That bed hoggin' monkey....

Can't help but feel a little sorry for this fella when his monkey bullies him into sleeping squished in the corner like this, can ya?

Wordless Wednesday.

Blessed to be Sleepy.

Between the never-ending teething, stuffy noses, sharp little fingernails, gassy tummies, RSV, learning to roll over, and just plain being hungry, Levi hasn't slept well in, oh, about 3 months. And, that means, in turn, that I haven't slept well in at least that long. (Come to think of it, my last solid 8 hours of sleep probably occurred in the spring of 2012?) I'll admit, some nights are better than others--occasionally, Levi only wakes up once during the night to eat. Those blessed nights are when he has no new teeth bothering his sore little gums. And, since we have been graced by the addition of two new teeth within the last four days, the past week and a half has been sorely lacking in the sleep department for me.
If you know me well, you are very familiar with the fact that I don't function well without at least a little decent sleep. Getting up every one or two or three hours all night long doesn't make for a very cheery momma in the morning. (And, we won't even talk about my mood at 3am when I'm awake again after only 45 minutes of sleep since the last wake up call!)
But, last night, I realized something as I was sliding beneath the sheets at 4:30am, crossing my fingers that the snuffling and tossing in the pack 'n play across the room only meant that he was settling down to sleep for a nice long stretch. I was reminded that I am so very blessed to have this opportunity to be a momma. And, the honor of being his momma is not something that I'd trade for anything in the world--not even a full night's sleep! Waking up every few hours to tend to my grumpy little one is part of being his mother, and I do love it. I love the sleepy snuggles and the midnight smiles and the quiet nursing sessions. I love the peace and comfort that I can bring to him, and I love that he wants only me. I love the weight of his body in my arms, his sweet milky breath, and his soft little head on my shoulder. Yeah, sure, I do love my sleep, but oh, I love this special time with my littlest one even more! I know that these sleepless nights are truly short--no matter how they feel now, and I know that maybe, just maybe someday I'll miss waking up four times a night to tend to my baby.
Besides, who can stay crabby when you wake up to this face?!

Woah, sleep!

Guess what, Everyone?! My baby boy slept last night from 8pm until 5:30am!!! And, he only woke up to eat at 5:30, then he went back to sleep.....it's 8:45am right now, and he's still asleep!! Ahh, it's been a good night of rest! There was a point at which we were down to one single nightly feeding (usually around 3 or 4), but for the past two weeks, that was a thing of the past. I felt like I had a newborn again--Levi was up every two or three hours All. Night. Long. This "4 Month Wakeful Period" has something to do with the baby becoming more aware of his surroundings and wanting to be awake as to not miss anything. And, that's all good and well--except that I promised him he's not missing anything in our house at 3am! (No matter how many times I told him, he just wouldn't believe me!) Anyway, over the past few nights, we've had less nightly wake-ups--but last night was the very longest stretch that he's ever slept! And, this momma is proud (not to mention very well-rested!).
Since he's outgrown his colicky evenings, Levi has been a great sleeper. (Thanks, no doubt, to a couple of very special little girls' bedtime prayers from down the street!) I've no complaints about multiple middle-of-the-night feedings (he's not even 4 months old yet!), as long as he goes back to sleep immediately afterwards (and he always does). But, the ecstacy that one experiences when a baby sleeps for a long stretch like Levi did last night, well that's something that only a momma can understand!

Yay little Levi!! And, from the bottom of my heart, I most sincerely thank you.

letter.

