Sleep regression. Why? It’s really kinda cruel and unusual punishment. Kid hits the 2 year mark and has been sleeping through the night for months and you’re finally starting to think and act like a normal human who gets a solid nights sleep. Then WHAM! (Not the George Michael version) sleep regression hits you smack in the face.
Shorty #2 is 2 1/2. She’s all about sleep regression. Bed time can be a nightmare. Not only do we have to lay with her for the 30-60 minutes it takes for her to fall asleep, we have to be prepared for every single delay tactic she hurls at us.
“I’m not tired.”
“Wanna watch a movie.”
“My tummy hurts.”
And the all time favorite;
“Water.”
#2 has perfected the “water ask” better than any kid I’ve ever met. She croaks it out in a weakened whisper, like Lawrence of Arabia stranded in the desert, she spies the oasis in the distance and begins her plea. “Water” she breathes, when we don’t immediately respond, she becomes a little more insistent “waaater”. If we’re not returning with the glass in hand at this point, she becomes a little more unglued until finally;
“WAAAAATEEEEEEERRRR”
When finally sufficiently watered and AT LAST asleep, usually after us, we’re now able to settle in for a solid 2-3 hours before the next wake up. This can happen any time between midnight and 4am. And it totally SUCKS. No matter what wakes the little bean, she’s up for minimum another 30-60 minutes. Tossing, turning, kicking, elbowing. Finally she remembers her favorite tool, “WATER” she whispers.
Eventually she’ll doze off again, and I’m up. iPhone blazing, email checking, Facebook nosing – I can’t decide if technology helps or hinders insomnia. If I’m lucky, I’ll catch another hour before the house wakes up to start the day.
And here we are again, back to that sleep deprived state of early motherhood. Living for caffeine and relying on that 3rd cup of coffee. I’m sure the light is at the end of the tunnel, lets hope it’s a nightlight.
…and to all a good and sleepy night.
Xo
the rock and roll mom on the move 