Not Sure Which I Like Better

Ok...so this blog, aside from the plethora of pictures I put up, could in general have the title, "The Drama of Michael's sleeping habits." Because, bar none, that is the principal concern of motherhood so far is Michael getting to sleep.

We have made HUGE strides in this area...mostly due to Michael just growing into his own little sleep pattern.

But despite the huge strides, Michael's little business of the short nap has never fully been resolved. Even though he learned to get himself to sleep, even though he is consistently taking naps, he has not consistently stayed asleep for very long, which is, according to some experts, almost akin to him not sleeping.

In fact, I have even resorted to breaking some serious rules because it helped Michael sleep better. Take a look. So cute, right?

But uh-oh...look what rule I broke!!



Take another look, though. Doesn't he look adorable? How could I not let him sleep on it.




Well, my Mom guilt got the best of me and after about 40 minutes, I finally took Michael off his pillow because I was worried the Boppy police were going to hunt me down. But you see how desperate I have become?! I broke the cardinal Boppy No-Sleep rule! I just want my baby boy to be well rested!!


Well, today, I have discovered that I just can't be pleased...or that motherhood entails endless worry, or both.

Michael has taken 3 LONG naps today (and by long, I mean hour +...actually moving close to two hours for the current nap). And you'd think I'd be thrilled!! You'd think I be dancing around (quietly of course)...but you know how I celebrated?


I called the doctor.

Why? Because Michael takes after both his mother and his father and seems to prefer to sleep on his tummy. Maybe he has always preferred to sleep on his tummy but now he finally has the mobility to get himself there. No matter how many times I flip him over to be on his back, Michael is back on his tummy before I can even leave the room.


And you don't have a baby these days without the mantra driven into your skull: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play. Babies are NOT supposed to sleep on their tummies.


Of course, there is a point that babies reach where they get themselves on their tummies, and there is no stopping them once they learn that trick. Some experts recommend flipping them over...some say, leave them alone?

Me? I am not enjoying this nap time of his...I'm not accomplishing a lot...I am not relishing in finally having accomplished what I've been waiting for for 3.5 months...I'm pacing the floors, I'm staring at the monitor..and yes, admittedly, I'm even going into his room to flip him over, thus waking him up. Screaming ensued. Doh.

So, the doctor is going to call me back later with verdict...in the mean time, Michael is sound, sound asleep. I'm a nervous wreck that I'm permitting my son to stay in a position that could be life-threatening (I know, I know...chill out...everyone in my generation was on their tummy, and we survived!). But still...when SIDS is a threat, I'm am no longer sure which I like better...Baby Michael finally getting lots and lots of sleep and me worrying about his breathing...


...or having him awake...keepng me company...where I know he is breathing (and so do the neighbors).