My Darling Levi,
I've debated about whether or not I should write this post because I'm afraid that you'll find it someday and think that I didn't love you like I should. And, that's not the way it is at all--I love you so very, very much, my precious baby. I've decided to go ahead and write this as a letter to you. This is for you to read someday, perhaps when you have a baby of your own?
Over the past few months, I have felt drained, exhausted, hopeless, and angry about your sleeping habits (or lack thereof). I haven't always been patient or gentle or loving toward you, and I'm not proud of that. You cry a lot, and it's not easy to console you. We've spent the last two months listening to you cry for hours almost every night, and nothing that your Daddy or I do makes you stop. Some nights, you scream until your little body is so exhausted that you sleep because you simply can't do anything else. Some nights, you want nothing to do with us, and you put yourself to sleep. Some nights, you eventually let us comfort you. And, recently, we've had some nights that you allow me to rock you to sleep--with only a little fussing and no screaming at all!
I hate to hear/see you crying, and it breaks my heart when we don't know how to help you. I'm tired, I'm confused, and I want to help. You're easily over-stimulated, and I fear that we cause your nightly crying sometimes by simply leaving the house during the day. I'm sorry, sweetheart, but we truly cannot stay home all the time. If I could, I would do anything to make you feel better.
You're a difficult baby...and I wasn't ready for you. But, I am getting better--and we will both be better for it. I truly feel that I'm a better mom now because I've had a baby who isn't always ready and willing to do whatever I want. I've prayed that this period would pass quickly, and I believe that it is. Maybe even a little too quickly? You're not a champion sleeper [yet!], nor am I the perfect mother. But, we are all learning how to handle each other, and we will find our own perfect.
Last night, you slept 6 hours straight! That was the longest stretch that either of us has slept since before you were born. Thank you for the sleep (keep up the good work!), and thank you for being you. I love you so very much, my sweet little boy.
Love, Mommy

Our weekend.

We kicked off our weekend with a bonfire on Friday night. My parents and brothers came over to our house, and we had a wonderful time! Both boys experienced their first fire (Levi slept through most of it!), and Nate made and ate his very first s'more--a big hit!

In other news, our little Levi SLEPT LAST NIGHT!! I truly believe that his screaming for hours at night simply stems from being overly tired (and therefore unable to fall sleep OR stay asleep). We've found that he also doesn't like to sleep in his swing, in our arms, or even in bed with mommmy (weird baby?). He likes to sleep in his pack 'n play, on his belly. I didn't think Levi would like the pack 'n play because Nate didn't like it. And, as much as I've resisted letting his sleep on his belly, I'm giving in. He slept last night from 8:30pm until 9:00am, only getting up to eat (and immediately going back to sleep). Oh, what a blessed night of rest we had!

Lastly, I want to brag on my boys! Nate loves to hold his baby brother, who gives us this giant smile every single time he's in his big brother's arms! They're best buds already!

Zzzz...or lack thereof.

Forewarning: If this post seems a little bizarre to you, it's because I'm too sleepy to be blogging--but am doing so anyway because Nate is napping and Levi is content (he's not asleep or you know I would be too!). So, judge away, you well-rested reader, but I'm not worried about run-on sentences, typos, or paragraphs full of nonsense today!
Remember that post a few days ago when I said that Levi's "colic" was getting better? And that he was sleeping more? I fully retract those statements. Last night, he went to sleep at 2am and woke up at 5am. He slept again from 6am until 8am. We slept 5 hours total, ya'll. FIVE. Then, of course, the baby has been napping on and off ever since.....but the mommy has been awake with a very alert and busy toddler.
I was hoping to get a good start on our Fall Family Bucket List this weekend, but that might need to be put on hold for sleeping purposes. Or, maybe he'll sleep tonight! Maybe we'll all get a full 8 hours of sleep! Maybe? I keep telling myself that it has to get better soon....it can't get much worse, can it?
I apologize that this entire post is a complaint, but I'm too tired to think of anything real to write about. I don't function well without sleep, and I hate how I am when I'm tired. I'm cranky and grumpy and mean and forgetful; my poor family is probably more annoyed at me than at the non-sleeping baby! But, like I said before, this has to end soon. Someday I'll miss these sleepless nights, right?
To celebrate our weekend, we are excited to be spending the evening with family. Spaghetti for Daddy, a break for Mommy, lots of attention from his favorite uncles for Nate, and Nana snuggles for Levi! No matter how our evening progresses later, we will be enjoying ourselves tonight!
In closure, I will leave you with this photo of my sleeping baby.....or is it a mirage?

