Monday, November 12, 2007

Naps are weighing heavy on my mind

Do you remember the newborn stage? Of course, we all remember that it was tough, but do you really remember what it was like to have a newborn? All I really remember is that Porgie NEVER slept. NEVER. She was one of those strange babies who slept a total of about 10 hours per day - including nighttime sleep. When I would complain to family and friends, they would act like I was insane. Then they would proceed to tell me how their babies slept 16 hours per day.

When Porgie was about 4 months old, she finally settled into a more predictable sleeping schedule. She started taking a series of 45 minute naps throughout the day, but she would only sleep on my chest. After a few months of this, I began rolling her off of my chest and onto the bed. Even then, I didn't leave her alone. We cuddled and napped together. When Porgie turned 7 months old, I began letting her nap independently in our bed. At 8 months, I finally transitioned her to the crib.

As you can see, we struggled to establish a good nap schedule. My fear is that Izzy will be the same way. What if he doesn't nap? What if he wants to nap on my chest? What if he wants to cuddle up next to me during naps?

Obviously, I can not give little Izzy the same amount to time and attention that I devoted to Porgie. This makes me sad, but also sends a wave of fear down my spine. What am I going to do with a rambunctious toddler and a screaming newborn, who refuses to sleep?

5 comments:

Antropóloga said...

I don't know, of course, but from everyone I know with more than one kid, they say that the subsequent children are more laid-back and easy-going and get into the schedule easier, maybe by example, maybe by necessity. I hope it is that way for you!

Anonymous said...

Don't count those chickens just yet, Christy.

Maggie was/is a terrible sleeper. I had to DRIVE her around to get her to go to sleep.
Will? He lies down when he's tired & would sleep in the middle of the living room floor if I'd let. him.

Rachel said...

Mama-take a breath. Every mom that I know who has two-just said that it worked out-who knows how-but it did-I have a friend who has three and it just works out and her hubby is out of the house a lot too. Just take a breath and don't worry-it will be ok. Did porgie evr like the swing? I kept Max in that swing forever jsut letting him nap in it.

Em said...

I may be nieve here and i hope this is how it turns out for you, most of my friends with 2babies dont find their second child is a bad as the first with sleeping issues.

One of my friends is very foolish and i dont think she has a tv that works well...... she has 3boys the eldist is 3yr, the middle is 15months and now she has another baby last week, just think how tough life is in that house! makes me chuckle!

Lainey-Paney said...

Gage didn't sleep as much as the pediatrician & books said he would or should.

I remember him wanting to nurse ALL the time, and me having to keep him from falling asleep at the breast so that he wouldn't want to nurse every 15 minutes!