my life is a sitcom …
April 15, 2008 at 10:49 pm | In Uncategorized |or at least it should be, according to one of my girlfriends - and after this last week, i think she may be right …
so because i’m clearly the worst mom in the world, Sydney is still not sleeping in her crib - we try every night but it never lasts for more than 45 minutes - then she’s up and we can’t get her back down - most nights she wakes up within 5-10 minutes of us laying her down no matter where it is - and because i don’t think she’s old enough to cry-it-out yet, we usually start her off in the swing and she falls asleep and stays there until she’s ready to eat - then i put her in bed with me, nurse her sidelying and we both sleep until morning - yes, i’m ruining my child and she’ll probably sleep with us until she’s 10 (NOT!!!) - whatever, i’m over it and it’s not the point of the story
so sometimes Sydney naps in the swing and Thursday was one of those days - she had fallen asleep in my arms 3 different times and every time i put her down, she woke up - so i decided it was swing time - now in the midst of all of this, the painter is here finishing up the outside of the house, it’s becoming increasingly hot (because i’m STILL getting hot flashes) and i just remembered that i have to call DirecTv because the living room tv isn’t working - so i put Sydney in the swing and because i know she’ll be asleep soon, i call DirecTv and head to the living room - after a few minutes i come back to check on her and the swing is barely moving - so i turn it off and back on again, give it a little push and head back into the living room - by this time i’ve finally gotten a real person on the phone - so i’m dealing with the tv and the painter is yelling random info to me - while i’m waiting for the tv receiver to power back up (and meanwhile i’m about to spontaneously combust) i come back to check on Sydney - the swing is still barely moving so i take a closer look - i can hear the motor spinning at it’s regular speed but it’s like something inside isn’t catching - i know it’s not the batteries because i had just replaced them a few days earlier - so me being the genius that i am, decide that maybe i can fix it - so i go get the bouncy chair and bring it in to the bedroom so Sydney can sit in it while i “fix” the swing - i grab the screwdriver and open the motor case and realize i have no idea what the hell i’m doing - no big deal, i’ll just close it back up, right? right … um, yeah - that’s exactly how it went - maybe i’ve mentioned this before, but Sydney hates the bouncy chair - and the entire time i’ve been messing with the swing, she’s been becoming more and more agitated - of course, i’m trying to soothe her with my standard “it’s okay Sydney - mommy just needs a few more minutes” - i swear those will be her first words - i’ll look up one day and she’ll bust out with “just a few more minutes” - anyway, i’m trying to get the swing back together, Sydney is getting fussier and the DirecTv rep wants to be all chatty Cathy telling me that he and his wife have a dog because they’re not ready for kids - thanks for the info dude!!
so i finally get the tv working and i’m still messing with the swing - but by this time, Sydney is D-O-N-E DONE with the bouncy chair - i’m now pleading with her to give mom a few minutes so that i can get the swing back together - but in true i’m-my-mother’s-daughter fashion, she’s not having it - she’s now screaming bloody murder and i still can’t get the swing together - so i rig it together temporarily and turn to get Sydney out of the bouncy chair - the minute i get ger unstrapped and pick her up, the swing comes crashing to the ground - i look over and see this …
yeah - good times!! so now i have a screaming baby, a broken swing and all i can think is “how am i going to get her to go to sleep tonight? and oh yeah - have i mentioned that the swing doesn’t belong to us? that’s right - the wonderful Mike and ReJana Krause LOANED us the swing - so now i have a broken swing that i HAVE to replace - so i plop Sydney in my lap and start calling every Babies R Us in the vicinity and no one has it - but one store tells me that Toys R Us carries that particular pattern - woo hoo!! except i call Toys R Us and they don’t have it in stock - so i go to the Graco website - but even they don’t have it in stock - WHY GOD WHY?!?! i get it, being a mom is hard - i don’t need proof - i believe you!!! so finally i figure out that i can order a replacement part - and after spending 10 minutes trying to find the serial number on the broken swing, i finally get the part ordered - only to find out that “due to system upgrades”, the part won’t ship for 5 days - ugh. it’s going to be a long weekend
UPDATE: ok, so i’ve been a little busy - i actually started writing this blog almost 2 weeks ago - fortunately, the part shipped a few days early and the swing part arrived on a Tuesday - just in time for me to leave Sydney with Daddy while mom went out on an appointment - end result - the swing is a LIFESAVER!!!!
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My 7 month old son was the same way - hated the crib at first- he would only sleep in the swing. Or if I held him. Now that we let him sleep on his tummy, he is fine in the crib. He is also over his bouncey chair, just like Syd. It’s comforting to hear others who have experienced the same scenerio as me. I am glad you are back!
