I've been wanting to write another post on sleep describing what "problems" look like for us. But, it's not an easy thing to explain. At all. Well, there's a website that we've followed since we started waiting for Megan. It's about all things China adoption. The author wrote a wonderful, very descriptive posting on sleep. Interestingly enough, her description of sleep problems for her daughter "GlitterGirl" are almost identical to what we deal with every night. Some nights are better than others, but right now we are definitely in a difficult time. You can read her post HERE.
And no, my idea hasn't worked all that well to get Megan to sleep overall. She will recite the "eat healfee, drink water and sleep good", but she's still having a tough time going to sleep.
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sleeplessness Answer?
The verdict is still out...we just started it today...but in a very early moment of quiet before 5am, I'm fairly certain God gave me a great idea.
I've said for a very long time that Megan is afraid to go to sleep. I mean, she'll be almost ready to doze off, yet she will wiggle, clap her hands, kick her legs, sign mom & dad, whatever it takes NOT to fall asleep. It's been taking anywhere from 60-90 minutes every night. We've missed several naps, despite being absolutely exhausted. If there is one thing I KNOW about my sweet, precious daughter and sleep, it is that when we get into the cycle of not enough sleep, it is very difficult to get out of that cycle. Its vicious. And often feels never ending. She's been getting about 8-9 hours of not very restful sleep a night and many days refuses to nap. So, we are talking about a child who behaves absolutely horribly! Hitting, yelling, deviance, challenging and pushing all of my buttons.
We're back to waking up at 5am again. I so thought we were past this. But, she's getting her final 2 year molar (FINALLY!) so it could be contributing. Who knows. The other part is that she's yelling out more nights than not, at least once, if not every hour all night. By yelling out, I mean she'll thrash about, cry and yell something (typically, "Megan can do it" or "I need to go potty" or "Mommy do it" but her most common one "NO! NO! NO!"). It took me a few nights to realize she does this 100 percent in her sleep. One minute you think she's awake, the next minute she's snoring. Literally.
Okay, so back to the potential solution. I got this idea this morning...telling her that to grow big she needs to: eat healthy, drink water (another problem we have...not drinking!) and sleep. We've been talking about it all day. At nap time, she was asleep in 5 minutes. She hasn't done that for quite a while. So, tonight when it was time for her to go to bed with daddy, I said, "you need to sleep good tonight"...and she said "so I can grow!" So, maybe we've found the s1lver bullet? Boy do I hope so!!! Guess we'll find out in a few days!!
I've said for a very long time that Megan is afraid to go to sleep. I mean, she'll be almost ready to doze off, yet she will wiggle, clap her hands, kick her legs, sign mom & dad, whatever it takes NOT to fall asleep. It's been taking anywhere from 60-90 minutes every night. We've missed several naps, despite being absolutely exhausted. If there is one thing I KNOW about my sweet, precious daughter and sleep, it is that when we get into the cycle of not enough sleep, it is very difficult to get out of that cycle. Its vicious. And often feels never ending. She's been getting about 8-9 hours of not very restful sleep a night and many days refuses to nap. So, we are talking about a child who behaves absolutely horribly! Hitting, yelling, deviance, challenging and pushing all of my buttons.
We're back to waking up at 5am again. I so thought we were past this. But, she's getting her final 2 year molar (FINALLY!) so it could be contributing. Who knows. The other part is that she's yelling out more nights than not, at least once, if not every hour all night. By yelling out, I mean she'll thrash about, cry and yell something (typically, "Megan can do it" or "I need to go potty" or "Mommy do it" but her most common one "NO! NO! NO!"). It took me a few nights to realize she does this 100 percent in her sleep. One minute you think she's awake, the next minute she's snoring. Literally.
Okay, so back to the potential solution. I got this idea this morning...telling her that to grow big she needs to: eat healthy, drink water (another problem we have...not drinking!) and sleep. We've been talking about it all day. At nap time, she was asleep in 5 minutes. She hasn't done that for quite a while. So, tonight when it was time for her to go to bed with daddy, I said, "you need to sleep good tonight"...and she said "so I can grow!" So, maybe we've found the s1lver bullet? Boy do I hope so!!! Guess we'll find out in a few days!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sleep
A few thoughts on sleep this morning...
I realize that many of you would not be in agreement with our decision to sleep with Megan every night. I really had hoped that she would sleep in her bed (toddler bed, now) once we got through July, but that has not happened at night, although she does nap in there by herself. And to be honest, I'm not really sure when that will happen at night. See, Megan is doing so much better now that she's sleeping with one of us. That doesn't mean that we don't have still have bad nights. The difference is that a bad night means that she's having bad dreams, crying in her sleep and thrashing around. Sometimes she calms down some when we touch her, sometimes when we shush her and sometimes completely on her own while we wonder what's making her upset. She has been sleeping until about 6am every morning...sometimes a little earlier and others a little later (this morning it was almost 6:30, but she had a very restless night).
What are the benefits I've seen of us sleeping with her...well, she's sleeping better overall, and honestly we are getting more sleep. She is far more confident in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Maybe this is because she's older, but I honestly think having more sleep has made an impact. She's now sleeping for longer periods of time, which means more restful sleep. She's also not as "sensitive"...meaning that she's not always in tears because she thinks everyone is laughing at her, even if the laughing has absolutely NOTHING to do with her. I don't know if I have even blogged that about her, but even the documentation we have from one of the nanny's in China commented about how she is so sensitive. We've seen the same thing. And she is still very sensitive, but she's giggling (or at least smiling) when she's being silly rather than crying because we see her behavior as silly. Her personality is showing more both at home and elsewhere.
