Life & Parenting & Ruthie 17 Jan 2007 01:51 pm
Sleep or lack there of
It is something that I’m not seeing much lately. I got more last night (5 1/2 hours) than I had the previous two nights (both 4 hours each) but even during the day I’ve not been able to get it, for one reason or another. I’m hoping a nap will be in my afternoon plans should things progress according to plan. We’ll see.
It’s cold here today. 42 degrees according to the thermometer. It’s a little overcast though the sun has peaked through a few times. We had pest control come today for our quarterly spraying so I had to open a few windows to help get the odor to dissipate. It wasn’t necessarily the best thing to have done now but we were due and I couldn’t have Joel come home for spraying when I’m home all day. Ruthie and I stayed at one end of the house while they sprayed and the area that we were in, they sprayed really lightly. It’s been an hour now and the odor has gone so the windows are closed and my baby is snug in her cradle with a belated morning nap.
I’m trying very hard to delight in these first days and nights when it is just she and I. I’m managing the days pretty well - better than I thought I would seeing that I’ve never just stayed home with little external contact before. The nights are another story. They get very lonely and can be very frustrating. I’ve determined that I’m hyper-lactating; which means my milk is letting down too fast for her mouth to handle. Basically, I’m flooding her out thus when she gurgles it down, she intakes air producing gas. I’m trying new nursing positions, pumping some off before I nurse, burping more often,and putting her at a 90 degree angle. Some of it helps, some doesn’t. Last night I started nursing and burping at 9:00 and at 11:30, I was finished and was able to put her to bed. Each night we have a long spell, we listen to music, rock, burn the carpet up, and lay on the couch together. One night this week, I slept with her on the couch until our next feeding session because I was so exhausted and couldn’t guarantee I’d stay awake in a rocking chair with her. Needless to say, each day and night is coming with it’s own challenges and blessings. I love the fact that she stops fussing in her cradle (if nothing more than for a brief moment) when I pick her up and tell her that “Mommy’s right here.” I try to sing to her but my emotions are such that I can’t finish a song without crying so most nights I let the cd do the work with me piping in here and there.
Here is a picture I took of her the Monday night while she was propped up on my knees. I was hoping to capture 2 of her expressions that are just adorable. The first one here, is nothing more than a grin while sleeping. I’ve yet to capture a smile that she “meant” to do. Hopefully, I’ll see it any day now.
This expression, I call “Popeye.” Her auntie labeled it as such when she first did it.
Well. I’ve gotta get something for lunch before she wakes up again. So I’m off….
on 18 Jan 2007 at 8:44 am 1.Tia said …
Look at my sweet girl!!! Loving her little expressions! It might help if you get a book on tape or something to listen to at night, to help you feel less lonely but this time will pass and in hindsight will seem faster than it does now. Or if it gets really bad, just go sit in the bed with Joel. Yes, he’s sleeping but having him nearby might feel less lonely than in a separate room. You can prop up some pillows and sleep while she nurses or somethin’.
on 18 Jan 2007 at 10:42 am 2.Erin said …
I may very well consider a book on tape later on but for now, the Sleep Sound in Jesus is familiar to her (I played it to her while I was pg) and seems to help calm her down and know that it is bedtime. Last night was much better even though she did have gas. She had it early enough so Joel could help and I didn’t have to do but one 1 1/2 hour wake time later on. Even then, Joel woke up each time I got up with her so that helped too.
on 19 Jan 2007 at 4:59 pm 3.Lisa Walker said …
I can’t believe it, you finally have your little family. How precious Ruthie is!!!!!! I have sooo enjoyed reading all of yals comments. Even though I wasn’t there I feel like I shared in it some how. Your mom just told me this thurs. about this website and I didn’t even know your were pregnant until almost the end. I wished I could have been there but maybe I can come and visit. Chris said you were coming for a week in Feb. I would love to make some time to spend with you and Ruthie. I can’t believe we haven’t kept in touch more. I am glad to hear that you are settled in and much happier now. I am soo impressed by your patience and stamina. As you know I am a planner also and it has impressed me how you have come thru all that you and Joel have. I have kept in touch with your mom as much as I could. I have been in and out of choir as well as you mom has. I know you will be a wonderful mom and Joel a great dad. Congratulations mom and dad!!!! Love and miss ya!!!!