Happy Weekend, All!

Grow Up!

After a truly horrible week last week, Levi's colic has been getting better recently. His nightly 3-hour screamfest has turned into a hit-or-miss event, and the "miss" nights are a much welcomed surprise at bedtime. Also, he's begun sleeping for 4-hour stretches in the early morning hours--quite a relief for mommy! It seems that we've gotten the gas issue under control by doing more tummy time when Levi is awake, and by allowing him to sleep on his belly for naptime. I've cut tomatoes and some dairy from my diet, but will probably attempt to re-introduce them soon (I'm not sure that they have affected Levi, but they did so for Nate, and I'm willing to try anything!). All three of the colic medications/gas drops were a bust. I truly believe that the gas issues we've experienced with Levi have simply been a result of his immature digestive system, and been "normal" for babies (keeping in mind, of course, that normal varies). As he's getting older, it's getting better--and, I hope, will continue to do so. The evening screaming has improved (partially, I like to think, because we've fixed the gas problem). On the other hand, he might just be changing his ways because I threatened to sell him to gypsies a few nights ago. (Sorry about that, Little One, I promise to keep you! But, if you still scream like this in 18 years, you won't have any friends in college; I wasn't lying about that part!)
Honestly, what I feel that I'm gaining from this sleep-deprived experience is that I don't like the newborn stage. (I think I knew that with Nate, but I didn't admit it!) I love my boys as newborns, and I love a squishy little newbie snuggle, and I love the smell of a newborn's head....but, really, I like big babies better! I can't wait to get to the laughing, sitting, crawling, walking, talking stages! Maybe it's the interaction, maybe it's the "less work", or maybe it's just the adjustment, I don't know. But, I do know that I can't wait for Levi to be just a few months older! I hate to wish time away, but for the life of me, I can't help it when I've been holding an inconsolable baby for the second hour in a row. At 1 AM.
All that being said, I was a little bit sad this morning when I packed away my maternity clothes and Levi's newborn outfits. Isn't it funny how a little blue sleeper only brings back memories of tiny cuddles and sweet newborn sleep--when it was worn so much more often by a noisy, red-faced baby who refused to sleep? I guess it will be a while longer before those memories fade enough for me to want to pull out those maternity clothes again....and, until then, I will be thoroughly enjoying my boys as they grow and grow!

My good baby.

"Is he a good baby?" she asked, after oohing and ahhing over his head full of hair and his bitty chubby cheeks.
"Oh, yes!" I proudly replied, cuddling him a little closer.
"Good, so he's sleeping through the night already? That's great!" It wasn't so much of a question, as an assumption. And, before I had a chance to reply, she had hurried away to chat with someone else.
He does not sleep through the night. Ever. And, I don't expect him to do so; he's not even three weeks old yet! But, for some reason, that conversation keeps replaying itself over and over in my mind. Is sleeping through the night at an abnormally young age the only stipulation for being "good" at this age? Of course not. But, I guess some people tend to forget about this age when their own babies are grown. This age is hard. Throw a toddler into the mix, and it's even harder! Not impossible, but darn close.
Nate was one of those perfectly easy babies who slept for the entire first two months of his life. He very rarely cried, and, as a new stay-at-home-mom, I was often bored in those early days. Sleep deprivation? Not a problem when I could "sleep when the baby sleeps" all. day. long. Night feedings were a breeze; he whimpered, he ate, he was asleep again.
Levi is not Nate. Levi is a somewhat colicky baby who sleeps in one hour increments all night long. During the daytime, we may or may not get a little more time. He's tired, and he wants to sleep--but is often woken up with painful gas bubbles in his belly. The gas results in lots of crying (mostly on his part, some on mine!). And, when he is asleep during the day, I have a toddler underfoot who just doesn't want to sleep every time the baby does!
I feel as though I've been walking around in a sleepy fog for days now. As much as I love newborn cuddles, I keep telling myself that this will be over soon. Levi will grow up way too quickly just like his brother. Sooner than later, our bedroom will be baby-free at night, and I'll be checking on two boys in their bedrooms before I go to sleep. A certain [sleep-deprived] part of me can't wait!
But, for now, I have an almost-three-week-old little one. And, he is sweet and adorable and good! I might be exhausted beyond belief tired, but these days are precious. I wouldn't trade either of my babies for the world, and I know that I am blessed more than I could have ever dreamed.