Comment by Leah — April 16, 2008 #
OMG! I am laughing BECAUSE I sooo relate!! My Noah is 2 months today. He just started sleeping in his Crib last night….he did “OK”. He will NOT take a nap anywhere during the day but hisin swing or vibrating bouncy chair or of course, his favorite, my arms (more there than anything!!) I am so hearing myself when you were saying “Mommy will be there in a minute, just a few more minutes sweetie..shhhhhh, it’s ok baby…shhhh” So if you are the worst mom in the world, then I am tied with you!!! lol
Comment by vanessa — April 16, 2008 #
you poor thing….just keep putting her in the crib every time she needs to sleep.(naps)
And yes…she will probably sleep with you until she is 10! She has already taken control of the Hall household. Don’t give up, she will cry but eventually figure out that she is tired and can’t cry anymore, then she will fall asleep.
Comment by allison — April 16, 2008 #
Put her in bed with you all you want. They are only little once and if it gets you sleep then believe me that’s all that matters! Hang in there..it gets better!!! Well, not really better, but easier in some ways! ha ha!
Comment by vicki — April 16, 2008 #
Thank you for always sharing your antics with us! I don’t have babies of my own, so I haven’t any ‘words of wisdom’. However, I’m sure it will all work out eventually. And I’m positive you’re a great mommy!!
Comment by Lori — April 16, 2008 #
Same things I went through! It has gotten better for me now though. My Cooper is 4 months old and sleeps through the night in his own crib now. Up until he was about 3 months I thought he would be sleeping with us no matter what or that his back was going to be developed crooked because he wanted to sleep in the swing and only the swing all the time! I HAD to put him on his tummy because he refuses to sleep on his back. He moves all over the crib now on his tummy. I think he actually likes it better because he has so much room. So, hopefully it’ll get better soon! And from what I hear you’re a GREAT mom, so don’t doubt yourself!! Thanks for sharing!!
Comment by Melody — April 16, 2008 #
Are you not going to back to work?
Comment by amy — April 16, 2008 #
Dianthe,
When I had my first child I thought I was such a great mom because he slept like he was suppose to. At six weeks old he moved from the bassinet and went to his own room and would sleep till 4:30 am. I would hear other moms say they couldn’t get their babies to sleep in their own bed and I thougt they just weren’t doing it right! Here’s the point of my story. When I had my second son, the day we came home from the hospital, three days old, he would not sleep unless we were holding him. Like Sydney as soon as he realized he was sleeping alone he would cry. Nothing worked. He is four years old now, very outgoing but still won’t sleep through the night without being in our bed! Some kids are born very determined and strong willed. Best of luck to you and you are a wonderful mom. Don’t doubt that.
Comment by Kelly — April 16, 2008 #
I had the same situation with my son.And don’t believe the people who say she will sleep with you forever…she will eventually sleep alone. Try putting her on her tummy or with a snuggly blanket or something. I know this goes against what the “experts” say but I think that secure feeling helps them relax. Rather than on their back, arms and legs flailing in an empty box of a crib.
Comment by shelly — April 16, 2008 #
Dianthe, have you heard of the teddy bear that has a the “real” heart beat. I have had people swear this bear comforts babies. I think if you place the bear in the crib and she can hear the heartbeat…she may relax and sleep??
Comment by susie — April 16, 2008 #
My son is one year old this weekend. He slept with me in the bed until he was able to roll over on his own. Then he went to a pack and play by the bed, and at around 6/7 months moved to sleeping in his crib. Do what feels right to you. I am a big “attachment parent” and that sleeping together helps bonding. You’re awesome!
Comment by Courtney — April 16, 2008 #
Dianthe, bless your heart! I am so glad you’re still posting and updating because first, I’m due in about 8 weeks and I NEED to know this stuff and second, I still just think you are hysterical. Anyway… I agree w/ pp’s.. I bet Sydney doesn’t like it on her back. My pedi told me some kiddos are like that and do not panic but try a sleep positioner and let them sleep positioned on their sides. My best friends son will only sleep that way so maybe worth a shot? In the meantime, she’s in your bed, so what… it’s ok!! You’re doing GREAT!! I can’t wait to have one of my own!!!!!!!! I hope I’m as great as you are
Comment by Ann — April 16, 2008 #
Oh ya, and when I finally decided to let him sleep on his tummy he slept like a champ.
Comment by Courtney — April 16, 2008 #
I love reading your blog! Although my daughter is now 9 yrs. old, I can sooo relate to the sleeping arrangements. My “just a few more minutes” became her “one more last time”.
Comment by Paula — April 16, 2008 #
Dianthe, my daughter slept thru the night right away, slept fine alone and in her crib & rarely slept with us. Never had sleep issues with her. My son…same as you. Hated his crib, slept with us alot. I just let him get sleep wherever he could get it… swing, my bed, wherever. I wasn’t into the crying it out thing either. If a baby needs a little extra security, attention, whatever, why not give it to them? Kids needs are different. He is now 8 and does not still sleep in our bed as some may say. It will all work out.
