Well, maybe 5 1/2 months does not qualify as an "era" but it's definitely a long break. I'll be back to work this coming Tuesday. When I left on bedrest back in APRIL I had let my manager know that I thought I would not be able to return as a full time employee - the job just runs me ragged...long days when we're busy, travelling, working weekends and the occasional terse voice mail (left in haste with no real backing...it's saved in my inbox) - and that was fine, when I just needed to come home to a husband who would listen to my rants, be ok with mac and cheese for dinner tonight, and let the laundry slide when I just needed to sack out on the couch... and a dog who just needed one of us to walk her. Now, there's just more to come home to and I'd like to be able to give a little back to that adorable baby when she wants mom's attention and affection. Anyhow.... my manager told me to really think it over and consider that I may feel differently after the baby came. Understandable, but I really want to work. Yep. I just want to do it all. So, I went back and proposed that I work a part time schedule... I knew it wouldn't be a popular suggestion and was fully expecting a "no" but, as my husband pointed out, "you'll never get what you want unless you ask for it" Yes, he's a wonderful husband ;)
So, much to my surprise and delight - they agreed to let me work part time for a trial period. The plan is that I'll be at work Tuesdays through Fridays, 6 hours a day. I'll have less on my plate and no travel. Best of all, I know I'll be home on time at night to spend some quality time with our daughter :) Of course, I have apprehensions and am nervous about making it work, but I have to give it a try - it may be the best of both worlds!
As for our little "peanut"... she's busy working on rolling over. She gets half way - from her back to her side...usually rolling to the right. I have a feeling it may be awhile before she figures out how to get all the way over and then it will be massively frustrating as she tends to get very angry when she finds herself on her tummy! oh, and mommy's trying to figure out how to get her back to sleeping 5-6 hours at a time. She used to do it when she slept in her chair, but now that she's back in the crib....not so much. I'm thinking about burning the book that says they will likely start sleeping through the night at 8 weeks...but some won't until 10-12. Yeah, we're at 12 weeks and I'm not seeing any signs of change. I'm beginning to implement different "methods" but I try to give each one a week or so... so far, no luck. I'm sure there are a few sympathetic ears out there...
and now, the rest of the story
4 years ago
4 comments:
Michelle! You are such a good mom! Trying all different things, and reading a ton, all to find a way for you both to sleep. Addison is lucky to have you as a mom. Keep it up.
Here is my suggestion...I am just starting this with Rory too. But I think these girls just need to cry it out. So when she is waking in the night, and you know she shouldn't be hungry, let her cry and put herself back to sleep. It'll be painful, and she could cry for a looooong time. BUT - you need to sleep, especially going back to work. And she needs it too.
Last night I did an experiment with Rory. She was in bed by 7:30 p.m. Actually, she went down for a nap at 5:30 p.m. and i got her up at 7:00 p.m. to feed her and then put her right back to bed, dry and with a full tummy. Instead of going in to do my normal dream feed (which she usually doesn't eat well at anyways)I just let her sleep until she woke up. She slept until 12:30 a.m.!!! This was 5 whole hours without a peep or the need to eat. This told me that is totally able to go for this long of a stretch without a feed. Therefore - I can know from now on, if she wakes before 5 hours , she's not really hungry and can cry herself back to sleep. It also told me, she may need a really early bed time.
Also - I have found (and this is consistent with Dr. Weissbooth) that often a earlier bed time will cure restless sleep. I know it seems crazy to have your baby in bed as early as 6:30p.m. - but sometimes it's the best thing. Lainy often went to bed earlier and earlier the older she got.
Take this for what it is worth. You know what is best for Addison - that's why you're her mommy!
I agree with Jo. The earlier bedtime sounds odd but is sooooo true and made a world of difference with Rylie. Sh actually sleeps longer and better this way!
Good job on work, I hope it works out for you. I never thought they would let me bring Rylie to work, then they let me do it and hire someone to share my job so I could also go part time....THEN THEY GAVE ME A RAISE!!! you never know unless you ask , and it cant hurt to ask right?
Also, Rylie had a tough time napping at that age one day i broke down and laid her on her stomach...IT WORKED! I know its a "no-no" but it might help? Every baby is different the best piece of advice I ever got was thar rhe books are great but simply guidelines!
Sleep begets sleep...so all the advice about early bedtimes is very good advice! It's hard on you in other ways, though, because you don't get to spend as much time with her in the evening. When I was working full time, sometimes I'd get home with Kate at 6 p.m., and she'd be out of the bath and in bed by 7:30 p.m. So, you miss something either way. If you're working a modified schedule, though, it should free up more, much deserved "Addision time." The upside will be you get to spend time with that wonderful husband in the evening without distraction.
As for naps, I do credit Sara and Boris for Katie's incredibly wonderful sleep habits. They implemented and kept her on a pretty tight schedule which, in turn, turned her into a good nighttime sleeper. There's the "sleep begets sleep" motto, again. I'm pretty sure that's Weissbluth. If you don't have his book, it's worth the read. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It's a long term reference guide...he deals with sleep issues through adolescence, so you'll get your monies worth.
Remember babies don't develop "adult-like" sleep cycles until they're 4 months, so count on at least another month. Ultimately, you do what works for you and it does sound like you have good instincts. Either way, the pictures all depict a very, happy (and beautiful...can I say that again?) baby!!
Good luck going back to work and please tell Sara and Boris we love them and miss them. I have some pictures for them, too, that I'll send soon.
Hang in there!
Lisa
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