Sleepless

Tess is nearing her 10 month birthday, and she still doesn't sleep. She frequently wakes during the night, and forget about napping. Today, she fell asleep on the way to Rite Aid. The three minute trip to Rite Aid. She woke up as soon as the car stopped. That was her one and only nap of the day. She used to sleep. She used to sleep ALL night and take naps. She just hasn't slept in a few months...that's all.

Any mother can tell you that when you mention your little one doesn't sleep, people are always FULL of advice. "Give her a bottle." "Put cereal in the bottle." "Have a routine." "Rock her to sleep." "Don't ever rock her to sleep." "Let them cry it out." "Co-sleep."

Do you ever just want to slap those well meaning people? I confess, I used to be one of them. Crap, I probably still am on some "mothering" subjects. Today, however, I declare that every child is different. There is no one parenting style that works for everybody. This isn't because some of us are lazier than others. I've had 4 babies. Three responded to "my system" perfectly. One hasn't responded to ANY system as of yet. Trust me, I've tried it. It didn't work. The next time you run into a sleep deprived mommy--offer coffee, not advice!

Taking the time...

I have amazing kids. They're wonderfully kind to their new baby sister, they love each other, they bring joy and light into my lives.

They're also little hooligans. "Please don't play in the mud, we have to leave in an hour." Five minutes later, they're covered in mud, and have removed all of their clothing. (They're also nudists). Or like today for example.

All three came to me with a bottle of water. "Are you going to drink this water or play with it" I said.

"Drink it"

Cue 30 minutes later while they're in the play room "supposedly" watching a cartoon while I attempt to fold 2 loads of laundry (our daily usage). I run in. My son, slipped and fell...on the 1/4 inch of water covering the floor from their bottles of water. Bedtime came early tonight...

Just when I thought I was going to lose it, I was reminded of how precious they are. A friend posted on facebook of a 2 year old child she knows who was hit by a car in her driveway and passed away. My heart is broken for that unknown family. So, tonight, I'm taking the time to give my kids an extra kiss. I may even sneak a couple into our bed to snuggle tonight. I'm taking the time to count my blessings...Justin, Grace, Isabelle, Boyd and Tessa...

so much for resolutions...

It was my New Year's resolution to blog more often, and to not only blog, but to actually "publish" my blog. You know, actually have someone read it? Well, here it is May, and I'm finally posting.

Tess has started pulling herself up this week, and she is cruising the furniture. She still doesn't sleep as much as we'd all like.

So, here on May 14th, I begin keeping my resolution.