Week 18 - Sweet, sweet, sleep.

Week 18 Picture

You guys. It finally happened. Baby Jay slept for seven, yes I said seven, straight hours last night - from 8:30 PM to 3:30 AM. In the four months that he has been alive, this is a first. In fact, seven hours blows the previous record (4-5 hours) right out of the water. The thing that finally did the trick for us was adding a bit of rice cereal to his nighttime feeding, on the advice of his pediatrician. Let me tell you, it was glorious. It's hard to truly appreciate uninterrupted sleep until you've lost it.

The timing of this change in sleep habits could not be any better for me. With my dissertation defense only a few days away, I could use a few more nights of solid sleep. Give the unpredictability of his moods lately, I suppose he could as well.

He literally bounced until he passed out.

For the first time in Jay's life, I think he is at a stage that I am truly going to miss when he gets older. This does not mean that I did not enjoy my last four months with him. I assure you, it's quite the opposite. It's just that, up until now, Jay's lack of mobility means that Kimbre and I have been the sole providers of his entertainment. Although that can at times be draining, it has its perks. For example, because we mean that it's fun time, he lights up like a candle when he sees us, complete with full face smiles and squeals of delight. However, as he gets older, Jay has begun to demand a bit more variety in his entertainment. There are times where he would be happier not to be held. Other times, he would prefer to scooch all around his play mat and bat at his toys than be tickled. What's the fun in that? I'm also nearing the end of my duties as day-time baby sitter. Before I know it, the time will come where the first half of my day is not completely devoted to taking care of him. It will not and cannot always be this way I know, and that makes me a little sad. It's truly a luxury that I am able to get to spend this time with him. Although I'll enjoy getting to return to productivity, I'm going to miss this time with him.