Sleep Training?

Once again, Nathaniel has been changing his sleep habits. And, once again, we've both gotten frustrated; he because he's sleepy {or not!}, and me because I don't know what he wants or how to get him to sleep when I just know that he's tired! When he was wee bitty, Nathaniel could fall asleep anywhere. Then, it turned to a few select places, including his swing, the Mody wrap, his carseat, cuddled on the bed, and in my arms, preferably while we rocked together. Recently, he's changed his mind about all of those options....although the carseat and the glider still do the job on occasion!

We went through several "napless" days and even more late bedtimes--which combined and gave me one grumpy baby. I knew that he was grumpy because his sleep pattern was off, but for some reason, that didn't make me any less frustrated with our situation. I've fought for 90 minutes just to get him to sleep for 40. {Do you know how much housework can be done in 40 minutes....after a bathroom break and a quick breather? Not much.}
So, after particularly noisy attempt at fending off his usual nap-during-the-sermon, I was frustrated and not nearly in the right mindset. And, when a certain someone nodded her head sagely and told me,
"I know how to get a baby to sleep! Just put him in his crib and leave," I left church feeling much less friendly, and much more annoyed. But, as much as I have known that our parenting methods are the right ones for our family, I began to doubt myself when bedtime approached. And, as bedtime came and went, I tried all of the usual tricks to no avail.
An hour and a half later, I plopped him into his crib and huffed out of the room. Put him in his crib and leave? Done. He cried. But, we didn't go to him; I was determined that we would at least try the Ferber "Cry It Out" Method. Sure, I claimed that I'd never use it, but, hey, all parents know that we do lots of things that "we'd never do to our children" when we actually have children. So, there we were....Nate was crying in his bed, and we were sitting in the living room waiting. And waiting. And, eventually, I was sitting in the living room crying too. But, as much as I hated what I was doing to my baby, I was even more determined to give Ferber a one time shot. So, we waited some more. The crying in the bedroom turned to complete wailing, and I started to feel sick to my stomach.
I headed to my favorite parenting resource: the Google search engine. I looked up the Ferber method, and, as it turns out, I was wrong. I supposed to be going in to check on my baby every so many minutes....like maybe every 3 minutes the first night. At this point, he had been screaming for 45. Had my advice-giver used the official Ferber Method in sleep training her babies 20+ years ago? Doubtful. But, if I was going to use Cry It Out, I was totally going to use the researched method!
I abandoned the computer search along with my ridiculous determination and raced into the bedroom to cuddle my boy. And, whad'ya know, he was asleep in my arms within minutes. As I felt his little body go limp with relief and sleep, I realized that it's not such a big deal. Sure, I was tired of trying to get him to sleep earlier, but was it worth getting the both of us so upset? I know that babies cry, but I truly believe that leaving my boy to feel abandoned in his bed while he screams for mommy is a mean thing to do. Why do I continually doubt myself as a parent every time we hit a bump in the road?! Cry It Out might work for some babies, but not for my boy--or for his momma! Holding him tight, breathing in his milky skin, and listening to his steady breath--interrupted now by hiccoughs, I cried again.
Why is it that we feel the need to force babies to fall asleep alone? Why do I think that he should instantly sleep as soon as his head hits the sheet? So often, I am annoyed that Nate won't fall asleep quickly enough because I have something else that I think I'd rather be doing. But, really, what a stupid thought! There is nothing in this world that I would rather be doing than rocking my baby! Just last night, I noticed how big he's getting--suddenly, he barely fits in my lap to nurse. When did he get so big? And, why on earth am I wishing away my cuddle time with my baby?!

