Sllllleeeeppppp

I had big plans to do a recap of our awesome mountain trip this week, but the first night we returned home, Merritt had one of the worst nights she's ever had.  She's never been a great sleeper...super inconsistent all the time.  But Monday night, she would only sleep for about 15-30 minutes then wake up wailing.  We are blaming her teeth and a ferocious cold she managed to pick up.  I literally had to hold her sleeping and even then, she would wrestle me a lot and was super uncomfortable.  We tried Benadryl and Tylenol, but neither helped.  I think the Tylenol may have helped on one of her 1 hour stretches she got in the early morning hours of Tuesday.  I was a zombie all day Tuesday, and so was Brent.  While he doesn't get up with her like I do, he's still awake and of course concerned.  The irony is, Merritt slept pretty good while we were away:( 

Sleep is a challenge for us.  Neither Brent or I are much for staying up.  We both like fairly early bedtimes and like to get going in the mornings.  When I am able to get up before the kids, my day just goes so much better.  I miss this time.  Brent likes to workout in the mornings too, and it's so good for him (physically and emotionally).  This stage in life is just hard and I know it will pass.....I keep telling myself that.  We have a few things to work on (nursing to sleep, comfort nursing, the Merlin suit), but I don't know where to start.  I want to get a good night's rest before I throw in a change that could mean even less sleep.  I also have pretty bad anxiety at night - there are a lot of nights where our first time up is between 10-11....right when I close my eyes to fall asleep.  I sometimes fear letting my guard down to sleep!!!  How stupid is that.  Night time rolls around and my stress automatically goes up...because I have no idea when I will be up again, or how often.  I literally go straight to bed after Merritt is down.  I miss watching TV, getting chores done, or even crafting.  Sorry...just having my own pity party over here.

I'm also coming to the conclusion that Merritt is a wimp:)  One little sniffle and she just doesn't sleep well.  So when I act all crazy and don't want your sick kid around mine, don't take it personally!  I just value sleep and sanity and all those good things:)  But I promise, I love you!!

Tuesday night, I was only up 6 times, and then last night, only 3 times.  I see a pattern.  We will be back to normal by the weekend, right?!?!?!  So....if you see us this week.....please forgive the fact that we look and literally feel like death!!  Happy slumbers to all!!