So, while sleeping with one of us is not ideal, it's what she still needs right now. Consequently, whether this is our preferred sleep plan or not, it's working for her--and ultimately for us, so it's what we are doing. When will it end? I honestly don't know, but we'll take our ques from her.
I realize that many of you would not be in agreement with our decision to sleep with Megan every night. I really had hoped that she would sleep in her bed (toddler bed, now) once we got through July, but that has not happened at night, although she does nap in there by herself. And to be honest, I'm not really sure when that will happen at night. See, Megan is doing so much better now that she's sleeping with one of us. That doesn't mean that we don't have still have bad nights. The difference is that a bad night means that she's having bad dreams, crying in her sleep and thrashing around. Sometimes she calms down some when we touch her, sometimes when we shush her and sometimes completely on her own while we wonder what's making her upset. She has been sleeping until about 6am every morning...sometimes a little earlier and others a little later (this morning it was almost 6:30, but she had a very restless night).
What are the benefits I've seen of us sleeping with her...well, she's sleeping better overall, and honestly we are getting more sleep. She is far more confident in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Maybe this is because she's older, but I honestly think having more sleep has made an impact. She's now sleeping for longer periods of time, which means more restful sleep. She's also not as "sensitive"...meaning that she's not always in tears because she thinks everyone is laughing at her, even if the laughing has absolutely NOTHING to do with her. I don't know if I have even blogged that about her, but even the documentation we have from one of the nanny's in China commented about how she is so sensitive. We've seen the same thing. And she is still very sensitive, but she's giggling (or at least smiling) when she's being silly rather than crying because we see her behavior as silly. Her personality is showing more both at home and elsewhere.
So, while sleeping with one of us is not ideal, it's what she still needs right now. Consequently, whether this is our preferred sleep plan or not, it's working for her--and ultimately for us, so it's what we are doing. When will it end? I honestly don't know, but we'll take our ques from her.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hives and stuff...
We've experienced our first allergic reaction. We think she's allergic to strawberries (even though she's had them before) but nothing else seems to fit. Today marks day 3 of hives. We went to the doctor yesterday and she gave us some powerful meds, which I hope will begin working better after today's dose. Thankfully--and this is an incredible answer to prayer--she is NOT itching very much at all. I guess they bother me more than they bother her as they make me shiver every time I see them! Photos to come...
In other news...she's saying "mine" (only when prompted, though!), "Pillow" and a whole host of other words. Yesterday, she heard the garage door go up (when dad came home) and she said "dad. Home." Yep, dad is home. She also LOVES to celebrate her words. So, she'll say a word..then say "YEAH!" in the cutest, most excited voice! It's just too cute!!! Oh man, she's such a doll! Oh, and one day this week she told dad "a-b-c-d-e" (completely unprompted)...and every time she says "j"...it's followed by "k". We're making progress on learning the alphabet. Today when were using her frog towel to dry off, I asked her what letter does frog start with, then I made the "F" sound. She repeated the "F" sound and said "F...Fish". Yep. Frog starts with the letter "f"...then she said "YEAH!" I really need to get her celebrating on video b/c it is so precious!
Last night, she was being SO DARN silly! Maybe it was the medicine making her loopy...who knows. That reminds me...sleep...has been better, but she's still sleeping with one of us. And since we've gotten back from vacation, she's been going to bed later. Some days she sleeps until about 6am, but other days she's still up between 5-5:30am even though she's going to sleep around 9pm. Most nights she sleeps through the night...but sometimes needs some form of rocking during the night (on the side of the bed, other times in the rocking chair). She is taking at least 2 hr naps in the afternoon...more often than not, closer to 3 hrs. Oh, and she's napping in the big girl, toddler bed. Her crib is officially gone (well, part of it is since the toddler bed is just an adjustment of the crib). She STILL has not gotten those darn 2 year molars in! I can feel them...they just have not broken the skin yet.
She is growing up so much...she's getting the toddler "lean" look...I noticed it this week when we were at the doctors office and there were a few other younger kids there. She was a whole head taller than them! Usually she's always the smallest...but my baby is growing up! sniff, sniff.
In other news...she's saying "mine" (only when prompted, though!), "Pillow" and a whole host of other words. Yesterday, she heard the garage door go up (when dad came home) and she said "dad. Home." Yep, dad is home. She also LOVES to celebrate her words. So, she'll say a word..then say "YEAH!" in the cutest, most excited voice! It's just too cute!!! Oh man, she's such a doll! Oh, and one day this week she told dad "a-b-c-d-e" (completely unprompted)...and every time she says "j"...it's followed by "k". We're making progress on learning the alphabet. Today when were using her frog towel to dry off, I asked her what letter does frog start with, then I made the "F" sound. She repeated the "F" sound and said "F...Fish". Yep. Frog starts with the letter "f"...then she said "YEAH!" I really need to get her celebrating on video b/c it is so precious!
Last night, she was being SO DARN silly! Maybe it was the medicine making her loopy...who knows. That reminds me...sleep...has been better, but she's still sleeping with one of us. And since we've gotten back from vacation, she's been going to bed later. Some days she sleeps until about 6am, but other days she's still up between 5-5:30am even though she's going to sleep around 9pm. Most nights she sleeps through the night...but sometimes needs some form of rocking during the night (on the side of the bed, other times in the rocking chair). She is taking at least 2 hr naps in the afternoon...more often than not, closer to 3 hrs. Oh, and she's napping in the big girl, toddler bed. Her crib is officially gone (well, part of it is since the toddler bed is just an adjustment of the crib). She STILL has not gotten those darn 2 year molars in! I can feel them...they just have not broken the skin yet.
