I know you are tired. You yawn, your eyes get droopy, sometimes you'll even fall asleep in my arms; but when I put you down to nap or to bed, you only sleep for 20-40 minutes, or you won't sleep at all. You've got a full belly, clean diaper, comfy clothes...what more do you need?? Tell me, PLEASE. There was one week that I thought maybe gas pains were to blame, because you were gulping so much air - I even tried gas drops - but that issue seems to have gone away on it's own. ::knocks on wood::
I'm really trying not to rely on nursing, but sometimes it's the only way you'll fall asleep.
A "good" nap lasts 45-60 minutes, but most naps are closer to 30 minutes. Your waketime is between 1.5-2 hours,which is longer than most babies your age. There have even been days that you've stayed awake for 6, 7, 8 hours straight. Not fussing, not hungry. Just AWAKE.
Nighttime is hard, because you're inconsistent. You'll sleep in 1.5-3 hour stretches. It makes it hard to do much with my kid-free time. The good news is that we finally have a routine. Every night, the four of us eat dinner together (you lay on my lap across the boppy), Daddy gives you your bath, then you have naked time with Momma (while Daddy is giving Lulu her bath), we get you dressed and fed, and you're in bed by 7:30. I'm hoping that you start to recognize the cues for bedtime, because, right now, you're treating it like any other nap-- waking after 45 minutes. We've been bed-sharing more than I'd prefer, but those are the nights that you sleep in 3 hour stretches... And I'd rather sacrifice my extra space than my extra zzzzz's.
I don't know what to do. What I do know is that you and I are two very tired people.
Hi! I've never commented before. Mostly I just enjoy reading your blog, but I thought maybe I'd offer up a suggestion. I have 2 kids (older daughter, younger son) that are 17 months apart...so I totally know what you're going through. For some reason my son did the same thing as your and I couldn't figure it out. My friend offered to let us use her "Nap Nanny", which is like a big wedge that the baby sleeps on and it was amazing. We just put it in the pack and play next to our bed and from the first night he slept in 4-6 hour increments. I have no idea if it works for everyone, but it worked for my friend and I. If possible though, look to borrow one or get it on craigslist. Those things are expensive! Hope you start getting more sleep soon.
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