Little Monsters
Sleep is something you take for granted until you have children. It’s not like you don’t know you take it for granted; horror stories lurk behind every parent’s corner. It’s just that you don’t really think about it. Why should you? A good night’s sleep does wonders to clear up the haziness.
You don’t realize how much you appreciate a good night’s sleep until it’s a rare occurence. To a new parent, a good night’s slumber can feel like a distant memory. It’s something you used to have, like training wheels or recess. You’re a big boy now. Sleep is for the kiddies.
My personal sleep schedule has changed quite a bit. I’ve been in the “stay up late, get up early” camp for a long while. College only solidified the habit. Parenthood has made my schedule a bit more honest. Late has transitioned to midnight, not 3 am (heavens, that’s almost time to wake up). I often find myself up several times a night for a quick bathroom visit and a Cambell check. He’s breathing. Shew.
Early now has new meaning. I knew life had changed when I woke one Saturday morning at 6:30 am. I was thrilled! I got to sleep in.
To be honest, we’ve had little to complain about. When he was very young he ate about every three hours, day or night. After a couple of weeks, he transitioned to a better schedule, upping the ante to every four hours and then to just a morning 4 am meal. Some nights were better. Some nights were worse.
Lately, sleep has come in more regular intervals. Ten hours is now more the norm than the exception. Occasionally, he’ll wake and take a bottle in the very early morning but most of the time, mom and dad get a little time to ourselves and a little shut-eye too. These little early morning episodes remind us of our blessings and keep us prepared for teething – something that is just around the corner. We never forget how fragile a little extra sleep can be.
Just tonight, the wife spent some time in Cambell’s dark room packing his bag for the next day. Cambell was down for the night, sleeping quietly in the bed beside her. Something woke him, causing him to stir and look up at her. The wife, in a fit of sleep desperation, ducked beneath the crib and slinked silently from the room. Someday he’ll approach me about the little monsters hiding in the corners of his bedroom. I’ll have to explain that it’s just his mom. She doesn’t bite. Much.
Laura
April 22nd, 2003 at 1:15 pm #
What an angel!You guys have certainly been blessed. Thanks for putting up a new picture so we can see how big he’s gotten :)
Jay
April 25th, 2003 at 2:32 pm #
Hey I thought there would be more pics. Do you have more pics you can send us so we can enjoy showing off this cuty.
Jay