The Struggle

Not too long ago, just after Gavin's first birthday, he spent an entire month waking up for the day during the 4 o'clock hour. Also, he hated going to bed at night and also, he hated to nap. We had days when he had only slept a cumulative 10 hours or less, and I was so stressed about this. We tried everything, and eventually the situation corrected itself. Everyone was tired. It was not fun.

Switching gears, I have a co-worker with a baby that sounds a lot like Gavin was when he was little. Scott's daughter cries a lot, she's only happy first thing in the morning, and she won't nap. Sometimes he spends two hours trying to get her to sleep, and then she stays asleep for 20 minutes. His wife is sleep-deprived and exhausted. We make each other feel better by claiming that our babies share some stellar trait which will surface later in life, but which makes them very difficult babies for right now. (Feel free to roll your eyes at that.)

Then there's Marsha, who sits between Scott and I, and who has said on at least one occasion, "I'm so glad I never had kids." When we talk about our babies who refuse to sleep and are unhappy for various reasons, she simply proclaims, "I don't get it. When the baby's tired, why don't you just put it down for a nap?" I can remember a time when I thought that way, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't envy Marsha for the fact that she never has and never will understand the struggle.

Because it really is a struggle. It seems, though, that we have overcome this struggle, at least for right now. Last night, Gavin slept for just over 12 hours. He was back in his crib by 9 for a short nap, and he'll nap again this afternoon. He'll be asleep for the night some time around 7. This is a winning situation. However, it keeps us quite homebound. Three or four hour windows are not a lot of time to get out and do things when you live where we live. But, I've come to learn that it's so much better this way. He's not constantly over-tired, and we are all better for it. On his days at Dawn's, he only takes one nap, and he has a fun, full day of learning and playing, so he is understandably a little cranky in the afternoon. NBD, I just keep my patience and put him down a little early at night. I'll maybe put that weird Teletubbies show on to appease him when he's wearing me out. Whatever.

Previously, I scrambled to pack our days off full of activities that would keep Gavin occupied and as happy as possible. I'd hope for him to fall asleep in the car somewhere around mid-day and then maybe transfer to his crib. Sometimes it was fun, but it was kind of tiring. We are much more hermit-like these days, but I'm enjoying the slower pace. We've been going on walks and bike rides, and today we even hit the train park. I miss the gym, but Gavin does not, and I can still sneak in there for a workout if Dylan is in town. We're well-rested, and this pace works for us.

Blowing bubbles at Nonna and Papa's house

Puuuuuush!

Not doing great with the spoon. Just like his dad...Not worried, not in a hurry.

Going on a walk!

Train ride.

Always a fan of the swing

I'm sure everything will change again in a matter of weeks, and it'll probably be right at the time that I'm itching for more action. Nothing is ever consistent in our life, and sometimes that drives me crazy, but mostly I think it keeps me from getting bored. Anyway, it is what it is, and this is where we stand. In case you care. (I imagine that you do not.)