She is growing up so much...she's getting the toddler "lean" look...I noticed it this week when we were at the doctors office and there were a few other younger kids there. She was a whole head taller than them! Usually she's always the smallest...but my baby is growing up! sniff, sniff.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
New words
In the last couple of days, she's added "bubble", "ball" and "apple" to her list of words! She is constantly chattering...so you have to listen for when she happens on a word. Or rather, when she "reveals" that she knows a word!!!
Sleep had been doing SO WELL. Until I went away this weekend. I kind of expected that to be the case. I went for a "disser-cation" where I focused on my dissertation Friday night and Saturday. I came home mid-morning on Sunday. It was so nice to make progress without interruption. I got a lot accomplished, organized and a plan devised. DH & Megan survived. Grandma V even called to try and help out, but DH said, I can handle it. And he did! I didn't realize how much I missed them until I was on my way home. I guess being focused does that!!!
Sleep had been doing SO WELL. Until I went away this weekend. I kind of expected that to be the case. I went for a "disser-cation" where I focused on my dissertation Friday night and Saturday. I came home mid-morning on Sunday. It was so nice to make progress without interruption. I got a lot accomplished, organized and a plan devised. DH & Megan survived. Grandma V even called to try and help out, but DH said, I can handle it. And he did! I didn't realize how much I missed them until I was on my way home. I guess being focused does that!!!
Monday, June 01, 2009
And Now it's June
(to quote Everyone Loves Raymond) "holy crap!" Where has the year gone?
So, let's see...I've not been the best at posting lately. Every day Megan does something and I think "I need to blog that"...but then the day goes by and I don't get it done. I guess probably because I want to put photos up and I can only do that on the desktop. If I go back in the office to do that, she thinks she needs to help me on the computer. So, here's a list of some new things to note:
So, let's see...I've not been the best at posting lately. Every day Megan does something and I think "I need to blog that"...but then the day goes by and I don't get it done. I guess probably because I want to put photos up and I can only do that on the desktop. If I go back in the office to do that, she thinks she needs to help me on the computer. So, here's a list of some new things to note:
- She LOVES to help...empty the dishwasher, carry laundry, push the laundry into the dryer, etc. You have to catch the silverware she's taking out of the DW fast enough, or she puts them in her mouth on the way to you, though.
- She has started bringing things to me when she finds things she's not supposed to have. For example, if she finds a TV remote, she brings it to me rather than try to run and hide with it or frantically push a million buttons before I get it.
- She has started saying "GO" while signing go...she does it a lot when we stop in the store to look at something and she doesn't want to.
- She makes frustration noises when we are stopped in the car (as in "go, darn it! I hate to stop!")
- She's drinking from a "big girl" cup now. Of course, she lets a lot of the water go down her shirt, but she'll get it. We keep practicing (especially when she hasn't drank very much).
- She's using her fork all the time now.
- She identifies every letter of the alphabet (as in we ask her to find a letter and she always does).
- When she is identifying letters, she says A, D, E, I, O, S, X. She doesn't say "G", but she says "Go" or makes the G sound. She makes the sound for "H" as well and sometimes "Z". (This is a game that helps us get through the grocery store after the snacks are gone!)
- She loves puzzles, coloring and writing.
- She's still sleeping with one of us right now for part of the night. Some nights are better than others, but I think she likes sleeping with us (at least for the time being, that might change soon).
- She gives the sweetest kisses! She loves to give kisses to dolly with a loud smack. It's so darn cute!
- She's gotten into hats. Late last week, I found a hat and put it on her head--she liked it, so I got others out and she actually keeps them on!
- Oh, and before I forget to mention, one of her teachers at school commented that she noticed Megan likes it if she would comment on her shoes. Oh boy, takes after Auntie Katie--a shoe girl at age 2!!! I guess that just goes with her being a little fashionesta, uh?
- And lest I forget...this weekend she started trying to put her leg on the side of the tub and wanting to put lotion on...just like me. HOW FUNNY! (Of course, she can BARELY reach, but too cute!)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Family & Sleep
Reading funny books with Uncle Collin & Gina (future Auntie)Sleep...where are we????
Well, when Collin & Gina came to visit this past weekend we decided to try something different. We set up the pak-n-play in our room. We figured if she woke up (which she had been doing a lot since we came home from SD trip), we'd just put her in bed with us like we did at Nana's house. She had never slept in our room before, so we really weren't sure how it was going to work. It worked out great. The first night, she ended up in our bed around 2am (I think) and she slept pretty well in there (although I didn't). Then we decided to try it Sunday night as well since DH was off on Monday and didn't have to get up at 430am. It worked out even better. She didn't wake up until after 4am and slept in our bed until 545. Since the work week was going to start, we decided to do some furniture re-arranging in our extra bedroom (where we've been sleeping--across the hall from her room) and put the bed against the wall. We also moved the pak-n-play in there. So, this week, we've been putting her to sleep in the rocker in her room, then moving her to the pak-n-play across the hall. She's slept in there until at 4am (this morning it was 520), then put her in bed with me. Yesterday morning she slept until 520 am (not so good considering she didn't go to sleep until 845!!!), but this morning, she slept until 630! And she went to sleep around 815-catching up from the night before, I'm sure! The last couple of days I've also had her nap in there, too. After I put her to sleep, I'll lay on the bed and read for a little while and/or take a nap myself. Then when she wakes up, I bring her to bed with me. She's still only sleeping 2 hrs, but at least its not in the rocker with me as it has been again lately.
I'm not sure how long we will continue this routine. I'm guessing a few weeks, maybe a couple of months. We'll reassess once she's sleeping past 5am in her bed. Regularly, that is. I honestly think she'd sleep until at least 6am if we could get through the sleep issues. But, who knows.
