Warning! Owen doesn’t always look like that...
The following was an e-mail I sent out to the prospective parents (Christy and Eric; Kevin and Marty; and now the proud parents of Ainsley Jane Oleson, Chris and Jen). The night described here was a couple of nights ago and Owen has had better nights since, although he has begun to find his inner mischievous self now.
In case you were wondering if sleep deprivation, exhaustion, delusion, confusion and what in the hell is going on with my kid won't happen to you, it probably will. Until last night I thought we had a handle on it. The system was working pretty good - allow 10-12 hours to get 8 hours of sleep and use tag team system (Kelly feed and Don Clean). Then last night occurred... I think I need to go back to High School to remember a day that I slept to nearly noon. Although I don't think I can call what we did last night sleeping.
Owen wasn't especially loud or mischievous, just squeaky, very awake and incredibly cute. You might ask how can a kid be "cute" and at the same time be annoying enough to keep you awake. I don't know how this happened, I just now I was surprised and dumbfounded by it all.
Part of my tag team responsibilities, besides cleaning is getting Owen back to sleep. Usually this has been relatively effortless - burp, change diaper, swaddle and place in bedside crib = sleep. Last night was; burp, change, swaddle = squeaks. O.K. try plan B; burp more, shhhhhhhhhhh, more shhhhhhhing, bounce = he begins to look sleepy BUT when placed crib, squeaking continues. Hmmm how about plan C; use glider chair in other room so at least Kelly can get some sleep. This worked, but sustaining this technique requires stamina that I don't have at 2am, return "sleepy looking" Owen to crib. Yes, he squeaked again, but this time I think we almost fell asleep prior to the ensuing squeaks. Plans D, E and F are a little fussy at this time and I think it involved massive amounts of shhhhhhhing, burping and attempts to feed. I wonder what tonight will bring? Oh, god don't let this be a pattern for the next month/year.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed the story. It seemed appropriate to write about it in a humorous way to make me feel better. I hope it doesn't scare you, just be ready!
Don
Well, I for one have taken note of this cautionary tale- and I will be sure to negotiate long and hard on my tag team responsibilities!
ReplyDeleteUh, I have just been reminded that it is not negotiable.
So there you have it, I guess I am next.
Kevin
Just wait, there's more to come! I remember falling asleep while standing beside Adria's crib rocking her! You know you are tired when you can sleep while standing and rocking a baby. I must admit those are some of my favorite memories!
ReplyDelete