I thought that Reuben would keep me up for a few late nights in the first 12 weeks and then sleep peacefully through the night after that. I did not picture my life as it is now: infatuated with the idea of 8 (heck I'd take 6) hours sleep straight. The topic of sleep dominating every conversation I have. The constant, daily advice I get on how to make my baby sleep through the night. The books I have read and have been advised to read.
Sleep is constantly on my mind. How did Reuben sleep? How many hours in total? How many straight? How many naps did he have that day? How long were they?
Daytime naps, catnaps, long naps, the way they all influence his night sleep. Night feedings, weaning him to solids and how this should help him sleep. Toys that make womb noises to help him rest.
And how do I get him out of the habit of being rocked to sleep? Should he have daytime naps in his crib, or someplace else so he can differentiate night from day?
Everywhere I go, the topic comes up. "Is he a sleeper?" No. No he's not.
This is just about Reuben's sleep. What about my sleep? I try to go to bed when he does but that is 7pm. I usually lay there for 1 or more hours. He then wakes up.
Today has been one of the worst in the past 2 weeks. We finally had his daytime naps lasting longer and thus he had a great nights sleep last night (Slept 4 hours, then another 4 1/2) - then we battled for another hour of sleep.
By 11am he was ready for a nap - VERY ready.
So I rocked him and got him to sleep.
21 Minutes later, he woke up... wide eyed but clearly still tired. So I quickly picked him up and rocked him again. 15 minutes later, he was finally asleep.
And as I was laying him down, the phone rings.
I could have cried.
I could have punched Adam - who was calling to let me know he was on his way home.
I shouted "NEVER CALL ME AGAIN, GOODBYE!"
I was so angry. Here we are, 3 1/2 hours later, and Reuben is just down for his first nap of the day. UGH.
I'm tired. And tired of talking about it.
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