Something to Say

Yes I know it's been almost a month since my last post but frankly, I haven't had much new to share. I think it's rather dull to post on the same things every day or even weekly. You are all already aware of the struggles regarding sleep, routine and my own personal identity crisis. BUT...

I have something new to share. Christopher is developing quite the little personality. He loves to 'talk' now and is becoming somewhat attached to certain toys. I wanted to load a video but the file is too big...! If you want to see it, email me and I'll forward the zip file to you.

Another development is that I am starting to enjoy my time with the little guy. I had a feeling that once he became a little more interactive and responsive that this would happen. It also helps that we are all getting more sleep the past few weeks...this is thanks to Michael. Daddy is now the king of getting Christopher down at night for more than 2 or 3 hours in a row. In speaking with other new moms I am quite fortunate that Michael helps out as much as he does. Some of the women that I've met are doing literally everything at home & taking care of their infants on their own. OMG, I feel for them!

Enjoy!

Sleep

As you all know I have been obsessed with sleep or rather the unpredictable nature of Christopher's sleep patterns. This has lead me to have an unpredictable sleep pattern, more like a non-existent sleep pattern as on no sleep.

I am happy to report that for now it seems that we have established a regular bedtime for the little guy! YEAH! WOOT, WOOT! Tonight marks the 3rd night in a row that we begin the bedtime routine around 7:15pm to 7:30pm and he is sound asleep by 8:00pm, maybe 8:30pm & get this - he has been sleeping for up to 6 hours in a row!...did I mention that he is also now sleeping in his very own bedroom? Yes, we made the leap two nights ago & let me tell you, it's made a world of difference for me. No more listening to his nightly grunts & snoring, wondering "is he awake, do I need to feed him?" This is important in that half the time, I did not need to feed him & only succeeded in waking him up!

So, how was this momentous feat accomplished? Routine, Routine, Routine & determination & patience. But really it's the consistency that helps set him up for sleep. We just need to stay vigilant over the next period of time to ensure that the behaviour is really set, if we mess up even one or two nights and all could be lost. Next step...daytime naps!

The benefit of this newly developed sleep pattern? Michael & I get to spend time doing something other than taking care of Christopher. Some may find that a callous statement but the truth is that one cannot be happy and balanced if all one does is tend to baby's needs. We need time for ourselves & time together, even if all that is is sitting quietly on the sofa in the same room together. Tonight however, I am off to bed early...I want to enjoy my potential sleep of 6 hours back to back!

Family

Christopher and I have just returned from a visit to Toronto. We were there to visit with Michael's family...his sisters and their fabulous spouses and kid's as well as his parents.

Let me just say this, Michael has a really great family. I think that I am one of the few people who will openly and enthusiastically say that I love my in-laws.

Hilde, now known as "Oma" deserves saint status - She has taught me more about being patient with the little guy than I ever thought possible. Oma has the "magic" touch when it comes to babies. Like my father (grandpa), no matter what was going on with Christopher she simply cuddled, coo'd and rocked him until the gas pain passed or he decided that he'd said his piece and was done for the time being.

Michael has twin sisters - Mary & Susie. They both have 2 children, much older than Christopher. They are both wonderful with children; patient, supportive, understanding and I think most importantly, non-judgmental...just very even keeled or least this is the energy that I see when I'm with them.

I can only hope that I grow into this role in a similar fashion. I want to be patient and even keeled and supportive and non-judgemental and loving in a way that allows my son to become a whole person.