Comment by s — April 16, 2008 #
More Sydney pictures please!!!
Comment by Michelle — April 16, 2008 #
Dianthe,
If you want your baby to sleep longer at night take this advice:
1. Stop Breast Feeding!! Babies don’t stay full on breast milk, trust me i tried it with both of mine and they both slept horribly! The minute i switched to formula, i got at least 5-6 hrs of straight sleep a night and both were sleeping through the night by 4 mos.
2. Let her sleep on her stomach! I think i remember you saying a while back that Sydney does sleep on her stomach, but if she doesn’t, trust me it works!
3. In about another month, let her cry it out! I think 4 months is when babies are suppose to be able to learn to self soothe.
Comment by Alaina — April 16, 2008 #
Hey Dianthe, Are you against using a pacifier? Like you, my baby would fall asleep somewhere & he would wake up when I tried to move him. I would give him the paci and it put him right back to sleep. It’s called a pacifier for a reason. Oh, and I breast fed also and he never had “nipple confusion”. When he was hungry, believe me, he knew how to get dinner.
Comment by Mich — April 16, 2008 #
I’m so glad to see the new post! I’m baffled by Alaina telling you to stop breast feeding so Sydney will sleep through the night! UGH! My six year old daughter was the same way and sleeps very happily in her bed every night. They are only little once. I remember doing exactly what you are doing when she was little. I miss those days and wish for just 24 hours of that again. The Divine Miss S is awesome and has the best mommy in the world! Keep up what you’re doing! You rock and she will be perfectly fine and well adjusted! :0)
Comment by Susan — April 17, 2008 #
OH Dianthe…DO NOT stop breast feeding.
You can definatley supplement her feeding at night with some cereal or something. But I breast fed for 11 months and my son never slept in our bed. He was in the bassinet the first several weeks and then to his room in the crib….and he did just fine. Breastfeeding is one of the BEST things you can do for you child. (but you really need to get her out of your bed…I feel so bad for you)
Comment by laura — April 17, 2008 #
hang in there mama your doing a great job! and breastmilk is perfectly designed for human babies, as i’m sure you already know! i wonder where alaina got her PhD!?
Comment by Megan — April 17, 2008 #
YEs the Pacifier is a good thing!!! Plus it has been proven to help prevent SIDS. It helps my son to relax…….CO sleep if you must…getting sleep anyway you can is better than none! I couldnt function without sleep. You are doing great!!!
Comment by vanessa — April 17, 2008 #
I love reading your blogs! They are so well written and entertaining! I was a single mom with Twins.. you can do it!
Comment by carol — April 17, 2008 #
I don’t know if you actually read your comments or not, but in reference to “Spike” sleeping with you…
You do whatever you want! I BF and co-slept my son for 10 mos. He’s almost 1 now and he still sleeps with me from time to time.
You guys will figure out what works for you. Don’t ever feel like you have to explain or justify yourself to anyone else. I found that once I stopped caring about other people’s opinions and concentrated on caring for my son, things got so much easier.
You are an awesome mom and you are doing a great job!!
-Keri
Comment by Keri — April 17, 2008 #
Dianthe,
Lay the baby down with a shirt that you have worn. This helped mine to not wake up when I put her in the bassinet. Its even better if its warm like you. I used to either throw last night’s sleep shirt in the dryer for a few minutes or put on a tshirt when I got home from work and wear it until she went to bed. It increased her sleep time by 2-3 hours at a stretch!!!! Hope it helps you as much it helped me!
Christine
Comment by Christine — April 17, 2008 #
OK, listen, one time when my overgrown baby (almost 30 lbs at 7 months) was in his swing and it kept stopping/slowing down and he was screaming bloody murder, I kept starting it back up and getting him going and going back to house cleaning. Finally, in frustration, I checked on him again, and realized that the reason it was stopping was because he was falling over/ leaning over to the side and was banging his cute little head on the bar/leg thing each time the swing passed by it, stopping the swinging motion. Let’s just say I almost called Child Protective services ON MYSELF! LOL. You’re right. Babies are hard. Just do the best you can and love, love, love ‘em. Girl, and PRAY! Say your rosary. Ask Mother Mary to pray for you as a mother. We can’t do it alone!
Good luck.
Comment by Jen — April 18, 2008 #
Motherhood is tuff, and you are handling it just fine. My daughter never napped; would only sleep next to me; refused the bottle; screamed when she was not touching me; and HATED the car. Finally, at 14 months, I was able to wean her and get her in her crib. Once she could eat solid food and tell me what she wanted, all was well. Now she is about to turn 11 years old, and I could not be more proud of what a great kid she has become. All turned out well despite our rocky start!!
Comment by Cynthia — April 18, 2008 #
Christine, where were you when my son was first born? Your tee shirt ideas is smart! I wish I had thought of that trick.
Comment by Leah — April 19, 2008 #