Sleep!

My friend James once told me that there is not a problem in his life that couldn't be fixed with $1,000,000. I like to modify that saying: there is not a problem in MY life that couldn't be fixed with a good night's SLEEP (make that one month of good sleep).

My body needs lots and lots of sleep...10 hours/night would be just fine. When I was in college, I would go to bed at 9 or 10 PM...college!!!! When I was pregnant? 6PM!

Sadly but expectedly, since having a baby, life has not been kind to me in the sleep department. The hardest thing is, that once you are in that over-tired state, your body works really hard to keep you awake. Did you know that? That's why we have such a hard time sleeping when we're super-tired. Stupid cortisol!

I stumbled upon a podcast that's been really helpful in getting me to sleep. The Meditation Podcast, available through their website or itunes, uses guided imagery, music and binaural beats (something to do with brain waves...probably trying to get me to give up my first-born) to induce a feeling of well-being. Well, it works for me, and I've been able to fall asleep EASILY for the first time in a really long time.

Give it a try and tell me what you think. Also, someone tell me what binaural beats are and whether or not they are a bunch of crap. BFF/psych. major...what say you?

A letter to my son

Dear Hal,

You would be a lot less crabby if you didn't get up at 4:30 AM every day. Also, I would be a lot less crabby if you didn't get up at 4:30 AM every day.

Love,

Mama

P.S. I love you the most.
P.P.S. I wish we still had that crib.

Sweet Bean'z Cribz

Those of you who know me are probably familiar with Hal's struggles in the sleeping department. He makes up for being the sweetest little boy in the world (he's a lover, not a fighter) by being the worst sleeper in the world. Having said that, since he turned 18 months (about 9 months ago), life has been much better. He naps like a champ, and there are only a few midnight (or 3AM) feedings/week, as opposed to 5/night.

Well, Hal's crib broke last night. His new bed (until we head to Ikea for a toddler bed) is his crib mattress on the floor. He's being a real trooper, but it's obviously a struggle for him. I'm bummed, because I feel like he's really not ready for the bed yet, but buying a crib, and then a toddler bed in a few months seems ridiculous. It's just not an option for us.

We're trying to be really positive and excited about his new bed, and telling him what a big boy he is. Keep your fingers crossed for sweet Baby Hal!

P.S. I'm blogging at 2AM and keeping watch at his door...only 10 escapes so far.