Yesterday, Athena was pretending to be a Mommy talking and she said "I nursed the baby and put him down in his bed, he cried so I gave him a bottle, he cried so I rocked him...he didn't sleep." That pretty much sums up the bulk of my days and nights (from a surprisingly perceptive source).
I've tried to write this post several times and it all just sounds like complaining, and I don't mean to complain because thanks to the help from Yiayia and Mimi, we're handling it just fine, but little John Patrick is kind of consuming my every waking moment...and there are too many waking moments.
He wants to eat almost every hour and sleeps no more than an hour and a half at a time. He rarely takes naps during the day with any regularity, he is mostly wide awake. He doesn't like his crib, bassinet or swing for very long, rather prefers to sleep in my arms or next to me in bed. So, yea, I'm rarely without him, he's my constant sidekick. Annnd, he has indigestion and gas and like the photo, often looses his lunch immediately after eating. His doctor, however, is not worried because he is putting on weight like a football player (check out that double chin). It's all just normal newborn stuff, his digestive system needs to grow and develop, he'll soon get used to sleeping on his own and his sleep patterns will naturally settle into a predictable pattern. Right? Right!!?
Luckily, Mimi and Yiayia are here to distract the girls and give me time to take naps - I live on sleep snacks - without their help I surely would have lost it by now. And little John Patrick is a funny, sweet little guy so I don't mind so much.
Enough of the lack of sleep rambling...here are some photos:
Yiayia takes a turn holding our little dude.
Trying to be artistic.
I took one excursion to the grocery store, just me with all three little ones. Athena was a big help looking after John Patrick on the drive. (p.s. we were stopped at a stoplight).
Athena truly and tenderly loves her little brother.
He seems to be confused as to where he is and who all these people are.
John Patrick's first restaurant experience.
Asleep in my arms.
11 comments:
Awww, I remember those days of total sleep deprivation and how terrible it is when you are in the middle of it but how in the scheme of things, it's over relatively fast. Those first few weeks and months even are SO HARD. Hugs to you and your family!!!
He wants to eat every hour and a half? Reminds me of someone . . . Oh, right! Chris!! Looks like he got his mini-me after all!
Ah Julie, I so remember those days. So many of those days, actually. With the amount of feedings and the random sleeping he does, it sounds like JP thinks he's really two babies. Are you sure you didn't have twins? Glad you have help. :)
OK - you snapped me out of my thinking #2 might be a good idea (after spending time with my friend's adorable 18month old son). Yes I remember those days. Lets see- all 16 weeks of my maternity leave involved Joseph napping on me and he slept on my chest for the first 8 weeks - and then after that he would only fall asleep if I was holding him but I could eventually put him in his crib.
It does get better (I keep telling myself that as he wants me in his room every night and wakes several times calling for me.)
It might be a boy thing - he just wants his mama!
Did you end up having to get a new car? We talked about it the day we met and I'm noticing the 3 across. That's exactly how my 3 will be set up back there. :) Attentive older sibling included.
Also, sounds like you might want to put in a phone call to Cori if you want help with sleep stuff. Maybe. You don't sound too concerned, just maybe a little sleepy.
Athena's Pretend Mommy script sounds pretty cute. :)
It is rough in the beginning. That is great that your family is there to help out. Aren't they the best.
Have you considered wearing John Patrick? That way you are still able to do stuff and he may sleep while you are wearing him. Plus more of an upright position may help. Just a thought.
My babies have only been content in my arms for the most part and I wore Micah and Kaiya almost constantly for the first 3 months.
I hope you are able to get more rest and what big helpers you have in the girls.
Hang in there Julie! You are a wonderful mama to your babes and you ARE right....everything will settle into a routine all in good time. Everyone looks very content in all the photos...you must be doing it right!
Much love, Diane
It DOES get better! We had it rough with KayTar in the beginning (not that she's the greatest example of Normal, LOL) and things even got better with her!
You'll survive! I hope he starts sleeping better soon!
#3 really did us is. I remember (ever so vaguely) those first few months when Adalynn first came home. Throw a few cleft surgeries in there and life really was a big blur.
This too shall pass!
he's adorable and you can tell big sisters are so in love!
Brings back memories...
It was hard on me after Adam was born. Severe sleep deprivation is just the worst. I think it takes over your thinking and magnifies every little negative feeling. At least it did for me.
The good news is that it will get better. I know you know that already, but it's sometimes hard when you're in the thick of things. Thank goodness for family and friends!
Hugs to you, Julie!
Does that "I Might Barf" shirt come in large?
All very cute, I miss you guys!
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