So far I think that the most frustrating part about being a parent is not knowing which advice or method to follow. If I knew that letting her "cry it out" was the best for her I'd do it, but I'm not sure that leaving a 2 month old alone crying hysterically is the best for Presley. However I know that not napping during the day is not good for her either. I am doing my best to follow her cues, putting her down drowsy but awake. The only thing that ensures her sleeping is me rocking her, singing to her and letting her sleep in my arms. I know that is not good either. For starters I am going back to work in 2 months and how will she do if the only way she naps is in someones arms...so I rarely do it. I only do that if she had a tough night and I didn't sleep and I am too exhausted to cater my whole day around her napping.
Last night she was up every hour beginning at 11:00 and is still fussing...but I am still putting in a good effort to get her to nap today without me holding her. I also am trying to put her in the bassinet because I think that she is getting to big for the swing she's been sleeping in and may be uncomfortable. We've been putting her in the swing because she needs to sleep a little upright due to her reflux. I stood by the bassinet and patted her for about 20 minutes and then prayed for her and walked away. I also put on a lullaby CD for her. It helps to write in my blog when I am trying to get her down...to help me stay sane!
I can see though why it is important to "struggle" along with your child. I think these are the times that you become closer. As much as it sucks she won't just fall asleep easily, there is nothing like me going to her side when she is crying and when she opens her eyes and sees me she smiles so big in between cries. I am starting to feel like she really wants me there, I'm not just a boob...I'm the comfort for her when she is upset, the lady who makes her laugh and makes her happy when I sing to her. Sometimes my heart falls off a cliff when I think about what would I do if I lost her? I'll let the Lord worry about that....
2 comments:
You are such a great mom...learning as you go. We all do. I admire your desire to do well at it! Keep it up. You are doing great!
Hang in there with the sleeping, Kathleen! Eventually, they learn and it's amazing to see their progression as the months pass. I'm in awe of Elizabeth's sleeping habits now, but she was exactly like Presley when she was a newborn. You're right...you have to struggle with them through it, and blogging definitely helps!
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