I woke to the sound of Daniel screaming my name last night around 3 a.m. While I wasn't exactly coherent, I came to find that he wasn't either. Upon my arrival, he had pulled his pillow and blanket into the floor and was hiding underneath them. I uncovered him only to discover that he wasn't really awake...
"Alligator, watch out!" he exclaimed.
I tried to get Daniel to explain this profound sighting, but he continued blabbering on about the alligator. He was telling me it was green and that it was on the basketball in the corner of his room. He was so clear in his details that I almost believed him. I didn't think I would EVER calm him down.
I got down in the floor, and he covered me under his blanket, still explaining that the alligator was in the room. This literally went on for 15 minutes, until I realized he was scared. I picked up him, his pillow, and his blanket and carried them all into the living room and put them on the couch, where he was still certain that we needed to "watch out" for the alligator.
Daniel has done things like this before, but now, I'm absolutely certain that we have a sleep talker on our hands! It was the sweetest, strangest thing I'd ever seen, knowing he was fast asleep but was carrying on a very serious conversation!
Showing posts with label Sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sleep. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Pat on the Back
Do you ever have times when you just need a pat on the back? You just need to hear that you are doing a good job and are appreciated for the work you do. In today's society, it is often difficult to get that positive reinforcement we need as people. In our humble, human nature, we need to know that the tasks and jobs we have and complete are being recognized by someone who is in a higher position than we are, and when we do not receive the praise we deem is necessary, we sometimes feel as though we are looked at as disappointments.
I have felt that way many times as a stay-at-home parent. People hear that I have a college degree and actually quit my teaching job on my own will, and immediately I am judged as a "quitter" or someone who has failed in society. Even still, I knew it was God's will for me to leave that career and begin this new one as a wife and a parent. It hasn't been easy. There are days that I long to be among desks and bulletin boards. I even imagine what craft we might be creating if I still was a teacher to twenty Kindergarteners.
However, it has been brought to my attention lately that I am doing exactly as God had planned. It wasn't my husband who commended my work in our home. My dad, who funded my college aspirations, has never once admitted how he feels about my current role in the home and not in the classroom. It wasn't a young mother or a woman who has been in my position, but it was a 22-month-old, little boy....
As he woke in the middle of night crying for Daddy, it was Mommy who went to sit at Daniel's bedside. While I knew I would much rather be sleeping and getting the rest I needed for the next exhausting day, sweet Daniel placed his arm around my neck and bent over to "Muah" my head. I started to stand, seeing he was finally soothed, and he quickly pulled me in closer to him. Despite my discomfort, kneeling over his blue toddler bed, this precious child proceeded to pat me on my back until he fell asleep.
There are times in life when all we need is to know is that we are noticed while doing our best. Be it from a manager, boss, or friend, that recognition does amazing things to a person's heart. The encouragement we receive often pushes us to work harder and continue on. Sometimes, it comes from the tiniest of voices - sometimes in the night, others during our work - but it always comes to a heart that's in need. My "pat on the back" came from my little boy, but I am certain that God had a hand in Daniel's while he was rubbing my shoulder. God knows all about what we need, and believe me, He is there despite the quiet, empty, and tired places we find ourselves in. Let Him speak to you and encourage your heart. He's always ready...
I have felt that way many times as a stay-at-home parent. People hear that I have a college degree and actually quit my teaching job on my own will, and immediately I am judged as a "quitter" or someone who has failed in society. Even still, I knew it was God's will for me to leave that career and begin this new one as a wife and a parent. It hasn't been easy. There are days that I long to be among desks and bulletin boards. I even imagine what craft we might be creating if I still was a teacher to twenty Kindergarteners.
However, it has been brought to my attention lately that I am doing exactly as God had planned. It wasn't my husband who commended my work in our home. My dad, who funded my college aspirations, has never once admitted how he feels about my current role in the home and not in the classroom. It wasn't a young mother or a woman who has been in my position, but it was a 22-month-old, little boy....
As he woke in the middle of night crying for Daddy, it was Mommy who went to sit at Daniel's bedside. While I knew I would much rather be sleeping and getting the rest I needed for the next exhausting day, sweet Daniel placed his arm around my neck and bent over to "Muah" my head. I started to stand, seeing he was finally soothed, and he quickly pulled me in closer to him. Despite my discomfort, kneeling over his blue toddler bed, this precious child proceeded to pat me on my back until he fell asleep.
