My Sweet Non-Sleeper

Waverly Maye used to sleep.  Really well.  We obviously had to get through some typical newborn hurdles, but once we did, she was sleeping in her crib like a champ.  I was so proud of the routine we had established and naturally thought it was smooth sailing here on out.  This parenting role?  We had it mastered, no problem.  We were a happy little (well-rested) family of three.
  Our new normal quickly changed about a month ago.  A week of no sleep ended with all three of us (and the dog) in a slumber party on Waverly’s floor.  Waverly Maye had transitioned from our rockstar sleeper to a baby who pretty much refused to sleep without being held.  And me?  I (of course) held her all night long while searching the internet to find the answer to why our perfect routine had fallen apart.  I came up with multiple theories.
She was teething.  It was a wonder week.  The mattress needed to be on an incline.  We were using the wrong lotion after her bath.
It seems that none of those assumptions were valid.  My baby had stopped sleeping because she was a … baby.  One who was going through a phase and as her mom, I had to find a way to deal with it.  I did deal with it.  But not well.  I tried everything, and none of what I did worked.  And my final solution (to have Waverly Maye sleep in bed with us each night) was quickly dismissed by my husband. 
I would have persistently tried to stake my claim as I loved snuggling wih her each night, but the horror stories of babies in the bed were enough for me to finally give in.

I won’t go into a full blown, minute-by-minute rundown of his plan, but I will give him the credit he deserves.  While absolutely painful and some of the most trying times I have experienced as a mom, his ideas worked.  Yes, they included some tears.  Ones from her & from me.  I know that not everyone agrees with this parenting style and quite honestly, I don’t even know that I do myself.  But what I do know is that I have had a much happier, rested baby as a result.  We definitely are not through the woods yet (we have had a couple of setback nights), but I’ve come to understand that is to be expected.   This certainly won’t be the last month of sleepless nights we have.  And this “parenting” thing I thought I had mastered?  While it is absolutely, undoubtably the best role I have ever had, it is also the hardest.  But I wouldn’t trade it (or her!) for the world.
I am thinking, however, that I would just like to skip nighttime all together for the next couple of weeks.  Can’t I just snap my fingers and be well-rested?  Let me know if you have any ideas on how I can make that happen.

And for one more appearance from the sweet little non-sleeper herself.


Waverly’s onsie is from Old Navy & Leggings from Carters.

 Ain’t that the truth? 🙂



Comments

  1. March 4, 2013 / 7:15 pm

    I had a week a little while back where my little one suddenly decided she didn't sleep…Man had I forgotten what that was like!!!! Hopefully all will be peaceful in your home again soon 🙂

  2. March 4, 2013 / 7:56 pm

    Waverly is adorable. And honestly, as a parent you learn that you have to do what you have to do for the health of the whole family.

    • March 4, 2013 / 11:54 pm

      Thank you, and YES – I have quickly learned that!!!

  3. March 4, 2013 / 8:44 pm

    My baby isn't sleeping either!! Day and night. Her sleep deprivation shows since she now cries ALL DAY LONG. How did you fix the nighttime sleeping?

    • March 5, 2013 / 3:07 pm

      Oh god, girl! Totally feel your pain! Know that you are not alone. Honestly, as bad it was was, we (last resort) had to let her cry. The first night was almost unbearable … but then it got easier and easier each night. And now she is so much happier and we are WAY better off. Have you read "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child?" It is SO good and a lifesaver!

  4. March 4, 2013 / 10:19 pm

    I feel your pain girl! I have never had a good sleeper. She is up every 2-3 hours still as an 8 month old… Lets just say i'm freaking exhausted! I hope it gets better for you guys! You are a great Mom!!

    • March 5, 2013 / 3:08 pm

      Oh no – our girls are just having too much fun to sleep! It really is hard – so I can totally relate on being tired! Have you read "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child?" We found it so helpful! Good luck – and YOU, are also a good Mom! 🙂

  5. March 5, 2013 / 1:44 am

    She is so cute that I bet you don't mind holding her in the middle of the night. Since going back to work, I bring Keira in bed with me to snuggle sometimes at night and I love it. It is bonding time we both need after being away during the day. Don't forget to check out my blog for info on the award I nominated your cute blog for! 🙂

    • March 5, 2013 / 3:10 pm

      I do LOVE to snuggle with her – for sure! Baby cuddling is the best. THANKS AGAIN for nominating me! I am planning on answering with a post very soon. Can't wait! Thank you for thinking of me.

  6. March 5, 2013 / 3:49 am

    Its like there has been a month of Full moons around here, no sleep til Brooklyn… at least she looks adorable & the onesie says it all 🙂

    • March 5, 2013 / 3:10 pm

      Haha – perfect onsie. Loved your cute Trendy Tot Tuesday post! Your little man is just so handsome!

  7. March 5, 2013 / 3:58 am

    Lily hasn't been sleeping for the last month. Normally it wouldn't bother me as much but my course load is heavy right now. Tonight I was dead set on getting her to sleep in her crib again instead of in bed with me. I crawled into her crib with her. She cuddled and nuzzled with me. Then when I felt she was good I got out of her crib. She has been asleep for 2 and a half hours now. I was able to get homework done and now I will get some rest. Maybe think of this when you are a bit looney for solutions. Good Luck!

    • March 5, 2013 / 3:11 pm

      Oh gosh, Crystal … I feel your pain! Thanks for the tip and good luck with your sweet girl!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *