Let’s talk a bit about the mystery of newborn sleep.
Hold on one second … I just dozed off typing.
Alright, I’m back! Goodness gracious my dear Gracey, it’s a good thing you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on — somehow, your precious little face makes 45 minutes of sleep in 24 hours seem somewhat reasonable. I mean, 45 minutes is better than 10, right?
Before Gracey was born, parents looked at the two of us and said (I mean, yelled), “SLEEP WHILE YOU CAN!” Wiser words have never been spoken. If sleep is something you simply cannot give up, listen up, my friends: Do not have children.
Newborns aren’t really “into” being outside of the warm, comforting womb. And once they accept the reality of birth, they get gas pains. And once the gas pains subside, they think midnight is noon. And once they figure out night from day, you’re hovering over their crib, listening to every last breath … after all, if they’re quiet, something must be wrong.
So Tommy and I continue to try and solve the mystery. We swaddle, we unswaddle. We rock, we sing, we sit in utter silence. We change her diaper, and change it again 10 minutes later. I feed her, and feed her some more. We elevate her head and warm her crib. (That actually works.) And then, we pray. Pray for even a 15-minute nap. I never knew I could fall asleep before my head hits the pillow. Totally possible, trust me.
Through it all, she’s still our pretty princess. We stare at her with our bloodshot eyes and thank God for the most precious gift life has to offer.
P.S. If you have any sleeping tips to share, feel free to comment below. 😉
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