Well, when Collin & Gina came to visit this past weekend we decided to try something different. We set up the pak-n-play in our room. We figured if she woke up (which she had been doing a lot since we came home from SD trip), we'd just put her in bed with us like we did at Nana's house. She had never slept in our room before, so we really weren't sure how it was going to work. It worked out great. The first night, she ended up in our bed around 2am (I think) and she slept pretty well in there (although I didn't). Then we decided to try it Sunday night as well since DH was off on Monday and didn't have to get up at 430am. It worked out even better. She didn't wake up until after 4am and slept in our bed until 545. Since the work week was going to start, we decided to do some furniture re-arranging in our extra bedroom (where we've been sleeping--across the hall from her room) and put the bed against the wall. We also moved the pak-n-play in there. So, this week, we've been putting her to sleep in the rocker in her room, then moving her to the pak-n-play across the hall. She's slept in there until at 4am (this morning it was 520), then put her in bed with me. Yesterday morning she slept until 520 am (not so good considering she didn't go to sleep until 845!!!), but this morning, she slept until 630! And she went to sleep around 815-catching up from the night before, I'm sure! The last couple of days I've also had her nap in there, too. After I put her to sleep, I'll lay on the bed and read for a little while and/or take a nap myself. Then when she wakes up, I bring her to bed with me. She's still only sleeping 2 hrs, but at least its not in the rocker with me as it has been again lately.
I'm not sure how long we will continue this routine. I'm guessing a few weeks, maybe a couple of months. We'll reassess once she's sleeping past 5am in her bed. Regularly, that is. I honestly think she'd sleep until at least 6am if we could get through the sleep issues. But, who knows.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Sleep Specialist
Well, we went back to the sleep specialist today for a follow up. We were really torn about whether we should go or just cancel the appointment. We decided that we would go if only to help educate the doctor on trauma in determining sleep recommendations.
It went much better than either of us expected it would. He asked how his recommendations went and we said not well at all. He asked for more details and I shared about our realization that we needed to consider the trauma she had experienced early on in her life. Actually, I think I phrased it as "Are you familiar with trauma and attachment and the impact on sleep?". His face lit up and he said yes, I am. I shared that after 11 days of trying the go to sleep on her own system, we realized that she needed to have the security of me (not so much DH, unfortunately) holding her as she goes to sleep. Since we've changed to a modified version of what we used to do, she's going to sleep after 20-40 minutes of rocking. He was excited that we figured out what was working for her and resolving our sleep issues, for the time being, anyways. He also shared that he felt he learned something today, which he was apparently excited about. He shared that some kids are just stubborn and need to have a "reality check" that mom & dad aren't going to always be at their beck and call, but others need the security of rocking/holding. He encouraged us to continue to respond to what Megan needs right now. He did suggest we watch for when she might be ready that she just might be a little insecure/timid to make the transition to the unknown next step. I've always said that I felt when she moves to a big girl bed (sniff, sniff) will be a good time to begin helping her transition to falling asleep on her own. I don't see that happening though, for at least 6 months, but more like around her 3rd birthday (unless she continues growing so rapidly that she has to move out faster!).
Speaking of growing...she now weighs 27lbs and is 33 inches tall. She's gained about 1/2 pound and grown almost an inch since our last appointment with him! No wonder she's eating so much!!!
We go to her pediatrician tomorrow...I think Megan has something going on with her ears...she's had a low grade fever the last couple of days and she's consistently losing her balance. She is known for tripping and falling, but not simply falling because she's lost her balance. So I want to have it checked out. DH has noticed her digging her ear some, but I hadn't noticed that before, besides she's always done that from time to time.
It went much better than either of us expected it would. He asked how his recommendations went and we said not well at all. He asked for more details and I shared about our realization that we needed to consider the trauma she had experienced early on in her life. Actually, I think I phrased it as "Are you familiar with trauma and attachment and the impact on sleep?". His face lit up and he said yes, I am. I shared that after 11 days of trying the go to sleep on her own system, we realized that she needed to have the security of me (not so much DH, unfortunately) holding her as she goes to sleep. Since we've changed to a modified version of what we used to do, she's going to sleep after 20-40 minutes of rocking. He was excited that we figured out what was working for her and resolving our sleep issues, for the time being, anyways. He also shared that he felt he learned something today, which he was apparently excited about. He shared that some kids are just stubborn and need to have a "reality check" that mom & dad aren't going to always be at their beck and call, but others need the security of rocking/holding. He encouraged us to continue to respond to what Megan needs right now. He did suggest we watch for when she might be ready that she just might be a little insecure/timid to make the transition to the unknown next step. I've always said that I felt when she moves to a big girl bed (sniff, sniff) will be a good time to begin helping her transition to falling asleep on her own. I don't see that happening though, for at least 6 months, but more like around her 3rd birthday (unless she continues growing so rapidly that she has to move out faster!).
Speaking of growing...she now weighs 27lbs and is 33 inches tall. She's gained about 1/2 pound and grown almost an inch since our last appointment with him! No wonder she's eating so much!!!
We go to her pediatrician tomorrow...I think Megan has something going on with her ears...she's had a low grade fever the last couple of days and she's consistently losing her balance. She is known for tripping and falling, but not simply falling because she's lost her balance. So I want to have it checked out. DH has noticed her digging her ear some, but I hadn't noticed that before, besides she's always done that from time to time.
Friday, May 01, 2009
This week
Well, since I started rocking Megan to sleep again this week, she's slept A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! She's asleep within 30 minutes and sleeps almost all night...for 10 hours. She might spend the last hour or so in the rocker with me, but otherwise she is in her bed the entire night! I'm sure part of it is from her being COMPLETELY exhausted, but we are celebrating her sleeping! We are having some behavioral issues (which are completely unusual for her), but they are getting better the more we snuggle and rock.
