In the ongoing struggle to get a little one to sleep, it often occurs to me to be positive about the situation, that "this too shall pass". So in keeping with positivity I sat rocking and nursing my young one to sleep for the THIRD time tonight thinking of all the places that he has fallen asleep effortlessly.
The zoo. In a stroller, bumping along the uneven boardwalk with chattering monkeys, squawking birds and my oldest son screaming "MOM! Look!" every 30 seconds.
The beach. Being toted like a sack of groceries as I heaved myself gracefully through shifting sand and with my oldest son screaming "MOM! Look!" every 30 seconds.
Various Disney parks. In strollers, carriers, and arms. On rides that screamed and wheeled. Through crowds of preteen Brazilian soccer players and near wailing toddlers. At Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Review, which is quite possibly the noisiest variety show ever performed. And during the evening fireworks show which literally shakes you to the core. And of course with my oldest son screaming "MOM! Look!" every 30 seconds.
On a boat. With engine roaring and waves slapping.
On a golf cart. Whirring and buzzing along campground roads.
In a baby sling while I vacuum. (So effective actually, that this has become one of my soothing methods for when he's really riled up!)
But it doesn't have to be the noisiest of locations either. He has, on occasion, fallen asleep in his car seat in the grocery cart while I'm shopping at Target on a quiet early morning.
Certainly he sleeps in his car seat in my van on short jaunts here and there. Usually just long enough to not be tired for his nap when we get home though. Oops, I slipped from positivity there for a moment.
In my arms at work while I'm typing around him and dogs are barking around him.
On my lap in any location while I talk on the phone with my mom. (Anyone could fall asleep during one of THOSE marathons!)
In my bed.
In Daddy's arms.
In Nana's arms.
During a church service.
And just one time I think, during a movie at the theater.
All those places.
We're still working on sleeping in his crib.
It seems now, as I look back through this list, that his crib is not nearly noisy, wiggly or cuddly enough.
What were they thinking? Making such quiet, still, bedding.
What I need, is a crib with a small motor, a sack of monkeys, and a nice warm sleeping dog.
Yeah.
Perfect.
1 comment:
7/12/08 Posted by a non-sleeping Nana that has laughed my way through this blog. As GG notes, "these are the happiest days of your life". I too remember wearing my babies to comfort them when they needed rest (and so did I). While this is not much comfort to you today, you will miss this time of extra snuggling and time together. So snuggle now as the typing will get done and the house will eventually get cleaned. Some day you will have the wonderful experience of becoming a Nana.
Your blog is cathartic and loving and brings me fond memories of my non-sleeping wonders.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love,
Mom :-)
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