There are times in life when all we need is to know is that we are noticed while doing our best. Be it from a manager, boss, or friend, that recognition does amazing things to a person's heart. The encouragement we receive often pushes us to work harder and continue on. Sometimes, it comes from the tiniest of voices - sometimes in the night, others during our work - but it always comes to a heart that's in need. My "pat on the back" came from my little boy, but I am certain that God had a hand in Daniel's while he was rubbing my shoulder. God knows all about what we need, and believe me, He is there despite the quiet, empty, and tired places we find ourselves in. Let Him speak to you and encourage your heart. He's always ready...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Who Needs a Nap?
Daniel needed one, that's who!
He's been fighting them fordays his whole life, but ever since last week's 9 month well visit, the pediatrician said it is completely necessary that an over-active baby like mine :) gets at least one nap a day. I guess you can imagine what that means for me... I have a fighter on my hands, and he has realized what I'm doing each day when I take him to his room. It honestly begins an all-out war between Daniel, sleep, his crib, and me.
However, after minutes or an hour of crying, Daniel will take a nap. It usually looks something like this:
But, a mom's gotta do what she's gotta do, and, he slept for an hour today! Only bad part is, most of the time, Daniel's face ends up looking like this quite often...
He's been fighting them for
However, after minutes or an hour of crying, Daniel will take a nap. It usually looks something like this:
Did I mention that Daniel fights sleep in such a fierce manner that he falls asleep either standing, resting on his knees, or sitting straight up? I know it's heart-breaking...
But, a mom's gotta do what she's gotta do, and, he slept for an hour today! Only bad part is, most of the time, Daniel's face ends up looking like this quite often...
Isn't he precious?!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Daniel is Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Well, it has been the month of all things LONG. Long sickness, long baby, and long time since our last post.
What do I mean? Daniel's been sick his whole fifth month, and he's been to the doctor three times. He's getting so long; he was a whopping 26 inches at one of the three appointments (seriously, they all are running together now). It's been so hectic around here that I've failed to post all of his major accomplishments like his first time sitting on his own, first time to crawl, first of two ear infections (in two weeks), first time taking two rounds of antibiotics, first time missing two weeks of church,first millionth time to NOT sleep through the night... But, he's as cute, feisty, and active as ever!
When he's in deep thought (or confusion), this is what he does!
What do I mean? Daniel's been sick his whole fifth month, and he's been to the doctor three times. He's getting so long; he was a whopping 26 inches at one of the three appointments (seriously, they all are running together now). It's been so hectic around here that I've failed to post all of his major accomplishments like his first time sitting on his own, first time to crawl, first of two ear infections (in two weeks), first time taking two rounds of antibiotics, first time missing two weeks of church,
Only the bath makes him happy these days!
He found his toes...
Mimi came to play with Daniel.
The "thinker" pose
When he's in deep thought (or confusion), this is what he does!
Crawling towards Pop's keys...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Pure Delight
One of the best times in my day is when I hear the sounds of my sweet boy waking up... It doesn't take me long to find my way into his room, look over the rail, and find this precious face smiling back at me.
Good Morning, Gorgeous! from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Fits and Fusses
You wouldn't know about these if you've seen Daniel out in public yet. See, our little boy has learned how to impress people and get your attention at a mere 4-weeks-old. He is the best baby when he's around all of you, but as soon as we are by ourselves, he lets us have it.
Just yesterday, as we ate lunch with family and friends at the Cracker Barrel, Daniel slept through the whole thing... We get in the car, and on comes the tears. Saturday, Grandpa stopped by to see his perfect little grandson, and not ten minutes after he left, Daniel started screaming to no end.
It's become a joke with us... We wait to see how long it takes after people leave or we get alone before Daniel brings on the crocodile tears. It's almost like he knows he has everyone's attention, and then he also knows when he doesn't - thus the crying fits.
Everyone seems to ask how Daniel is doing, if he's sleeping through the night, and if we are getting any sleep. We always reply that he is growing quickly (a whopping 9.11 pounds as of 3 days ago), has his days and nights mixed up, and that sleep is a thing of the past.