Next time that our schedule is royally messed up and I've got a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed boy awake at 10PM, I'll have to remind myself to look at just how big he's gotten, and grab him up for some rocking before he's telling me that he's too big to cuddle.

update.

I'm going to be brief here because we have lots of packing and preparing going on, but I just wanted to let you all know that Nathaniel has been sleeping wonderfully recently! {I'm not sure what people may/may not have thought of me after I posted that letter to Nate, so I just wanted to clarify!} I'm so proud of my little man's progress! And, while I don't want to "jinx" myself, I will say that there has only been one FRUSTRATING occasion since I wrote that. (Combine sleep training with teething and an overtired/hormonal momma, and you've got a recipe for a grumpy afternoon!) But, our "sleep training" has been working beautifully for two days now (and I'm using the term "sleep training" in the very loosest tense...).

That being said, we are off to Baltimore for the weekend tomorrow! I've got my fingers crossed that the little man's very first vacation won't completely wreak havoc upon our new schedule! Stay tuned for details of our trip early next week, and have yourself a lovely weekend!

sleep.

Dear Nathaniel,
I love you so much, my darling! And, I know that when you're a big boy, you won't remember today. But I might...and, that is why I'm writing this to you. You've been having lots of trouble falling asleep for your naps recently, and you've been waking up several times at night. You're getting overly sleepy and grumpy--and so am I. I've been frustrated that our usual nap techniques aren't working anymore, and I'm going crazy trying to figure how to get you to nap! I've been more irritated about a silly morning nap than anyone should be, and I want you to know that I'm sorry. I know that you're getting older, and I know that your sleeping habits are changing. I only want the best for you, my precious son, and I don't want to spend any of our time together being a grouch!
I know that you're curious and growing, but, Baby, sleep really is important! If you're not tired, it's okay to stay awake...but when you're sleepy, I want you to rest. Sleep will help you to grow so strong and big and smart! This may seem like a silly time to write this to you because you slept so well last night, and you're taking a super duper nap right now! But, while we're working on sleep transitioning and changes in schedules, I'm sure that we'll have more sleepless nights and afternoons. No matter how frustrating it might be, I will try harder not to let you see me get grumpy. I love you, Darling.
I know that you're new to this 7 month wakeful period...and so am I. I am doing what I can to learn everything there is to learn about babies and sleep patterns, but you're more important. I'm reading a book with lots of good ideas (some of which are already helping us--maybe me, more so than you!), and I will be paying close attention to your cues and needs. I will try to use what I can from the book, but it's really all about you and your needs, my precious baby.

I guess that what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for getting frustrated and harsher than I should have been with you recently. When you wake up, I'll tell you that I'm sorry--and you're going to get so many cuddles and kisses! You are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I love you more than life itself. You are perfect. Even when I plopped you into your swing and told you to "Just go to sleep already!", you smiled up at me with that adorable grin. Oh, you can melt my heart even when I feel like it's frozen over! And then, you simply went to sleep on your own (something that you never do!), and stayed asleep for almost 2+ hours so far....I feel like you knew that I was mad and wanted to be a good boy. Oh, Baby, you are such a good boy--always, no matter if you're sleeping or not! I'm kicking myself for being such a grouch....and now, dare I admit, I'm getting antsy waiting for you to wake up! {I can't wait to cuddle you up and kiss those cheeks!} Sleep well, Darling....

I love you to the moon and the stars, Precious Boy!

