So if I had to complain about one thing in my life right now, which I shouldn't even be complaining about, it would be bedtime. Not so much the getting-to-bed part, even though it takes way longer than it should to get the kids to bed. No, it's the when-we-are-sleeping part. Or should I say, when we are supposed to be sleeping. And it hasn't helped that Lillie has a cold which she got from her biggest admirer, Isaac.
Just to give you an idea, here is a scenario of what my nights are like: Imagine an 8 month old who has outgrown her cradle but is still not sleeping through the night, so she can't sleep in the crib in the kids room yet (we live in a 2 bedroom, what were we thinking?), and mom has gotten into the really bad habit of letting her sleep with her. So that means every two hours or so, baby is still waking up wanting to eat and mom complies because mom can't let her cry and wake up dad who leaves at 5:30 and really needs his sleep. Bad. Then, the almost 5 year old comes to get mom once or twice a night to come and sleep with her in her bed and mom complies. (Again, we can't have crying.) So dad ends up bringing baby to mom sometime in the night, which is usually not close enough for the alarm to go off for him to stay awake, but close enough that it's real hard to get back to sleep. Very bad. And maybe 3 or 4 nights a week the 2 yr old wakes up and won't go back to sleep unless he's in the 5 yr old's bed too. Bad, very bad. So... it is not unusual for dad to come into the kid's room to find mom and 3 kids crammed into one bed, whisper the morning prayers and say goodbye. And then it never fails that at the 2 yr old is ready to be awake and go downstairs at around 6:30 am. That's when mom is close to loosing it, but the 2yr old is happy with chocolate milk, cereal in a bowl to munch on, and "Petey" (the dog on Little Rascals movie) so mom can go join the slumber party once again. Only to be woken up at 7 by the 5 yr old who now wants to be awake and downstairs, but only if mom comes too.
So.........after who knows how many weeks of this, yesterday I finally did loose it. I sat on the couch with my kids while they drank their chocolate milk and munched on cereal, and I cried. Of course, this resulted in all of us crying cause they were pretty freaked out that mom was crying. It was quite the scene. I had to quickly reassure them that mommy was okay and that she was just REALLY tired! So when I "talked" to Brian later in the day, he informed me he didn't have to go into work until 3 the next day and he quickly volunteered to take care of the older kids that night. That was my saving grace. I almost couldn't wait for bedtime! Let's just say that I woke up that night wondering what time it was and why I had so much room in MY bed (Brian had gone into the kids room), and I didn't hear the kids all night. (except for Lillie who was sleeping with me and only woke up twice!) I finally woke up at 7 am feeling quite rested, and I couldn't help but smile as I welcomed the new day. I felt like a new woman! My hubby definitely earned the husband of the day award! Thank you so much sweetheart! (we even agreed that this will be happening more often in the future!!)
And to make the day even better, I woke up to beautiful blue skies and SUNSHINE! It was a gorgeous day! A much needed change from the crazy snow, hail, and rain we have the past few days. We took full advantage of it and packed a picnic lunch and took a walk to the lake near our home. The kids enjoyed throwing rocks in the water and we soaked in the much needed sunshine. We then said goodbye to dad as he left for work and the kids and I stayed at the park for a little longer, and even went for another walk. We weren't quite ready to leave the sunshine. Brooklyn loved cruising on her bike and kept saying, "I need to keep riding mom, I really need to get my exercise". We truly had a really great day! I am on my own again tonight, but after today's rejuvinating (is that a word?) all I can say is, "Bring it on!!"
Just to give you an idea, here is a scenario of what my nights are like: Imagine an 8 month old who has outgrown her cradle but is still not sleeping through the night, so she can't sleep in the crib in the kids room yet (we live in a 2 bedroom, what were we thinking?), and mom has gotten into the really bad habit of letting her sleep with her. So that means every two hours or so, baby is still waking up wanting to eat and mom complies because mom can't let her cry and wake up dad who leaves at 5:30 and really needs his sleep. Bad. Then, the almost 5 year old comes to get mom once or twice a night to come and sleep with her in her bed and mom complies. (Again, we can't have crying.) So dad ends up bringing baby to mom sometime in the night, which is usually not close enough for the alarm to go off for him to stay awake, but close enough that it's real hard to get back to sleep. Very bad. And maybe 3 or 4 nights a week the 2 yr old wakes up and won't go back to sleep unless he's in the 5 yr old's bed too. Bad, very bad. So... it is not unusual for dad to come into the kid's room to find mom and 3 kids crammed into one bed, whisper the morning prayers and say goodbye. And then it never fails that at the 2 yr old is ready to be awake and go downstairs at around 6:30 am. That's when mom is close to loosing it, but the 2yr old is happy with chocolate milk, cereal in a bowl to munch on, and "Petey" (the dog on Little Rascals movie) so mom can go join the slumber party once again. Only to be woken up at 7 by the 5 yr old who now wants to be awake and downstairs, but only if mom comes too.