Just last week, Daniel spent two days screaming after his 11:00 feedings. Both a.m. and p.m. might I add. He would scream for 3 hours until his next bottle. We were so afraid of colic, we took him to Dr. Cormier on Friday. Turns out Daniel has some reflux and he is now on Zantac, rice cereal, and sitting upright after feedings. It's amazing that you can be thankful for reflux, but we are.
Daniel will be a month old in 2 days... I have a lot in store for you then. Check back later this week!
Just yesterday, as we ate lunch with family and friends at the Cracker Barrel, Daniel slept through the whole thing... We get in the car, and on comes the tears. Saturday, Grandpa stopped by to see his perfect little grandson, and not ten minutes after he left, Daniel started screaming to no end.
It's become a joke with us... We wait to see how long it takes after people leave or we get alone before Daniel brings on the crocodile tears. It's almost like he knows he has everyone's attention, and then he also knows when he doesn't - thus the crying fits.
Everyone seems to ask how Daniel is doing, if he's sleeping through the night, and if we are getting any sleep. We always reply that he is growing quickly (a whopping 9.11 pounds as of 3 days ago), has his days and nights mixed up, and that sleep is a thing of the past.
Just last week, Daniel spent two days screaming after his 11:00 feedings. Both a.m. and p.m. might I add. He would scream for 3 hours until his next bottle. We were so afraid of colic, we took him to Dr. Cormier on Friday. Turns out Daniel has some reflux and he is now on Zantac, rice cereal, and sitting upright after feedings. It's amazing that you can be thankful for reflux, but we are.
Daniel will be a month old in 2 days... I have a lot in store for you then. Check back later this week!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I Live for Moments Like These.
In the early hours of the morning, I have found myself wishing my son's life away. As friends discussed their sleep-through-the-night baby, I honestly was jealous of their bright, rested eyes. We have had to fight for every hour we have gotten, and those hours during the night are few and far between. I don't want to be the kind of mother that misses the joy of her son because she spent her time wishing his habits and days away.
God brought me down to that realization and off of my pity party the other morning as I was getting ready to take Daniel to Vanderbilt for an infant ultrasound of his kidney. If you didn't already know, throughout our pregnancy, we were informed our baby had fluid on his kidneys. Anyway, not the point. My mom had given me the Jim Brickman, "Valentine" cd, and I played it for Daniel as I prepared to leave. I was hit hard when a familiar song came on. I had always believed it was a romantic song, but as I listened to the lyrics, I heard the Lord's voice loud and clear. "Cherish him; He is my gift to you." I cried over the words for what seemed like hours, and again that evening as I played it for Brian.
But, God reminded me through this song and through moments like these that my child truly is a gift. We prayed for him, and now he's here. He's not sleeping as we wish he would, but he's ours to love, nurture, and pray over, and that's a blessing we do not take lightly.
May the angels protect you, Trouble neglect you,
And heaven accept you when its time to go home...
May you always have plenty, the glass never empty,
And know in your belly... You're never alone.
May your tears come from laughing; you find friends worth having.
With every year passing, they mean more than gold...
May you win but stay humble, smile more than grumble,
And know when you stumble, you're never alone.
Well, I have to be honest, as much as I want it,
I'm not gonna promise that the cold winds won't blow...
So when hard times have found you, and your fears surround you;
Wrap my love around you... You're never alone.
Never alone, never alone...
I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown...
Wherever you fly, this isn't goodbye...
My love will follow you, stay with you...
Baby, you're never alone.
"Never Alone"
By Lady Antebellum
God brought me down to that realization and off of my pity party the other morning as I was getting ready to take Daniel to Vanderbilt for an infant ultrasound of his kidney. If you didn't already know, throughout our pregnancy, we were informed our baby had fluid on his kidneys. Anyway, not the point. My mom had given me the Jim Brickman, "Valentine" cd, and I played it for Daniel as I prepared to leave. I was hit hard when a familiar song came on. I had always believed it was a romantic song, but as I listened to the lyrics, I heard the Lord's voice loud and clear. "Cherish him; He is my gift to you." I cried over the words for what seemed like hours, and again that evening as I played it for Brian.
But, God reminded me through this song and through moments like these that my child truly is a gift. We prayed for him, and now he's here. He's not sleeping as we wish he would, but he's ours to love, nurture, and pray over, and that's a blessing we do not take lightly.
May the angels protect you, Trouble neglect you,
And heaven accept you when its time to go home...
May you always have plenty, the glass never empty,
And know in your belly... You're never alone.
