OK, I know that this is v. cliche and that I need to come up with some interesting shit to write about lest I lose the 8 people who read this blog, but I have to confess that this mind numbing fatigue I am experiencing is really starting to mess up my days. I can't focus at work and I can't think of a damned thing to write about, except how freaking tired I am. So, this is an attempt to purge it, make an appeal and get back to something good.
I admit that this is most likely my own fault. I tempted fate by bragging (I am using this term loosely... I would catagorize it more as "pointing out," but N. says that I must have been bragging to bring about such swift retribution) about what a FANTASTIC little sleeper butterbean was turning out to be. As my friends both inside the computer and outside the computer lamented the lack of sleep associated with their off-spring, considered ways and means of giving their children back and told tales of going to work half dressed or trying to pay for groceries with a Petco card, I thanked my lucky stars that my son was sleeping like a champ at a mere 8 weeks of age. And as these same friends began to babble incoherently, I chirped that bean was putting himself to sleep and staying down for 10 hours at a time (which was true, not like some lying liar-pants parents out there that will tell you their kid was potty-trained at 10 month). It was nothing I had done, just luck of the draw.
I know, I am a total a*s-hole. I should have been thanking my freaking lucky stars. Instead, God is now playing a little joke on me... and you know what, I am not laughing. not even a little bit.
Like Tertia, my son has determined that night time is the right time for play time. He still sleeps like it is his business for the first part of the evening. But right around 3:30 AM, he turns his room into a freaking one man gymboree class, complete with rolling, squealing and endless rounds kicking fun. And when the shiny newness of that activity starts to fade, lo and behold the cries for a "fun buddy" begin. I realize that there are those of you out there with far worse sleeping issues, but once you are given back the coveted eight hours of consecutive sleep, you can't go back.
I had hoped that if I just ignored it, let him CIO (i know now, after several trips to check that he is fine... not hungry, not wallowing in his own special blend, not trapped underneath the mobile), he would wear himself out and fall back asleep. Sometimes he does, but it is just a disco nap, because there is apparently more fun to be had from 4-5 AM. I know that the crying is about getting me to come in because as soon as he sees my face, it stops and bean produces a smile designed to wipe my brain of any recognition that it is, in fact, the butt crack of night and I am expected to show up at work tomorrow to earn the bucks to pay the nanny. UGH!
So, what do I do? Is it a phase or are the good times over for sure?
I am tempted to turn off the monitor and just let him do what makes him happy all night. If I go up and give him his binky it buys me some extra time, but I don't want to be binky-dependent when I send him off for sleep-overs years from now. I have decided that it is time to atone for my mommy sin.
Jesus, I am sorry for being a smug bitch when others conferred tales of woe and weariness as a result of their new non-sleeping children for being so prideful. I have learned my lesson and I would be most grateful if you could bring the golden slumbers back to casa t'pon. Amen.
Well, I will give you the good news first. It is a phase. (much celebration) Uuuunfortunately, it can be a very loooooooooong phase. Sounds like you are doing the right things. I made the mistake of putting #1 in bed with mewhen she woke up at night. That took years to break. So see? You already have a head start. Letting him stay in his own bed & yes, CIO. Of course, you go check on him. Because you are not a heartless beast. But, this too shall pass, I promise. I have 3 kids who all sleep like champs now. (most of the time. I have just jinxed myself, watch!) Hang in there. It'll get better!
Posted by: buffi | Friday, July 29, 2005 at 08:50 PM