...or otherwise you can give me a call I will be up doing the same sleepy prance around the living room
Sweet Emily and adorable Eleanore,
I know how you feel...I know every mother goes through this. Luckily, it doesn't happen EVERY night!
That is a sweet experience even though it wasn't a blast because it was 3 in the morning, but for her to look at you and smile from ear to ear...that is truly what keeps us mothers going! I am glad that you had the patience to endure the rest of the night...no regrets on your behave, right?
I was so happy to read your blog. We have had many of those nights lately with our little one. I tend to do the same and say a little prayer you wouldn't believe how many times it helps usually more me than him but nonetheless I feel it helps. Good Luck with Eleanore I hope that she soon with sleep through the whole night once more.
Amen, and hallelujah!
I hope you can get some REST! You need to sleep during the day or something! Trips always seem to throw kids off... especially if they get sick while there! Hopefully, you guys will figure out a routine again- sometimes I give Macy baths in the middle of the night just to wear her out... I know that's wierd... but it usually stops the crying (relief for me) & the longer she's in the more worn out & tired she gets... maybe it relaxes her too??? My old boss used to think that babies get stressed sometimes & just need to have a way to relax ? :)Don't you LOVE all the mommy advice? sorry... just an idea for you to try if you want...
Thanks Sarah...any advice is appreciated. I do thin babies get stressed. I feel bad for them, because they can't tell us what they need.
OK, I didn't know whether to post this here or under your new weekly challenge (which is a GREAT idea, BTW!).
Two things: First, lack of sleep can contribute to the weight thing - I learned about it from my doctor this past year going through my weight loss adventure. If you don't get enough sleep it's very hard to get the weight off. So that might be part of the picture.
Second, have you seen those commercials for the lavendar baby wash? It's supposed to sooth the baby and promote sleepiness. Sarah's comment reminded me of it. Just a thought...
Good luck! I'm so glad you can find little moments of blessings tucked into the challenges. But then, you're that kinda gal. That's one of the things I love most about you!
Post a Comment