The main culprit, though, is lack of sleep. Here's a sample of what my average night is like (this was last night):
11:30-12:00 go to bed after getting done whatever I couldn't do while the kids were awake
1:30 feed Sam
3:00 - 3:20 up with Elena, followed by Sam
4:30 feed Sam
5:05 feed Sam
5:15 - 6:00 up with Elena
6:30 awake with Elena
7:30 feed Sam
8:00 up with Sam (we got to sleep in today!)
Needless to say, I've been running on fumes around here. As example of my absent-mindedness, here are some cookies I recently baked.
Mmmmmm...hockey pucks.
Anyway, I'm open to suggestions on getting the kids to sleep through the night.
We did the whole crying it out thing with Elena. Several times. It works for a few weeks and then we're right back where we started from. Also, it's quite painful to do as she's so stubborn, she will scream bloody murder for up to 2 hours straight. Not to mention she wakes up Sam.
Seth could get up with them, but they both just cry for him, waking the other up. And then I have to get up anyway.
Lest I scare anyone away from ever wanting children, it's still totally worth it. And from talking to other parents, our children do seem to be exceptionally stubborn and difficult with sleeping.
7 comments:
My sister gives her son something called Melatonin. It is a natural supplement and it seems to work very well! She gives it to him a 1/2 hr before bedtime. It seems to work great and is not harmful to the body. I think that it is worth giving a try.
Thanks, Dani! I'll look into that.
Do you want to look at my no-cry sleep solution book? it's worth a look i think.
For what it's worth, that melatonin suggestion just might be worth a shot. That's what I used to take on transatlantic flights. Every time, I slept like a baby. (well, a peacefully sleeping baby, that is...)
Teresa-
My heart goes out to you! I know exactly what you are going through. All I can say is, "This to shall pass." Not that it makes it any easier, but this is what my mom use to tell me with Thomas. And she was right. Elena reminds me so much of Thomas and people will not understand until they have a strong will child of their own. My prayers are with you. ANd I think that you and Seth are wonderful parents!
Julie
I am in total sympathy with you Teresa! Kids really bring out the need to die-to-self! Charlie has his sleep issues too, but I think you win with two! God gives us the grace. Your kids are blessed to have loving patient parents like you! Hang in there!
I am in total sympathy with you Teresa! Kids really bring out the need to die-to-self! Charlie has his sleep issues too, but I think you win with two! God gives us the grace. Your kids are blessed to have loving patient parents like you! Hang in there!
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