May your tears come from laughing; you find friends worth having.
With every year passing, they mean more than gold...
May you win but stay humble, smile more than grumble,
And know when you stumble, you're never alone.
Well, I have to be honest, as much as I want it,
I'm not gonna promise that the cold winds won't blow...
So when hard times have found you, and your fears surround you;
Wrap my love around you... You're never alone.
Never alone, never alone...
I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown...
Wherever you fly, this isn't goodbye...
My love will follow you, stay with you...
Baby, you're never alone.
"Never Alone"
By Lady Antebellum
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daniel is Wide Awake!
Our first family photo at home
It's 10:56 p.m., and Daniel is STILL awake... Seems as if we're getting less and less sleep these days, but it's moments like these, as he breathes heavily and looks up at me with his beautiful baby blues, that I realize how blessed we are.
We haven't written much as you can tell... We got home and Daniel set in! We've been learning so much about what it means to parent a child. It's the most exhausting yet rewarding thing God has ever allowed us to do. We have watched as Daniel slept through most of his visitors at the hospital, to now, 7 days later, where he will barely sleep a wink for us! Daniel has slept soundly for every single visitor, but when it's just us, he's wide-eyed. I know it sounds as if I am complaining, but seriously, he's amazing... We're blessed... What more can we say?!
Daniel actually sleeping for Mommy and Daddy...
Daniel's Great-Aunt Cathy came to visit...
Mimi loving on Daniel...
It's 10:56 p.m., and Daniel is STILL awake... Seems as if we're getting less and less sleep these days, but it's moments like these, as he breathes heavily and looks up at me with his beautiful baby blues, that I realize how blessed we are.
We haven't written much as you can tell... We got home and Daniel set in! We've been learning so much about what it means to parent a child. It's the most exhausting yet rewarding thing God has ever allowed us to do. We have watched as Daniel slept through most of his visitors at the hospital, to now, 7 days later, where he will barely sleep a wink for us! Daniel has slept soundly for every single visitor, but when it's just us, he's wide-eyed. I know it sounds as if I am complaining, but seriously, he's amazing... We're blessed... What more can we say?!
Daniel actually sleeping for Mommy and Daddy...
Daniel's Great-Aunt Cathy came to visit...
Mimi loving on Daniel...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
We Made It Home
My Daddy Loves Me SO Much
One of Daddy's First Times to Change Me
Taking a Nap with Mommy on the Couch
Enjoying My Bassinet
Preparing To Go Home
I'm Ready to Leave
My Going-Home Outfit
My Mimi Always Wants to Hold Me
I Napped with Mom the Day We Left
My Long Toes and Precious Foot
Burning Eyes- Do you know the feeling?
It's overwhelming... Can you believe that God would entrust such a helpless little baby into our care. I can barely believe it, but it's real. Hopefully in a few hours, we will be dismissed to the comforts of our own home. Then, the real work will begin. No more nurses or doctors at your beckon call, so I guess the natural parental instincts will kick in.
I think they already have. About 2-3 this morning, he could not get satisfied. He proved to us that he had a good set of lungs. As a result, my eyes are burning a little this morning. Now, I understand a little more about how my parents couldn't sleep when I had not come in during my high school years. Apparently, sleeping patterns will never be the same. I'll take burning eyes any day, because my heart is enflamed with love for this little child, Daniel.
Thanks for keeping up with us and praying for us in this journey. The best is yet to come. We love you all!
Brian, Jenna, and Daniel
I think they already have. About 2-3 this morning, he could not get satisfied. He proved to us that he had a good set of lungs. As a result, my eyes are burning a little this morning. Now, I understand a little more about how my parents couldn't sleep when I had not come in during my high school years. Apparently, sleeping patterns will never be the same. I'll take burning eyes any day, because my heart is enflamed with love for this little child, Daniel.
Thanks for keeping up with us and praying for us in this journey. The best is yet to come. We love you all!
Brian, Jenna, and Daniel
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Our Gift From God
Sleeping at the Hospital
My Puppy Dog Mittens from My Great-Aunt, Christy
Sleeping with My Arms Up
Thank You, Christy, for My Warm Mittens
Family Photos
My Mom Was in Awe of Me
Sleeping Soundly
My Daddy is Smitten with Me
Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jessica Couldn't Get Enough of Me
Sleep is So Nice
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