I'm having a bad day, or really bad week. My DS isn't eating he's down to about 16 ounces a day, but loves his solids. And both children won't sleep. They've never been consistently good nappers and now the nights are getting worse. I'm tired, I'm overworked at home, and going to work makes it worse and then there is my extended family that is stressing me out as well. My DH is great and is a super help, but I don't think he gets how tired I am (because he too is tired) and stressed out. I just want an hour or so alone where I don't have to ask for it and I don't feel hurried to get right home. I just want some sleep. I just want some peace and quiet. I just want these kids to SLEEP! Thanks for letting me vent. I'd feel better, but I have a baby crying in the background and I want to scream, oh wait I already did that! Colette
I'm having a bad day, or really bad week. My DS isn't eating he's down to about 16 ounces a day, but loves his solids. And both children won't sleep. They've never been consistently good nappers and now the nights are getting worse. I'm tired, I'm overworked at home, and going to work makes it worse and then there is my extended family that is stressing me out as well. My DH is great and is a super help, but I don't think he gets how tired I am (because he too is tired) and stressed out. I just want an hour or so alone where I don't have to ask for it and I don't feel hurried to get right home. I just want some sleep. I just want some peace and quiet. I just want these kids to SLEEP! Thanks for letting me vent. I'd feel better, but I have a baby crying in the background and I want to scream, oh wait I already did that! Colette
I wished we lived closer. I would love to come and watch your babies so you and DH can get some sleep. Just remember that they grow up so fast and than you miss them being little. I promise things will get better. If your extended family is stressing you out than DON'T talk to them. Erin
I'm sorry - no sleep is the worst! Could they be teething? 6 months is about that time...that could be making things worse. Load them up on some tylenol and see if it helps. I hope you get some sleep soon!
Sadly I can't ignore the extended family because the stressful issues have to do with sickness and very serious health conditions. Okay, now I feel guilty because with 5 and all the issues you've dealt with I really have no right to be complaining. You are an inspiration and I'm feeling sheepish for being such a baby!!! Thanks for the pep talk. And yes I wish we lived closer to I'd love to meet you and your kids in person!
Colette, Do you get a lunch break at work? I used to take a nap in the back seat of the van and set the alarm clock on my cell phone to wake me up. At that point I would rather sleep than eat...
My DH would try to powernap at work too. Maybe just go to your car and have that 15 minutes to yourself. Maybe try some relaxation techniques in the car to see if that will just help unwind you a bit. HUGS, it is so hard not getting enough rest.
Colette, I hear ya. I need a break, too. People can't read your mind, though. If you need a break, say something. Could both you and your DH get a sitter and go on a date? That way, you both get a break and time with each other. Don't go to a movie, you're likely to fall asleep! My 3 y/o hasn't been taking naps lately. By late afternoon, she is cranky as h*ll. Then, my 6 y/o gets home from school. It seems like all h*ll is going to break loose, and some days I'm about to loose my mind. The babies will be crying, Autumn will try to be doing her homework while Rosie is bothering her, I'll be trying to finish up my daily laundry, dinner needs to be started. It's just NUTS! Then, my DD isn't sleeping well lately, so I'm up half the night. I hope you get a break soon and that you're all sleeping better soon, too. Good luck to you and yours.
Are they sleeping in the same crib/room? we just seperated ours different cribs and rooms for now and have gone from waking every two hours to maby twice a night. They used to both finish off two 8 oz bottles from bed time till morning and are now just drinking one botle each. It has made all the difference seperating them. hth
Whenever I feel like I am REALLY losing it, I take a break. I call a friend or neighbor and ask them to sit for 1 hour, 2 hours, etc. And it makes the BIGGEST difference. Getting away for even 1 hour makes me a better mommy. I can tolerate the crying and "be-with-me-always" mentality of 5 months old babies much better. And as soon as I get back, I can't wait to play with them. Never be afraid to ask people to help. The worst they can do is say no.
Thanks ladies. I am going to take your advice. I can't really take a lunch break at work, because I'm lucky enough to have a flex schedule and am not working that many office hours... quite a bit from home though. However I'm going to suggest it to my Dh who is also super, super tired. And I asked for some help. My in-laws are going to take the babies overnight on Saturday and I'm going to have one quiet night at the house. I think we'll go to dinner and then I'm off to bed with a couple tylenol PM! You ladies are a great support! Colette
Colette - Bless your heart! It's so hard when the babies won't sleep. My twins woke up every 3 hours around the clock until 8 mo. After talking to the pediatrician I found that I turned these little boys into snackers! Once I went on the routine he sent me to elimiate it, I finally got to sleep! It worked in about a week. (Wish I had called the pediatrician sooner) Good Luck with your little sweeties!
