Catch Up

Ah....Jaydon is napping and went to sleep easily...feels good to have some time to myself...thought I'd post a blog while I have the chance. I could say the reason my blogs have been non-existent for the past few months is that we've been keeping busy this summer. This is true, but the lack of blogging is most likely explained by the fact that the whole Schuler household is suffering from sleep deprivation.

Jay's been getting to bed/sleep ok, but he started waking up in the middle of the night and looking for me. We'd scoop him up and put him back in his bed. He'd go right back to sleep. Then an hour or two would pass, and the same thing would happen. Then it would happen again. Then it would happen again. You get the idea. As for naps, over the past year (even longer really), he's been a very good napper, sleeping a solid 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours a day. Recently, however, his naps have been less reliable and sometimes even a struggle.

I blame it on the introduction of the big boy bed - freedom is supposed to be good, eh? We also went through a period where he was afraid of the dark - he insisted there wasn't enough light in his room at night. Then there's the fact that he's gotten extremely jumpy when he hears any little sound. He'll tell us the sounds are scary. He's gotten over the light/dark issue, but we're still helping him work through the scary sounds. Whew! Being two is tough!

The situation left us totally baffled (baffled = clueless) and extremely exhausted (exhausted = grumpy). The past few weeks are somewhat of a blur (that's what a lack of sleep does). What to do?! I consulted all our sleep books. I rambled on and on to those who would listen, and I thank everyone who offered a sympathetic/empathetic ear, suggestions, and encouragement. The good news (we hope) is we've finally figured out a sleep arrangement that we can all live with and, more importantly, sleep with. In summary - Jay's in his bed. Brian's in our bed. And I have some time in each. Slowly, Brian's finding some time in Jaydon's bed, too. I figure it will only be so long before Jaydon will no longer want to snuggle with us.

My days of sleeping in and enjoying time to myself while Jaydon takes a nice long nap are but a fond memory. Boy was I spoiled! On the upside, when Jaydon does take a nap, he sleeps about 2 hours. Also, his sleep schedule has shifted so that he goes to bed much earlier at night. This leaves some time for Brian and I to have together in the evening. Oh, but the challenges never end...the trick now is fitting in dinner for the three of us (something we really enjoy) between when Brian gets home from work and Jaydon starts getting ready for bed...ho hum...