Please go to sleep. Please. Please??
It's 3 a.m. She's still not sleeping.
I understand why public health officials tell new moms not to shake their babies.
"Go to sleep! Go to sleep. Seriously kid, why are you awake??"
Scarlett is screaming.
If she wasn't so completely adorable (to me) I would consider throwing her out a window (Funny how nature endears mothers to their children just so that sort of thing does NOT happen).
We've tried everything: shushing, rocking, deep knee bends, nursing, nursing, more nursing, singing, dancing, you name it!
Panic.
My head is falling back and sideways like a narcoleptic bobble toy and I'm overwhelmed by exhaustion.
"Ted!!!!" I yell at my snoring husband. I pitch Scarlett at his chest when he lifts his head.
"Take her. I'm finished."
This scenario plays out almost nightly these days. I don't love this part of having a newborn. Definitely not my favourite part.
LIke all situations I can't seem to resolve easily, I took it shopping (at my favourite store Kol Kid on Queen Street West West, which I'm not allowed to pass by because I'm on mat leave and on a budget and Ted will kill me).
I bought a sling (and adorable little socklets with bows for my kid who won't sleep)!
"She won't sleep, huh," the saleslady said as she popped a screeming Scarlett into a sling slung around her neck. Scarlett stopped crying instantly. Her eyelids shut like automatic blinds and she started purring.
SOLD!
Alas, the saleslady had the magic touch and later that night - last night - I still had a screaming baby.
Argh.
My mother warned me (or was it a curse?!) when I had Hudson,who was the best baby who never cried even when he didn't want to sleep:
"You're never going to have another baby like Hudson," she told me over and over. "Just wait - your second will be difficult, like a real baby."
Great.
Thanks Mom.
There's a reason why sleep deprivation is used to torture prisoners - it works. As a mom of two kids who don't sleep (my oldest just started sleeping through the night at 5 years old), I know how you feel. And I've had all the same thoughts you had, just last night with my 20 mo daughter. It will get better, though, no matter what. And it changes over time - even if she's not a great sleeper, it won't always be so difficult. Meanwhile, try to get as much sleep as you can - doesn't matter how or when.
Posted by: Dr_peach | October 28, 2011 at 03:12 PM
my darling is 4.5 months old and still eats 2x a night and only takes 3 thirty minute naps. patience with my 2 year old is wearing thin. if one more person tells me to "enjoy this time, it goes by so fast" i will kick them in the teeth.
Posted by: marta | October 28, 2011 at 05:51 PM
I could have written this post myself, complete with angel first baby and trying every trick in the book! Hopefully wel'll both find some relief soon!
Posted by: Colleen | October 28, 2011 at 06:56 PM
I read your first blog when had Hudson and I had my first. I had my second 6 months ago and well...the first 3 months were hell. My second darling son cried for 8 hours everyday for the first 8 weeks.
Posted by: Carrie | October 28, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Your mom was right, too bad. My first is still like that at the age of 2. I am terrified to have another one. They say lightning can't strike twice, but I'm not so sure.
Posted by: L | October 28, 2011 at 09:14 PM