Here's the merote mom

To quote my 3 year old when he wants to watch a show on TV.

Sleep training

Jonathan, thankfully, likes to nap and sleeps pretty good. During the day, he has adjusted easily to a nap, eat, play, nap routine. Some of you know from talking to me that he likes this routine so much that he was continuing it through the night. When he would wake for feedings he would then be up for an hour before falling back asleep. I'd spend the time rocking him, bouncing him, giving him his pacifier, reading my Bible, praying, and wishing I could go back to sleep. I kept the lights dim and kept interaction to a minimum and it finally worked.
I am proud to announce that for the last 5 nights, Jonathan has gone right back to sleep after feeding in the middle of the night. I'm so proud of him. I can feed him, wait a few minutes while he grunts to get cozy, and then head back to bed - to toss and turn for the next half hour.
So, how do you sleep train the mom?

The difference between 1 and 2

Well, I find myself with a few free moments! Both boys are down for a nap and I have sat down at the computer without someone hanging on me! I did just hear the dryer buzz so I will have to attend to that shortly, but for now, I'll indulge in a post.
Being a stay at home parent with one child was definitely work, especially when the terrible 2s drain you of all you have. But often it wasn't overwhelming. Maybe this is because I don't clean my house from top to bottom every day like some people or spend hours in the kitchen cooking each night (10 minute meal prep for me! :)). I found that I could manage to spend a lot of time with Michael, do some house work, and find time for myself during the day. In fact, even when I was pregnant we had a pretty good balance going - albeit that most of "my time" was spent laying exhausted on the couch.
Now I have two boys to care for and instead of my Michael time - house work - Michael time - me time routine, I'm stuck in a cycle of Michael time - Jonathan time - Michael time - Jonathan time with maybe a bit of house work time or me time thrown in. But you see, even the house and me time has changed. I always seem to have one of them touching me. Either I'm holding Jonathan or Michael is trying to climb on me, run the race car over me, or sit on my lap.
As I sit here typing now, I feel so free of little hands and bodies. I realize that I'm still me! Wow - it is great to be JUST ME again for even a few minutes! Well, I hear one of the little bodies stirring and so I'd better get to the laundry quick - who would of thought that folding laundry by oneself could be such a treat.