Thursday, April 9, 2009

Own it and move on

I hate to admit this. But admitting it and owning it are the first steps to overcoming it and moving on.

I have a fussy baby. A VERY fussy baby.

There are a few choice moments in which this child is calm and content. They come in the morning for about 20 minutes only to disappear until the next day.

During those golden moments I don't get much more done than when he is fussy because I just sit there with him in my lap. Soaking in the sunshine and golden-ness that is this non-crying child. Very much enjoying motherhood and trying to pry a smile from him, or at least twinkle eyes, so that I may last throughout the remainder of the day in one. sane. piece
...........

That was how this post was going to start.....yesterday.

I've been toying with this post in my brain since yesterday. I've come at it from different angles and word choices. Today, however, is much different than yesterday and therefore this post will more likely morph into more than was originally intended by the author, Me.

The reason behind the difference is tender mercies from my Heavenly Father. Coming to me in the form of sleep. Sleep of a newborn, NOT in my arms. I am thoroughly convinced that any sleeping newborn, who posses a fussy nature, is a direct result of divine intervention and to say otherwise should be deemed blasphemous.

That being said, yesterday, I was the proud owner of a fussy baby. One who had been fussy for a few days, but who decided to kick it up a notch yesterday. From 6:30 - 11:30 the only time he did not cry was when he was eating. He's a boobaholic for sure.

He had pretty much cried MOST of the day. Despite my best efforts. Except for the 15-20 minutes after the first morning feeding and the 1 1/2 hour window of time that he was napping while I was out to lunch with my mom and sister for Mom's 51st birthday (Happy Birthday, Mom!)

But what can you do. The other three need attention at least some point in the day. I mean, the kids have to eat. It's a law or something. Although my 6 year-old did make everyone a very nourishing lunch of corn dogs (hallelujah for microwaveable food!) and my 4 year old set the table and got everyone drinks. They even put Tennyson in his booster for him. All the while Larry Lunch Mouth was attached to for the 12th time that day because he was convinced there was no happiness on this Earth for him otherwise.

He never really napped yesterday. Unless he was attached.

So by 11:30pm I was done. I was still calm, but I needed my body back and simple, non-strategic thoughts about what I would try next running through my head.

He FINALLY, peacefully, without me rocking him, fell asleep.

And he slept.

And I slept.

Until 6 am.

And then he ate and went back to sleep. On his own.

And I slept.

He didn't get up again until 10. ( I of course got up early with the other ankle biters)

Then he ate.

We had our 30 minutes of Golden time. I actually got twinkle eyes today.

He started to fussed. I put him to bed. And he fell asleep. All on his own.

There has been virtually no crying today.

So now I am different. And this post is different.

And I am grateful for the difference and fully acknowledge the source from which it came.

5 comments:

Brianna said...

I feel for you... totally feel for you. Marlee was so fussy that I'd count down the minutes, no the seconds, until it was time for her bath because it's the only time she stopped.

Your situation is even worse because you do have other kids who need your attention.

I would love to come next week and help out some... how's Monday... Ok sounds like a plan. I'll call you. I can clean, do laundry, order pizza... I'm very handy.

P.S.- You are right about when a fussy baby quiets down... heaven sent help. I too am completly convinced.

Danica said...

Honestly after seeing how much time and effort you and Kevin put into Sanders at Bear Lake this weekend, Jeremy and I are wondering if we really are ready to have another new born. They are so much work. Well, I guess that decision was made months ago and come July, ready or not, we'll have another little newborn. By then Sanders will be on a perfect schedule and be a happy content little infant and you can look and just relax knowing perfectly well that your days with a fussy newborn are all over.

Chrissy said...

Sleep is the one true panacea, and I hope the golden moments come quicker and last longer for you. It seems so long ago now, but only a few short weeks ago I was convinced that my baby hated me because she would only not cry if her daddy held her. Me she regarded with a suspicious glare as if she knew I was up to no good. (And I had the boobs to feed her even, thank you very much...) I guess this is just confirmation (if you needed it) that this is your last child.

Lawson Family said...

Man that is some a serious 180 for little Sanders and you. What a difference a day makes and a loving heavenly intervention! I hope this will be your norm!

Skye L. said...

I hope he sticks with the sleeping for you and I agree wholeheartly that divine intervention comes when you need it the most. Sometimes it'd be nice if we didn't have to be so patient though ;)