Have to say if I needed more of a confirmation that we are doing the right thing...this would be it!
p.s. photos in an upcoming post...it's been entirely too long!
Have to say if I needed more of a confirmation that we are doing the right thing...this would be it!
p.s. photos in an upcoming post...it's been entirely too long!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
So here's the deal...
On Tuesday (when I posted what I did), we had some possible reasons for why Megan needs touching and/or rocking to go to sleep. We know nothing more about her past, just a reminder about it. If you remember, here I discussed Megan's exposure to trauma. And we feel that this trauma is still influencing her sleep. In the research that I've done this week, I've read about many families who are experience sleep issues years after their child is in the safety of their forever home.
Megan has made great strides developmentally and physically which makes it easy to forget about her pre-American life. But, it is part of who she is and it cannot be neglected. You may disagree with me, but honestly things are different. I cannot parent her the same way that I would parent another child with a different background (and I'm not talking Chinese here). That's a fact. One that we are well aware of, even though others tend to forget. Would I like to forget? Yes and no. Yes, because it makes me sad that she hasn't been with us since birth. But, no, because it is part of who she is.
We realized this week that us leaving her to go to sleep on her own in her bed was only feeding into her fears. When I was sitting in the doctors office those weeks ago, I literally started crying when he told me we had to stop rocking and I honestly did not know why I was--other than I knew that was not the answer. But, having discussed things with some other parents this week, I've been able to put words to my feelings. The sleep doctor completely ignored the fact that we are missing information about her beginnings. Honestly, that's a huge piece of the puzzle that is missing--and it's not a few pieces from the edge of the puzzle, but right smack dab in the middle of it. We cannot get an accurate picture without that very large piece. That's what was bothering me in the doctor's office. That's what was bothering me about letting her fall asleep on her own. That's what has been wrong with what we are doing.
I cannot tell you the peace that I felt (well, after I calmed down a little) when we discussed it further. This felt right. For both of us.
So, what we're doing with Megan right now is what Megan needs. All advice on how we're spoiling her or letting her control us or whatever, you can keep to yourself. Unless you've parented an adopted child who has experienced trauma, you are probably don't understand and that's okay.
Megan has made great strides developmentally and physically which makes it easy to forget about her pre-American life. But, it is part of who she is and it cannot be neglected. You may disagree with me, but honestly things are different. I cannot parent her the same way that I would parent another child with a different background (and I'm not talking Chinese here). That's a fact. One that we are well aware of, even though others tend to forget. Would I like to forget? Yes and no. Yes, because it makes me sad that she hasn't been with us since birth. But, no, because it is part of who she is.
We realized this week that us leaving her to go to sleep on her own in her bed was only feeding into her fears. When I was sitting in the doctors office those weeks ago, I literally started crying when he told me we had to stop rocking and I honestly did not know why I was--other than I knew that was not the answer. But, having discussed things with some other parents this week, I've been able to put words to my feelings. The sleep doctor completely ignored the fact that we are missing information about her beginnings. Honestly, that's a huge piece of the puzzle that is missing--and it's not a few pieces from the edge of the puzzle, but right smack dab in the middle of it. We cannot get an accurate picture without that very large piece. That's what was bothering me in the doctor's office. That's what was bothering me about letting her fall asleep on her own. That's what has been wrong with what we are doing.
I cannot tell you the peace that I felt (well, after I calmed down a little) when we discussed it further. This felt right. For both of us.
So, what we're doing with Megan right now is what Megan needs. All advice on how we're spoiling her or letting her control us or whatever, you can keep to yourself. Unless you've parented an adopted child who has experienced trauma, you are probably don't understand and that's okay.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It's been determined
We are in agreement that we are abandoning the fall asleep on her own process we've tried. We've received some new information today that makes us realize this is much bigger (as I have always thought it was). Once I can go through it all to be able to adequately explain our thinking/findings, I will post an update.
Until then, my heart is literally broken...and I'm overwhelmed with the possibilities for her troubles.
Until then, my heart is literally broken...and I'm overwhelmed with the possibilities for her troubles.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sleep
...is seriously lacking at house. Today is day 11 of this new system. And honestly, things are no different now than they were before we changed it. It's taking her at least an hour to go to sleep every time. Nap time (if she even takes one, which she didn't again on Saturday. Well, she slept for 20 min in the car if that counts) is 5 minutes of rocking to drowsy, put her in bed and she walks and laughs and sits up and talks. We leave the room, she stands up and cries. Sometimes throws her paci and dolly then is mad that she doesn't have either one of them. Hm, wonder why that is? Bed time is worse. I don't usually leave the room at bedtime b/c it makes her not sleep well...meaning on the days I leave the room at nap time, she usually wakes up exactly 40 minutes after she goes to sleep. I can't take that chance with bedtime, so I just sit there--bored out of my mind, wishing, praying and dreaming she would lay still long enough to go to sleep. I rock for about 20 minutes...she's typically a little drowsy (not as drowsy at naptime, though)...then I give her kiss and put her in bed. I'll pat her tummy (and/or back as she rolls to and fro) for a few minutes, then I sit down next to the crib. She stands up, walks around, sits up, lays down, rolls around, crawls around, talks, claps her hands, rubs her eyes, I mean everything and anything. Last night I put my hand in her crib and that seemed to keep her laying down longer, but didn't impact her going to sleep any faster despite being e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d. We started rocking at 7pm, she didn't fall asleep until 840. Ridiculous.