XOXOXOXOXOX, Mommy

Stream of Conciousness.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Ah, yes, another stream of conciousness post, baby! {Also known as "I didn't really have enough to say about one subject to make a post about it, but I have a lot of randomness to share!"}

First, let me explain why I am already writing a post at 9:30 in the morning. Nathaniel is sleeping. No, he's not STILL sleeping; he's already down for a morning nap. Why? Because he woke up at 7:30 this morning. {He usually sleeps until 10ish...} He also was up at 5:40. And, 2:55. And, 1:00. Needless to say, this is one sleepy momma today!
I'm guessing that the reason for our lack of sleep last night was teeth. Nate popped tooth #3 (top left) on Tuesday, and he's working on the top right one now. It was swollen and very tender last night, although a sweet potato smoothie seemed to help for awhile! For a little man who has always been a good sleeper with no teething issues, it's been a rough few days! {I've got my fingers crossed that tooth #4 pops through easily today!}

Eric is on spring break from the college at which he teaches, so it's been nice to have him home early every day this week. We've been taking lots of family walks in the afternoons, which we have been loving. Especially Grover!

Apparently, we live in a squirrel sanctuary... I took this picture from my bedroom window yesterday morning. A few weeks ago, I could see 6 squirrels at the same time from that window. Unfortunately (for you), my camera batteries were dead at the time.

Nathaniel is going to be 7 months tomorrow. I'll post more then, but until then...7 MONTHS ALREADY?!?!?! It's going so quickly...wasn't he just born last week?!

It's been warm-ish outside all week, and we're lovin' it! Spring is coming! And, then sweet summertime!

As crazy about travel as Eric and I are, you may be surprised to learn that the furthest Nathaniel has ever travelled {post-birth} is to visit my grandma (about an hour away). But, not for long--we have a trip to Baltimore planned in a few weeks. And, of course, our annual family trip to Lake Erie is in August. {Nathaniel will be the 4th generation of our family to vacation there, cool, huh?} And, the ever looming temptation to not be responsible with our money, pack up a suitcase, and whisk him off to his first trip to Spain is still around....

After mentioning travel and a {not so} foreign country, I feel that I have to mention Japan. Every time that I turn on the news or log onto MSN, I am stunned by the images of disaster. Around here, we've had floods and wind storms, but NOTHING that even begins to compare to the earthquake and tsunami that Japan recently experienced, topped with a nuclear disaster. My heart breaks when I think of the babies, children, their mothers. The feeling of knowing that your baby was, literally, swept out of your arms by a huge wave of water? Oh, I cannot even begin to imagine what they must be feeling--panic, terror, horror, anguish... Or are they just too numb to feel by now? The devistation is indescribable. But, amidst it all, God is at work. Read this:
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2011/03/17/news/doc4d810880262f7872203520.txt
Amazing. Despite the death and desolation in that country now, this story just warms my heart. What incredible things God must have in store for that baby girl! Can you even fathom the joy that her mother must be feeling?! Please keep the Japanese people in your prayers.

3:00 bliss.

Sometimes, I hear my baby stir at 3 am, and I struggle to open my eyes. We find each other in the dark, and I nurse him back to sleep, my own eyes closed and my head nodding.
Other times, I hear him wake, and I am instantly alert. I wake up and savor each moment. I love the way that he stirs and wiggles, and I am so completely attuned that I know in my sleep whether he is really awake or not--before he ever makes a peep.

I flick on the nightlight in my alarm clock, which provides just barely enough light for us to see one another. I sit up, pull his warm little body to mine, and we bond. He nurses, and I think about how perfect we are together. Our little family, snug in bed. I cherish the quiet peacefulness that settles over our home at night. I think, I pray, I dream, I love... There is such a contentment in our warm, quiet bedroom. I hear their steady, rhythmic breathing, and I am so blessed. My emotions are almost indescribable; I am overwhelmed with such love and peace, and I am absolutely confident that there is nothing better than this. I know that these night feedings will not last forever--they are already getting fewer. My baby will grow up, and he won't always fit perfectly into my arms. But, while he's tiny, I will enjoy every single second--especially the ones at 3 am!

