Friday, November 30, 2012

An Awfully Wonderful Day


Dear Caedmon,

Today, according to most measures, would have been considered a horrible day.  You are so miserable from teething pains; I can tell that it hurts to even nurse.  And it is making you so incredibly fussy.  And irritable.  And crabby.  You threw tantrums when I changed your diapers and clothes, you fussed when I had you play on your own for even a bit while I went to the restroom, you refused to eat any of your solids, and Mr. Crankypants, you missed two of your usual three naps, sleeping only a total of 40 minutes ALL day, which is completely out of the ordinary for you. I had so much to do today, and needless to say, I got none of it done.  At times, I grumbled at my non-progress, this mess that is our home right now, and the frustration that though I'm exhausted, I have nothing to show for my efforts.  

Except... you make it all better.  You always do.  You had trouble staying asleep tonight, waking and crying after only 40 minutes... (those darn teeth!)...  Dad went in to soothe you, but when I went in, you immediately turned and reached out your little arms and leaned your whole body towards me.  Your frantic whimpering stopped as soon as I took you in my arms.   You hooked your little hand around my neck and nuzzled your face against my chest. And there was peace.  And calm.  It was such a tender, magic moment that I could have held and rocked you forever. I hummed our lullaby song as your breathing slowed and relaxed... Once in a while, you'd pop your head up and look into my face, as if to make sure I was there.  Yes, Baby, Mom is still here.  I'm always here.  And I love you so very much... more than you can know.  

You are finally sleeping soundly.  And although I am still sitting in the middle of all my unfinished projects and chores, in this sty, really... I take back the part about having nothing to show for my exhausting efforts. You are a growing, breathing, healthy (though fussy) little boy. You're alive, so I must be doing something right.  :)  And I am so, so blessed and thankful for you.  

Sleep tight, my little owlet.  May tomorrow be another productive day.  (Though if you decide to nap long and normally tomorrow, I would be okay with that too!)

Love,
Mom

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Blasted Blankets!

Reason #47 why I do not like winter:  I am constantly paranoid that Caedmon is cold, so I go in to put a blanket on him, only to have him pop his head up upon my entering.  Crying and wailing invariably ensues.  Why is he such a light sleeper???  And yet he doesn't wake when Lucy barks??  I don't get it.  It's like he can just sense me... Mom's here.  No more napping; it's time to play! 

I just learned about these merino wool sleep sacks that claim to regulate your baby's body temperature and are supposedly far superior to the Halo fleece sleep sacks.  Baby Wise Mom (from babywisemom.com) swears by them, and though pricey ($99 on sale!), I am so tempted to get it if it means no more waking (due to a paranoid mama). 

ugh... So much for a productive afternoon.  Time to retrieve my screaming baby... ugh.... darn you, blankets!!!!