Softie

Around when Calvin turned 4 months David and I decided to do the whole Ferber method, AKA crying it out method, AKA loose your mind for 4 days until your baby finally learns the method method.

At the time we started this we were living on Vanguard University in a dorm that we shared with another married couple, their one year old and two other staff members. The good thing about starting the whole Ferber method while we were at Vanguard was that I had my friend Jenn as support. She would tell me when it sounded like he was just about to fall asleep or would encourage me to wait just 5 more minutes. By the end of the 5 minutes Calvin would be passed out asleep cuddling his little frog and all the world was right.

The downside of starting the Ferber method while at Vanguard was that Calvin shared a room with us. When he would wake up at 3 AM screaming we were up with him until he decided to fall back to sleep. Torture I tell you, just plain torture.  Anyways, it was a rough week or two getting him on a solid schedule but it was so worth it. Calvin got into a routine, I got more sleep and life was grand.

Since coming home from Vanguard I have become a softie. Every little peep Calvin makes I run into his room pick him up, kiss all over him and rock him back to sleep. I try to lay there for a minute but then my mind starts wondering to all the possible reasons as to why he is crying.

Maybe he needs his diaper changed
Maybe his leg is stuck in the crib
Maybe he had a bad dream
Maybe he has a fear of the dark and needs a night light
Maybe he threw up
Maybe he is hungry
Maybe he needs a hug

The list goes on and on but you get the point. With Calvin getting older I can't help but take every opportunity to run to his side. Granted, I long for a full nights rest but how can you resist his adorable little face peering up at you over the crib bars?

Because I don't get full nights of sleep I depend on coffee and because I depend on coffee I see my teeth loosing their pearly white color and because I am my teeth are loosing their pearly white color I use crest white strips more than ever. Its all worth it though. Lack of sleep, coffee breath, wearing those plastic strips that slide off my crooked teeth for thirty minutes is worth getting to spend just a little bit more time with Calvin. For now:)

On his rocking horse at Grandpa Bob's and Gaga's house