I savor these brief moments, often holding my boy tight, long after he's finished eating. When I finally lay him down, I pull his blanket tighter and kiss his fuzzy head. He turns his face toward mine, and his body angles against me {no matter what position he starts in, he always gravitates toward me in his sleep}. I breathe in his sweet, milky breath, and I tell him that I love him, forever and always.
Pure bliss...

STTN?

Sometimes when Nathaniel is sleeping, I grab a sandwich and find myself perusing the chat boards on my favorite baby website. I've been reading {and occasionally participating in} discussions since before I found out that I was pregnant. I've moved from the various trimester boards to the 0-3 month board, then 3-6 month, and recently up to the 6-9 month board. I also find myself frequenting chat boards centered on breastfeeding, cloth diapering, attachment parenting, green living, and a few others. While I don't always agree with opinions and philosophies, I've gleaned lots of valuable information from these chats. The most reassuring being that we are normal! Whether I was worrying about strange pregnancy symptons, the unknown world of labor, the logistics of bathing an infant, or the strange new texture of baby poo--I was reassured that I wasn't the only mother panicking, and that everything I've seen is normal!
One recuring issue that I see discussed by mothers everywhere is sleep. Again and again, I see the question "Does your LO STTN?" posed. (If you're not current on your baby chatboard lingo, that translates as "Does your little one sleep through the night?") Mothers are desperate for their babies to sleep--some new mothers of only a month or two, and some more seasoned mothers of two and three-year-olds. I understand the need/want for sleep. Obviously, an uninterrupted nights sleep is a good thing--and, to a new mother, it's a luxury.
Nathaniel has never had any major sleep issues--he slept in perfect 4 hour increments when we brought him home from the hospital, and was sleeping 6-7 hours straight by 2 months. Recently, we've only been getting about 4 or 5 hour increments at night again. Yes, it's frustrating (why did he used to sleep longer? Isn't it supposed to go the other way?!), but it's do-able. When I'm struggling to open my eyes at 2:30 am, I remind myself that Nathaniel is only 6 months old. Sure, I feel like he's growing up so quickly, and that he's such a big boy now--but he's only 6 months! He's still such a baby. And, babies don't always sleep straight through the night. Big deal.
Ever since Nate was born, I've been confronted with some variations of the same question over and over again--from family, friends, even strangers! "How does he sleep?" "Does he sleep at night?" "How long does he sleep?" "Are you getting much sleep these days?" I know that many people are simply trying to be sympathetic. Or maybe they just don't know what else there is to ask about a baby. To me, this question is a teensy bit intrusive {especially when it's a stranger in the grocery store inquiring about what goes on in our house after dark}. I want to reply with, "Is it really important to you that you know whether or not my baby sleeps all night long?" But, I'm too chicken to be rude. I usually just smile and say that he sleeps well. And, he does! Recently, I've been wishing that he'd sleep in stretches a bit longer, but, overall, he does sleep well. When he wakes up, he simply nurses and goes back to sleep.
I've gone back and forth with myself about whether or not I should be nursing at night any longer. Does he really need more food, or is he just comfort nursing? Is it better to hold him or let him cry alone? Should I still be swaddling at night? Should we splurge and buy a Magic Sleep Suit?! Is it my fault that he's not sleeping as long as he used to be?
I feel like the common concesus is that 6-month-old babies should be sleeping through the entire night. (Random fact: Did you know that "sleeping through the night" is defined as 5 a hour stretch? That's it.) I'm hoping that as we increase Nate's solid foods, he will start sleeping for longer stretches again. But, if he doesn't? That's okay. I know that he's not the only one (thank you chat board moms!), no matter what a friend or the pediatrician might say! Eventually, Nathaniel will settle back into a more convinient {for us} sleep pattern, and until then, I will continue to love on him when he wakes, and I'll assure strangers that he is a fine sleeper!