Maybe I'm crazy...or maybe I'm wanting to be right (I usually am, you know! lol). But, there is something wrong. By this point in the game, it should be easier. We have NOT rocked her to sleep (well, I did cheat a little yesterday at naptime and she slept 2.5hrs!). She's still waking up during the night. Last night was awake from 3-4am. She finally fell asleep, started crying at 415am. I went in and comforted her (I picked her up b/c she was not stopping by simply patting her), she went right back to sleep when I laid her down. I thought FORSURE she'd sleep until at least 6am (which would have only been 8.3 hrs). Nope. Awake crying again at 5am. Wouldn't go back to sleep. That's not even 7.5 hrs. She was crabby, crying (b/c I was laughing at how cute her "where is" game is! It took her quite a while to stop, too!), fussy--all the behaviors of an overly tired child. I did take her to school today (FOR MY OWN SANITY!). The plan was (and is, I guess) to have her take a nap there. It could go really well--b/c she's so tired--or really badly--where she'll go to bed early and hopefully easily. My problem is that her regular teacher isn't there today (and I thought she was going to be), so that concerns me a bit. But, whatever sleep she gets, she gets. And we'll deal with the behavior when she gets home at 2pm. DH comes home around 4pm, so that's only a few hours of me running solo.
I am a millisecond away from calling the doctor to say, this is NOT working. But, we go back in 10 days and maybe things will change by then. I was thinking while I was sitting in there last night maybe she is waiting for DH to come in and rock her since I've been the one putting her down every time since day 1. My thinking was that I could confidentially tell the doctor that we had kept things the same every night and still no go. But, I think he might try tonight and see if that helps. I don't know...I'm grabbing at straws here, and figure it doesn't hurt to try!
Maybe I'm crazy...or maybe I'm wanting to be right (I usually am, you know! lol). But, there is something wrong. By this point in the game, it should be easier. We have NOT rocked her to sleep (well, I did cheat a little yesterday at naptime and she slept 2.5hrs!). She's still waking up during the night. Last night was awake from 3-4am. She finally fell asleep, started crying at 415am. I went in and comforted her (I picked her up b/c she was not stopping by simply patting her), she went right back to sleep when I laid her down. I thought FORSURE she'd sleep until at least 6am (which would have only been 8.3 hrs). Nope. Awake crying again at 5am. Wouldn't go back to sleep. That's not even 7.5 hrs. She was crabby, crying (b/c I was laughing at how cute her "where is" game is! It took her quite a while to stop, too!), fussy--all the behaviors of an overly tired child. I did take her to school today (FOR MY OWN SANITY!). The plan was (and is, I guess) to have her take a nap there. It could go really well--b/c she's so tired--or really badly--where she'll go to bed early and hopefully easily. My problem is that her regular teacher isn't there today (and I thought she was going to be), so that concerns me a bit. But, whatever sleep she gets, she gets. And we'll deal with the behavior when she gets home at 2pm. DH comes home around 4pm, so that's only a few hours of me running solo.
I am a millisecond away from calling the doctor to say, this is NOT working. But, we go back in 10 days and maybe things will change by then. I was thinking while I was sitting in there last night maybe she is waiting for DH to come in and rock her since I've been the one putting her down every time since day 1. My thinking was that I could confidentially tell the doctor that we had kept things the same every night and still no go. But, I think he might try tonight and see if that helps. I don't know...I'm grabbing at straws here, and figure it doesn't hurt to try!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Stuff
Standard look when outside...run, run, run!
Loves being outside!Things are insanely busy around here...crazy busy....absurd...can I get off the ride now? Anyways...sleep this week...well, she has put herself to sleep all week...but taking AT LEAST 1 hr every time (including naps). Not going to sleep until 845 almost every night...still up at 5am. Not typically waking up during the night, and if she does, it looks similar to what I posted before. She's averaging 8-8.5 hrs of sleep a night with 1.5-2hr naps...that means LOTS of fits, temper tantrums, frustration, etc. at our house because she is so tired.
She is such a soft hearted girl....if she thinks it is REMOTELY possible that you are laughing at her, she will burst into tears. It happens a lot more when she is tired..and especially if someone besides DH or I are there and laughing. She still does it for us (like this morning at 530!), but it doesn't happen as much.
We're taking her 2 year photos today...probably taking more this week with her traditional Chinese dress...errands to run, student needs to meet (and soon major projects to grade), house to clean, laundry to do, bags to pack, b-day party to plan/prepare for, dog sitter to meet...all before we leave on May 13. Oh boy. My stress level is over the top.
On a side note....a friend of a friend told me about this huge warehouse sale for a local vendor of kids table & chairs, play kitchens, etc. Everything is dirt cheap...seriously...I got this table & 4 chairs for $15 for the table...$2 a chair. They were selling play kitchens for $40. Can't beat those prices! They are new...has a few scruffs, but nothing serious. Yet another "birthday present" for our Sweets (and I need to stop shopping)!
She is such a soft hearted girl....if she thinks it is REMOTELY possible that you are laughing at her, she will burst into tears. It happens a lot more when she is tired..and especially if someone besides DH or I are there and laughing. She still does it for us (like this morning at 530!), but it doesn't happen as much.
We're taking her 2 year photos today...probably taking more this week with her traditional Chinese dress...errands to run, student needs to meet (and soon major projects to grade), house to clean, laundry to do, bags to pack, b-day party to plan/prepare for, dog sitter to meet...all before we leave on May 13. Oh boy. My stress level is over the top.
