Why Co-sleeping Doesn't Work For Us

During pregnancy, one of the things I was vehemently against was bed-sharing with the baby. No way, Jose, our bed was going to be a place for my husband and I to seek refuge against the life shock that is adjusting to parenthood. We set up the bassinet next to our bed, determined to room-in with Baby Bird for the recommended six months, but no way would he sleep in our bed.

Fast forward to Bird being about 6 months old, when he went through a series of nights where he woke up screaming, inconsolable and unable to go back to sleep, wanting only to be near his mama or daddy. I researched co-sleeping and bed-sharing, then practically begged my husband to let us try it. I learned so much about why co-sleeping could be awesome in my research that I really wanted to try it on a part-time basis (as needed).

K. was convinced that it might be a way for us all to sleep a little better, and so we tried.

Once.

It went something like this:

Shuffle shuffle squirm squirm. Awkward positioning of my arm. Nurse nurse nurse. Baby falls asleep; I lay paralyzed for fear of waking him if I shift. Lay awake for a long time. Finally drift off. Minutes later awaken to nurse-nurse-nurse. Repeat process.

And he nursed about a million times. It was unreal. I thought our 3 times a night was inconvenient before this experience. I was wrong.

So, considering I got next to no sleep and had a child attached to my breasts all night, then got up feeling like I was hit by a motor vehicle, I decided co-sleeping is sadly not for us.

I'm very envious that some people make it work and love snuggling with their baby. But I'm also secretly a little glad that our bed is just for the two of us. To each, their own.

I Have a Secret

Secretly, I think I'm amazing. I think I'm special, and that I should be shouting from the rooftops about what I've managed to accomplish.

I find myself wondering if other mothers feel this way? Billions of mothers world-wide bear beautiful children in their lifetimes. Every single baby is a miracle in so many ways, but at the same time, the ability to bear and raise children is not exactly a unique trait.

Then why do I feel like I've done something nobody else can do? Like I've been let into some special sisterhood that few people are admitted into? MY baby is a miracle. MY baby was grown inside of me and continues to be nourished primarily by me now that he is thriving on the outside. MY baby has made me realize how genuinely happy I am with me, and my life, and especially my family. MY baby has basically changed me from a pessimistic, selfish, and occasionally arrogant woman into a happy, optimistic woman who is learning how to truly be generous. I feel like the Grinch - my heart grew three sizes when I delivered Baby Bird.

Baby Bird is a little bit of kismet to me. I feel strongly that he was given to us as a gift, in the exact right time for us, and for exactly the right reasons. I feel he was sent to me at this point in my life before I could become any more pessimistic or set in my ways.

New mothers are told to never wish away babyhood, because it is fleeting and will pass quickly enough on its own, leaving mamas longing to revisit those precious moments. I always believed I would "hate" the baby stage, even throughout my pregnancy. But, I can honestly say I have not wished away Baby Bird's babyhood. I soak up every cuddle, smile, giggle that I can.

Tell me, Mamas, do you have a secret, too? Do you secretly feel that you are special and accomplished because of your children?

Sock Monkey Shenanigans

One of the things I really wanted to do for Baby Bird was make him something. Since I'm not in the least bit crafty, I thought one of these sew your own sock monkey kits from local company The Monkey Show would be perfect. The pieces are all pre-cut and sewn, and it comes with stuffing, button eyes, and needle and thread. After the monkey is brought to life by needle and thread, one can visit The Monkey Show website to register the monkey and create its profile.

The kit before I tackled the project

Unfortunately, I'm not the world's best seamstress, and the stretchy knit of the socks combined with my uneven stitching created a pretty sad looking monkey. I'm torn on whether I can even give this to Baby Bird without feeling completely ashamed. Oh well, I tried! I haven't registered this little forlorn fellow just yet.

Tell me about your last failed DIY in the comments below. 


And, after much consideration, I decided to go ahead and give it to Baby Bird. Every toy deserves the love of a little girl or boy.

Manic Monday Round-Up

In an effort to keep ourselves busy through K.'s hectic working month, Baby Bird and I have been traipsing all over the place.

• Mondays, we attend a breastfeeding support group hosted by my birth doula, Amy (Embrace Doula). Baby Bird and I have been attending this group weekly since he was 5 weeks old. Spending time with likeminded mamas and their babies has been a great way to start my week.
• Last Tuesday, we spent the day at my friend Michelle's home with her and her two beautiful children. Surprisingly, Baby Bird actually napped easily and was happy to have two toddlers up close and personal throughout the day. Michelle and I were pleased as punch to have each other as company for the day.
• Wednesday, my father came to help out for the afternoon. He adores Baby Bird and was the nap-time salvation that day, as I could not get Baby Bird to sleep.
• Thursday, I had a sushi lunch with long-time friend Jen. We had not gotten together since about 5 years ago - far too long if you ask me. I should have taken a photo of my spicy shrimp rolls, as they were mouth-wateringly delicious and the presentation was gorgeous.
• Friday, (wracking my brain here. Totally have no idea what I did).
• Saturday, I spent the day with a different longtime friend named Jenn. Baby Bird decided to grace us each with his very first and second sets of Angry Bird Eyes. I have to admit, those Angry Bird Eyes were just plain adorable.
• Sunday, K., Baby Bird, and I went to get a professional family shoot done. Needless to say, I'm eager to get the sneak peak and final product.

Using all of his appendages to play with the toys.

On Thursday the 19th, Baby Bird turned 4 months old. I swear he was a helpless newborn just yesterday.  In the past month, he has:

• Started giggling (this is by far the most adorable noise on the planet)
• Starting screeching "just because".
• Started the teething process with lots of drool and chewing
• Given real hugs.
• Making efforts to get his feet to his mouth (no success yet, but he is always holding those toes now)
• Shown signs of perhaps being a lefty
• Sprouted a bit more blonde fuzz on his noggin

We have a doctor's appointment coming up, so I'll publish his stats at that point. I suspect he's nearing 14lbs now - not bad for a baby who was 6 lbs 5 oz. at birth.