1/9/06 - Sleep, Elusive Sleep

This week has been tough. Eva has been having trouble sleeping and wakes every hour wanting to nurse. I haven’t slept in four days. I finally stopped trying to take her back to her crib, and just put a toddler rail on my side in case she tries to roll out of our bed. That helps me grab a few more minutes than I would otherwise get. I know a lot of parents use the “don’t pick her up, let her cry it out” method at this age, but that’s not my style.

I know this is unusual behavior for her: she’s crying because she’s not feeling well, and she needs to be comforted. I’d rather my baby want comfort from her mother instead of substitutes like a pacifier or blanket. I’d rather she learn to trust people, not inanimate objects. Last night her diaper leaked and soaked her nightgown and crib sheet. If I’d ignored her crying, I wouldn’t have known that. Between that, and trying to keep her glasses out of her mouth and on her face every waking hour, I’m pretty wasted right now. And I can’t have any caffeine because it will wire Eva for sound. So I drink my decaf, nap with her when I can, and wait for this phase to end. This too will pass, and she’ll be sleeping through the night again soon.