So.........after who knows how many weeks of this, yesterday I finally did loose it. I sat on the couch with my kids while they drank their chocolate milk and munched on cereal, and I cried. Of course, this resulted in all of us crying cause they were pretty freaked out that mom was crying. It was quite the scene. I had to quickly reassure them that mommy was okay and that she was just REALLY tired! So when I "talked" to Brian later in the day, he informed me he didn't have to go into work until 3 the next day and he quickly volunteered to take care of the older kids that night. That was my saving grace. I almost couldn't wait for bedtime! Let's just say that I woke up that night wondering what time it was and why I had so much room in MY bed (Brian had gone into the kids room), and I didn't hear the kids all night. (except for Lillie who was sleeping with me and only woke up twice!) I finally woke up at 7 am feeling quite rested, and I couldn't help but smile as I welcomed the new day. I felt like a new woman! My hubby definitely earned the husband of the day award! Thank you so much sweetheart! (we even agreed that this will be happening more often in the future!!)
And to make the day even better, I woke up to beautiful blue skies and SUNSHINE! It was a gorgeous day! A much needed change from the crazy snow, hail, and rain we have the past few days. We took full advantage of it and packed a picnic lunch and took a walk to the lake near our home. The kids enjoyed throwing rocks in the water and we soaked in the much needed sunshine. We then said goodbye to dad as he left for work and the kids and I stayed at the park for a little longer, and even went for another walk. We weren't quite ready to leave the sunshine. Brooklyn loved cruising on her bike and kept saying, "I need to keep riding mom, I really need to get my exercise". We truly had a really great day! I am on my own again tonight, but after today's rejuvinating (is that a word?) all I can say is, "Bring it on!!"
***************
Some photos of our day soakin' in the sun. I can never get a decent picture of Isaac. He thought he was so funny the way he would say, "cheese!" The grumpy picture of Lil is what happens when you take anything away from her that she is anxious to sink her little teeth into. And for the GW Gang...yes, Brian is still sporting his lecture clothes!
9 comments:
Hi Brian & Lisa
I hope you don't mind me snooping and commenting on your blog. Aunt Maridee gave it to me (I think she talked to Lori).
Your family is super cute. Nobody ever tells us those kinds of things before we start having children, do they? Maybe it is a good thing or we might not be so willing. ;)
Hope you guys are doing well. Come visit our blog too www.albrechtclan.blogspot.com
Congratulations on the night's sleep! I so feel for you. If I had a dollar for every time I lost it weeping in front of my child from fatigue I'd have enough for his therapy later on. And I don't even have three to wreck my nights, I only have one! Hang in there.
Also, as far as the warm-ups go, Linus is going through a "comfy pants" phase where he only wants sweats or warm-ups. We figure Brian made it this far with that attitude so he could still turn out well, right?
PS I sent your info to some folks here who are heading your way so if you hear from strangers who claim to know us, it's legit. :)
Hey Lisa, I hear you on the sleepless nights. It gets very hard with two kids... I can't imagine three. I feel bad using Casey to help when he himself is always exhausted. It is wonderful when they pitch in and you get a small break... good job Brian!!! I love the pictures of the kids and Brian's attire. Casey's new favorite store is the NIKE store... he has been sporting hoodies and comfy pants lately. Owen has been wearing a lot of comfy pants lately, and when we head out shopping.. we think of Brian. He had definetly made a fashion statement for us! Spring is on its way... hang in there!
Besides all the hormones, I think that's why us woman lose it so much the first few months after giving birth- No sleep! I'm glad you were able to get rejuvinated. It really does change a person.
I have soooo been there with the sleeping issues (actually we are still working on them with Kaylee) it is so frustrating!!!! I had a nice breakdown the other day due to lack of sleep...except I just sat in the bathroom with the doors locked and cried for awhile :) I just keep telling myself that this will pass and that hopefully they won't need our help with sleeping when they leave for college.
Lisa!
I hope you remember us! I can't believe I've found you again! Somehow, someway, Mekeisia found us, and you know how it goes from there. You can find anyone in the blogging world! You look so good! What a cute family! Our blog site is tophamtalk.blogspot.com.
Great to see you!
Stacia
Lisa,
I love your cute blog and the sweet story of your sleepless nights gave me great comfort as Shane and I have never been so tired in our entire lives!
Lots of Love,
Dixie L.
Hey, I don't know if you remember me- I married Jason Rappleye. I found your blog from Ashley's. Jason got a job offer in Portland, Oregon. I was just wondering what you think of the Northwest and if you would live there if it was your choice?
You have cute kids! It's fun to read about other mommy's hard days and know that we're not alone!
Hey guys! I can't believe how big the kiddos are now! We miss you guys and hope you're doing well.
I can totally understand the sleep deprivation problem and we only have ONE child. I seriously don't know how you do it!
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