On a side note....a friend of a friend told me about this huge warehouse sale for a local vendor of kids table & chairs, play kitchens, etc. Everything is dirt cheap...seriously...I got this table & 4 chairs for $15 for the table...$2 a chair. They were selling play kitchens for $40. Can't beat those prices! They are new...has a few scruffs, but nothing serious. Yet another "birthday present" for our Sweets (and I need to stop shopping)!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Drapes
(Sleep update post below)
I made Megan light blocking drapes this weekend. They honestly were easy. It was more a matter of finding the floor space to lay it all out, sew the sides together, turn right sides out, finish off the top. I made the valances she had in her room, but they were super simple. This was a bit more difficult since they are lined, but really not that bad. I could see in my head what I needed to do...and was confident I could do it. Mrs. Hemple (my high school home ec teacher) would have been proud!
I made Megan light blocking drapes this weekend. They honestly were easy. It was more a matter of finding the floor space to lay it all out, sew the sides together, turn right sides out, finish off the top. I made the valances she had in her room, but they were super simple. This was a bit more difficult since they are lined, but really not that bad. I could see in my head what I needed to do...and was confident I could do it. Mrs. Hemple (my high school home ec teacher) would have been proud!
Pin right sides together...
Sewing the 2 right sides together on 3 sides(leaving the top open to flip it right side out)
Making the seam look finished
Ironing the seam flat
the finished product!I'm very happy with them...And I've made my seamstress mom proud, too (I think!). I even had my wits about me to make sure the pattern was going the same direction! I actually was impressed with myself that I thought to check! And I would have been SO MAD had I not done it "right". I did break 2 needles...and thank goodness Grandma V saved the day and gave me some more so I could get them done Sunday morning....otherwise I would have had to finish them up today while Megan was at school. And wouldn't you know it...I didn't break ONE NEEDLE on the 2nd one. Go figure!
Aunt Katie is happy that Megan's room finally is "girly"...I was wishing I could get the fabric with the yellow background, but they did not have enough in the store. I had Megan with me, so I had to make quick decisions (that's not usually like me when it comes to fabric). Besides, the store I went to did not have a whole lot of kid prints that would work in her room, so it made the choices easy. I got the material here. If you are looking for high quality fabric at a reasonable price, you should check them out. I paid less than the cost of one room darkening blind for the material...and I have over a yard left over. But go in with an idea of what you want...because they have oodles and oodles of options. It's almost overwhelming! Many of the area's interior designers go here...that should tell you something!
Weekend Changes
Well, we did it. Megan was up at 3:30 on Friday morning, so I just decided to go ahead and start the "no rocking to sleep" thing since I wasn't even sure she would fall asleep in the rocker anyways. Friday nap went fine, I told her when we sat in the rocker that we would rock for a little bit then she'd sleep in her bed. I rocked until she was drowsy (like 2 minutes!), laid her in her bed. She opened her eyes and looked at me, then rolled over and was out...when she woke up fussing, I simply gave her a kiss, told her it was still sleepy time and laid her back down. She woke up I think 2 times that afternoon, but went right back to sleep both times and slept for over 2 hrs. YEAH! But I wasn't worried about nap time!
Friday night, we started bedtime around 730. She wasn't really that crabby and was playing so we just waited a little while. We did our usual bedtime routine, then we told her that since she as going to go to sleep in her bed like a big girl and that she could sleep with dolly. (We've not let her sleep dolly for several months b/c if she woke up during the night she just wanted to play with dolly!) So, we rocked for a few minutes (this was my mistake, I should have rocked for at least 10-15) then I put her in her bed. I sat next to the bed and shushed until she went to sleep. She sat up and walked around in her bed. I only laid her back down the first time she sat up or if she touched me (only a few times). Otherwise, I completely ignored her, had my eyes closed (but peeking!) and shushed. It took almost 90 minutes, and she was asleep. I honestly didn't think that was too bad!!! I don't think she woke up during the night...or if she did it, a little shushing is all she needed and she was out. I think she woke up at 430 or something like that. I did shush her for a little while, when it was clear she wasn't going to sleep, I told her I was going to go to sleep. She could either sleep in her bed or play in her bed, but it was still sleepy time and left the room. She cried...I waited for her to take a break from crying and I went in and sang our "good morning" song (which she dances to).
Saturday nap went fine again. No problems. She slept 2.5 hrs without a peep the entire time. Saturday night, we did the same thing, told her she was going to go to sleep in her bed like a big girl...she got to sleep with dolly b/c she's a big girl...I rocked for about 15 minutes--she was getting quite comfortable and close to being asleep. I got up and put her in bed...she immediately jumped up...it took 2 hrs before she completely crashed. Starting at 130, she was crying in her sleep off and on...at 230, she was beginning to get up on her knees (she was crying) as I entered her room, but then dropped right back down and was asleep. So she must have been having bad dreams, I don't know, because she was NOT awake. She woke up at 5am. I did the same morning thing I did before.
Sunday nap was a nightmare. Seriously. I rocked for a few minutes, she was almost asleep, I put her down, she rolled over and immediately sat up. I thought, oh crap, on the day I have to leave in 30 minutes (and I wasn't ready to go, yet), she decided to do this. So, after 10 minutes of me being in there...I got DH and he took over (he had not been doing any of the new sleep routine b/c it just wouldn't work). Well, after 90 minutes of trying...he gave up. (I would have too!) And, honestly, I was so glad to not be home that afternoon!!! She survived (barely) until 6pm when we went ahead and finished our bedtime routine. I rocked and she was asleep in less than a minute. Heck, she was almost sleep while she was drinking her milk! Didn't hear a peep from her until 220. Then she was trying and trying and trying to go back to sleep. Finally at about 330 I picked her up and snuggled with her for a few minutes. I laid her back down, then she realized dolly was in her bed (she hadn't even noticed we put her in there after she went to sleep). She grabbed dolly, snuggled with her and drifted off to sleep at 4am. She slept until 625am! Oh my gosh! I couldn't believe it! I immediately went in singing our Good Morning song. Of course her getting up "so late" (lol) meant our morning routine was shot to heck b/c she had school today. Oh well, we worked it out...and she got to school on time.
