Morgan has slept through the night since she was just eight weeks old. The girl loves to sleep, and so do her parents. So the fact that she sleeps 12 hours every night like clockwork is the most lovely gift.
Unfortunately, I no longer am able to move swiftly into slumber as soon as my head hits the pillow. It doesn't seem to matter how late I stay up or how early I go to bed. Getting to sleep is a challenge.
I've started wondering if this is a mommy thing. Does the mind of a mother suddenly become so overwhelmed with data that it can't help but keep going, even when she's put on the brakes?
Now that I stay home with Morgan every day, I've realized that I just don't have the same stresses as before. Sure, I'm involved with things at church, other moms and a weekly routine of grocery shopping and laundry. I have obligations and responsibilities that go beyond my family. But nothing as difficult as balancing work and home. So why do I lie awake for a half hour every night before feeling the slightest bit sleepy?
I know two people who can surely vouch for me and the past 30 years of my life... Rachel and sleep are practically synonymous. So what gives?
sleepless nights
dancing queen
Just when you thought she couldn't rock it out any harder...
I know the music is a little much (I go to sleep every night thinking about that itsy-bitsy spider), and yes, there's a little sign language thrown in, but doesn't that sweet Morgan just bring tears of joy to your eyes? She's definitely a keeper.
feast or famine
I am feasting on a pile of new books, and I couldn't be more excited.
Over the past several weeks, I'd been experiencing a reading drought. The latest Consumer Reports was devoured in a day, as was any clothing catalog or newspaper in sight. My Real Simple subscription ran out a month ago, and I can't bring myself to pre-read chapters of What to Expect the First Year.
Thankfully some new books have come my way. The first was a gift from Sarah: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The second, a gift from Jessica: Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld. While both books were on my radar, neither were likely to end up in my living room by my own accord. I am, however, looking forward to reading each of these. Judging by the covers alone, they look like fun, insightful reads.
The third book just came in from the library today. It's called There's a Business in Every Woman by Ann Holmes. I am hopeful that this book provides some insight and affirmation on a new development in our household (I hope to share more on my new venture in the future).
Needless to say, I've suddenly found myself entertained! And it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm pretty sure last week was my breaking point with this fabulous season we call winter. At least now I can cuddle up with a few good books to get me through.
eat, more, done
Morgan is a sponge these days, absorbing everything that Scott and I show her, and it's simply amazing.
It was never our intention to teach Morgan sign language. One day we just realized that our consistent actions resonated with her. We would say "up" and hold out our hands, and she in turn would raise up her arms. So simple, but so powerful. It was then that Scott dug out First Signs, one of the many baby books Morgan had received as a gift.
We started with "eat" and wow, did she pick that one up fast! For months Morgan told us she wanted to eat at all hours of the day, sometimes just 30 minutes after we'd finished. I truly believe that her intention was to communicate with her newfound knowledge, and for her, the sign for "eat" could have meant "pick me up" or "I want a new toy". Now she only signs when she's hungry.
"More" is another favorite, as is "all done". She competently signs those to us every day! And knowing that Morgan is learning by our actions, Scott and I continue to use signs when we speak to her, using them for "bye-bye", "go", "baby" and "drink".
She is a smart one, that Morgan. Smarter then we sometimes give her credit for. She grabs our hands to pray before we eat, waves to Scott as soon as he puts on his coat and gives kisses so freely it makes me nervous. We are two very proud parents. Now if she would only show an interest in crawling!
back in action
Friday at 10:30 am:
ring..... ring..... ring.....
"Hi there, how's it going?"
"I'm coming home sick."
And so our weekend began, but not without Scott first taking a trip to the doctor's office. With some antibiotics and cough syrup, he started the fight against his upper respiratory infection. And so far his ladies are still healthy.
This evening Scott is nearly back to his old self, snacking on pop and peanuts, rewarding himself for a job well done... the dead ringer that he's feeling well... our taxes are filed.
run ragged
For the past three weeks, Scott's boss has been out on medical leave. Jump for joy? Not quite. This absence has really been a double-edged sword. While it creates an entirely different atmospshere at the branch [read: more pleasant workplace], her absence has been very difficult on one person in particular.
To date Scott has accumulated 24 hours of overtime, which is most likely the result of having to handle every customer issue, regardless if the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the five. Covering evening appointments and working every Saturday morning hasn't helped either. Days have gone by where he hasn't eaten any lunch, and his body has finally said "I've had enough." Scott is in survival mode now, trying to ward off sickness with what little strength is left.
Yesterday he was armed with homemade soup. Today, it's medicine. But I have a feeling it's not enough. Thanks goodness it's Friday? Maybe. But it just doesn't have the same sweet sound when you know work is calling you back on Saturday morning. And still two more weeks to go.
