Sleeping, uninterrupted

For the first time my son slept through the night. Round the clock.

It took us three months to get here, to a place of uninterrupted sleep, and although every mother and baby eventually get to this point, I feel like a statue should be created in my honor, or at least a congratulations from mother's everywhere. Heck, I must have done something right.

I was wondering if the stories I heard were true about that six week old baby sleeping through the night. Since mine hadnt at that point, I considered it a new mom myth. When I was pregnant, it was difficult to sleep even then: the tremor-like feelings from deep inside my belly, and having to sleep on my back at all times. But this morning I had reached the top of the mountain. I had made it to the other side. I had become an honorary golden mother, the one who gets her child to sleep so that she can sleep.

This morning I woke up feeling like a brand new woman. Still a new mother trying to figure out 'the game', but a brand new woman.

Older, more experienced mothers have told me in recent months (and over and over again) the remedies to get their new baby to sleep all night. They told me what I'm doing wrong, what I may be doing wrong, what I'm undoubtedly doing wrong. As I listened to them preach their new mom sermons to me while looking overly exhausted, they told me I need to get that haircut, fix my husband a romantic dinner over candlelight and put some makeup on, all by 6pm, all while still taking full time care of a three month old. I think they forgot what this part of their life was really like.

I began to realize their way does not have to be my way.

I began to find ways to do things while taking care of my newborn. I found a way to type emails to family members one-handed, while holding Miles in the other. I found out that to be able to brush my teeth and wash my face, I can turn the fan on overhead, the fan that my son seems completely entertained by and fold the laundry. I can take a shower while at the same time humming an Otis Redding favorite and my son will smile.

Above all, I have learned that only my son and I can come up with a routine that works for us. No matter what another mother tells me (that may have more experience, I realize that)I now know that noone can tell me what I'm doing wrong. We're on our own time schedule and we'll hatch when we're ready. We'll sleep through the night when it's time, and we'll get those things done we need to, even if it's one handed. It's just me and him, my baby boy and I, and I think we're doing just fine.