Dear Baby G,
There is no other way to say this. Since the day you were born, you have given us a run for our money. At eight months old, there are no signs that this will stop any time soon.
In the last month, your development has exploded. You are flourishing before our very eyes. As a result of this, you have little interest in food or sleep. I do not know how you are thriving. It’s a mystery how, day after day, you are such a happy and content baby.
Night after night, however, is not your best time. To be honest, there are some moments when I think I have nothing left to give you…physically, emotionally, mentally. I nurse, sing, sway, and soothe, and still you will not sleep. In those moments, I would give you anything you wanted if only I had it, if only I knew what it was you needed. But I just literally have nothing else to give. And those moments are hard.
But the nights we both spend with tears in our eyes are not what I want to remember about you being eight months old. I want to remember delighting in your abundant smiles, your hearty laughs, and your new abilities.
I want to remember how your favorite toys are not actually toys, but door stops and measuring cups and dog tails.
I want to remember the first time you and I laughed together…not just me laughing at you or you laughing at me, but really and truly together. Our laughs bounced off each other, long and hard, until our tummies ached.
I want to remember your wispy strawberry hair, your chubby little toes, and the baby fat that makes a bracelet at your wrist.
Because what I know for sure, sweet boy, is that you are worth it. This I will never forget.
I love you always,
Your tired Mama.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hang in there sweetie! As you know, “this too shall pass”. It’s good that you have those belly laughs to get you through. His daytime persona is completely adorable ;o)
Thanks Kellie 😉
Aw, you’ve got such a great attitude, Lara! G is getting cuter every month, and so cuddley looking. I had quite a few sleepless nights in the first few months, so I really feel for you still at it at 8 months. You’re right though, one day (hopefully soon), you’ll wake up to a sunny morning and, in a few seconds, you’ll run to his room in a panic to find him just waking up after a good, long sleep himself. And those sleepless nights will mostly just be a grateful memory. And life goes on! Lots of love to all. xo
Thanks Gail, the sleep I am starting to get used to, but he is on that nursing strike you warned me about! It has me quite stressed! He will happily go 5-7 hours during the day without a feed, and I’m not sure if I should go with his schedule, or be pumping to maintain my supply. Any advice? I don’t think he is taking in enough solids to be getting so little milk!
These usually only last a week or less, so it might be best to pump if he won’t nurse at his usual times to make sure your milk supply stays up. Have you tried using a sippy or a regular baby cup with breast milk in it for the time being? Just keep your supply up and freeze the milk for later. Or use it in his food, or make frozen cubes of it and let him munch through those mesh baggy things.
Going skin to skin again or taking baths together will often get them nursing again, if you want to. There are some good Facebook nursing groups that share ideas – one was called Respect the Breast but they changed the name and I’m not reading it anymore, so I can’t remember the new name at the moment! Something about ‘…..the milk’ I think.
What do your friends here do during nursing strikes?
Thanks Gail!
Beautifully written, as always!! He’s so cute! I know the feeling you’re referring to. Having nothing left to offer. It’s hard but it gets easier…I think. That or I’m just used to feeling helpless!
…and you’re about to do it all over again! 😉 So excited for you!
Comforting to read this after a day of children not wanting to nap. Thanks for the smiles Lara and baby G. Needed them today. 🙂
Aw Heabie, I feel you…but not times three. I don’t know how you do it! Supermom!
Beautiful letter!
And all the wonderful things about G you mentioned is exactly what you will remember! 🙂
Thanks Andrea 🙂 I know you are right.
Great words! Your baby is so cute <3
Just checked out your blog, he is so cute!!! Especially liking your favorite baby items post, may have to add to my registry…
my little boyfriend! so worth it indeed!
This will pass…and you will only remember all those awesome things you spoke of 🙂 I promise!
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