Sometimes it's so hard...

Nikki woke up a few times tonight, fussy, so I thought she must be teething. I got her up to give her motrin, and (of course) she was happy to be up and have some attention. She cried/screamed when I put her down, so I waited 20 minutes. Assuming that she had thrown her pacifier out of frustration/anger, I went back in to give it to her (also, to be perfectly honest, because I can't stand to hear her that upset). That made things worse.

So here I am, at 12:13am, typing this out and listening to her through the wall. I'm desperate to go get her, to comfort her...but I can't stay awake much longer and I know she needs her rest.

I am berating myself for going in to her in the first place, knowing how she reacts to those visits. I just wish I knew that she really *did* need motrin, so I didn't have to go disturb her without good reason. Sometimes I'm never really sure.

Which brings me to my final point in this long, rambling discourse. Being a parent means that most of the time, I'm never really sure about anything. Am I doing the right thing? I sure as heck try to. But that doubt never really goes away, does it? Am I going to be doubting myself for the rest of my life, all because I made the decision to become a parent?

Anyway. I'm mostly trying to distract myself from the cries coming through the wall (not really working). Thanks for listening. I am very happy to know that I'm not alone in this parenting thing!

 

Nikki woke up a few times tonight, fussy, so I thought she must be teething. I got her up to give her motrin, and (of course) she was happy to be up and have some attention. She cried/screamed when I put her down, so I waited 20 minutes. Assuming that she had thrown her pacifier out of frustration/anger, I went back in to give it to her (also, to be perfectly honest, because I can't stand to hear her that upset). That made things worse.

So here I am, at 12:13am, typing this out and listening to her through the wall. I'm desperate to go get her, to comfort her...but I can't stay awake much longer and I know she needs her rest.

I am berating myself for going in to her in the first place, knowing how she reacts to those visits. I just wish I knew that she really *did* need motrin, so I didn't have to go disturb her without good reason. Sometimes I'm never really sure.

Which brings me to my final point in this long, rambling discourse. Being a parent means that most of the time, I'm never really sure about anything. Am I doing the right thing? I sure as heck try to. But that doubt never really goes away, does it? Am I going to be doubting myself for the rest of my life, all because I made the decision to become a parent?

Anyway. I'm mostly trying to distract myself from the cries coming through the wall (not really working). Thanks for listening. I am very happy to know that I'm not alone in this parenting thing!

 

Nope, the doubt doesn't go away, unfortunately! It gets easier when they can tell you what's wrong, but there are still so many issues while they're growing up to feel uncertain or guilty about! But we're all in the same boat, so please don't feel bad.

I remember nights like that. My boys were good sleepers, so when they were up at night, I was pretty sure something was wrong...that they weren't just wanting attention. Those were frustrating times. Hang in there!

 

I hear you totally!!! My girls were great sleepers until a few weeks ago when they got that stomach bug and since then they have been spiking fevers here and there so when they wake at night- unfortunately we don't know what to do- are they awake due to fevers, sickness, just awake, teething, etc. We give them a little time to fall back to sleep and if they don't, we have been going in to check their foreheads. Kaysie has not been sleeping good at all and although I am not a fan of CIO- I do believe in it to a degree- and she cried hard off and on again for over an hour. I don't mind missing sleep here and there but when I have to hear her cry that hard- it is very frustrating!

 

My husband thinks I baby the girls too much when they are teething or sick, but I just can't stand to see them hurt. I know it is hard. I am in constant doubt, too, but it is good to know I'm not alone there...teething is so hard to deal with. Maddie has bruised gums from her first molars (i guess that is what you call them) trying to come in, so we are right there with you.

 

What was the moon cycle last night??? I was up with one or the other babe last nigt between 12:30 and 5:00. I try not to give in and check, but after some time, I did go it. I was glad I did becase DD had a poopie diaper (which never happens durring the night). Within 5 minutes of changing it, she was out. Then DS woke and after giving him some time, I checked him too, he had a really full diaper. He is also teething, so gave him some Tylonal and rocked him back to sleep.

It's sooooo tough. To check or not to check... tonight, I was glad I broke down and did. Other nights it's just a cry and back to sleep. Just know I was there with you too!!!!!

 

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I've had the exact same conversation with myself! Amanda has had those evenings. I've been temped to give motrin (and many times I have) and wondered if that was what she needed. We so very rarely medicate the kids that I don't feel horrible when I do it but I wonder if that is the real solution!

She has gotten better with cry it out. Last time we went through this stage I realized after about a week of crying that she was popping out of her jammies. Poor baby was growing. Sometimes it is for attention and sometimes they can't tell us what is wrong. I guess this is one of the hard parts of motherhood!

Lisa

 

omygosh... I can totally relate. Funny, I was up with Joshua till about midnight last night also. He kept waking up and crying and I kept going in and re-soothing him to sleep. He finally stayed asleep for the rest of the night.

Anyway, you are not alone with your feelings. I have those doubts constantly. I just keep telling myself I'm doing the best I can. Children pick up on our intentions more than our actions, and my intention is always love. That's what I want them to know more than anything.

Hopefully tonight is better!

 

im so glad to hear that! i mean, not that you are up and your girl is in pain... but i am glad to hear that i am not the only one waking up with kids older than 1 years old!! i never see people post that on here.. everyone is always talking about how their kids are sleeping through the night all the time and it is wonderful.. for the most part they sleep, but we have our nights, and half the time, i dont know what it is for!!!!! here's hoping for a restful night tonight with no needed "visits"