We'll see how nap time goes today...I am going to make some adjustments. I made her light blocking drapes (photos in another post) and I think the fact that her room on Sunday was SO DARK at nap time was disturbing to her. Today I'm going to leave one cracked open until she's asleep, then close it. We'll see. She's probably going to be pretty tired from school today, so that should help.
Friday night, we started bedtime around 730. She wasn't really that crabby and was playing so we just waited a little while. We did our usual bedtime routine, then we told her that since she as going to go to sleep in her bed like a big girl and that she could sleep with dolly. (We've not let her sleep dolly for several months b/c if she woke up during the night she just wanted to play with dolly!) So, we rocked for a few minutes (this was my mistake, I should have rocked for at least 10-15) then I put her in her bed. I sat next to the bed and shushed until she went to sleep. She sat up and walked around in her bed. I only laid her back down the first time she sat up or if she touched me (only a few times). Otherwise, I completely ignored her, had my eyes closed (but peeking!) and shushed. It took almost 90 minutes, and she was asleep. I honestly didn't think that was too bad!!! I don't think she woke up during the night...or if she did it, a little shushing is all she needed and she was out. I think she woke up at 430 or something like that. I did shush her for a little while, when it was clear she wasn't going to sleep, I told her I was going to go to sleep. She could either sleep in her bed or play in her bed, but it was still sleepy time and left the room. She cried...I waited for her to take a break from crying and I went in and sang our "good morning" song (which she dances to).
Saturday nap went fine again. No problems. She slept 2.5 hrs without a peep the entire time. Saturday night, we did the same thing, told her she was going to go to sleep in her bed like a big girl...she got to sleep with dolly b/c she's a big girl...I rocked for about 15 minutes--she was getting quite comfortable and close to being asleep. I got up and put her in bed...she immediately jumped up...it took 2 hrs before she completely crashed. Starting at 130, she was crying in her sleep off and on...at 230, she was beginning to get up on her knees (she was crying) as I entered her room, but then dropped right back down and was asleep. So she must have been having bad dreams, I don't know, because she was NOT awake. She woke up at 5am. I did the same morning thing I did before.
Sunday nap was a nightmare. Seriously. I rocked for a few minutes, she was almost asleep, I put her down, she rolled over and immediately sat up. I thought, oh crap, on the day I have to leave in 30 minutes (and I wasn't ready to go, yet), she decided to do this. So, after 10 minutes of me being in there...I got DH and he took over (he had not been doing any of the new sleep routine b/c it just wouldn't work). Well, after 90 minutes of trying...he gave up. (I would have too!) And, honestly, I was so glad to not be home that afternoon!!! She survived (barely) until 6pm when we went ahead and finished our bedtime routine. I rocked and she was asleep in less than a minute. Heck, she was almost sleep while she was drinking her milk! Didn't hear a peep from her until 220. Then she was trying and trying and trying to go back to sleep. Finally at about 330 I picked her up and snuggled with her for a few minutes. I laid her back down, then she realized dolly was in her bed (she hadn't even noticed we put her in there after she went to sleep). She grabbed dolly, snuggled with her and drifted off to sleep at 4am. She slept until 625am! Oh my gosh! I couldn't believe it! I immediately went in singing our Good Morning song. Of course her getting up "so late" (lol) meant our morning routine was shot to heck b/c she had school today. Oh well, we worked it out...and she got to school on time.
We'll see how nap time goes today...I am going to make some adjustments. I made her light blocking drapes (photos in another post) and I think the fact that her room on Sunday was SO DARK at nap time was disturbing to her. Today I'm going to leave one cracked open until she's asleep, then close it. We'll see. She's probably going to be pretty tired from school today, so that should help.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Growing up..oh, and sleep update
Megan is growing up so much! Let's see the newest things she's up to:
Sleep update
We met with the sleep specialist yesterday. He asked a lot of questions...I likely did not answer them in a very organized fashion. Thank goodness I had my wits about me and took some things for Megan to do...not nearly enough, though. Seriously...we were at a CHILDREN's hospital...meeting with a PEDIATRIC doctor...and there was NOT ONE indication in the room that children were welcome there. I had brought a few of Megan's favorite small toys, but since we were in there an hour, she got bored very quickly. She only had an hour nap (never good) and she could have slept much longer, but the day just did not go like it was "supposed" to. Oh well, she survived.
So, what did he say? Well, he wants us to start by not rocking her to sleep. We can still rock her to drowsy, but not to sleep. He does NOT want us to withhold comfort to her (aka cry it out) and he has no problem with us being in the room while she goes to sleep (if she needs it), just not rocking. He commented that like so many adults who need the radio on, the tv on or some other 'thing' to help them fall asleep, he believes Megan needs rocking. So, starting Friday night (oh joy!) we are going to begin the transition. I fully expect a couple of really long bedtimes...but the nights should be fine. Most nights lately, we have not needed to rock her during the night. Well, I haven't. DH & I are spliting the nights and he tends to rock more often than I do...I usually try to shush for at least 15 minutes before resorting to rocking. Usually, that works, but not always.
I am not sure how I feel about the direction we are going here. I've been saying for the last several weeks that I felt like Megan was wanting a change in bedtime...but I wasn't sure what that was...so we'll see how it works. Will I love being able to rock for 10 or 15 minutes, then put her in her bed to go to sleep?! Um, YEAH! And I love I don't have to give up the rocking part. The other part of this is that we have another appointment May 6th with him to see how it has worked and if she is still waking up for hours at night. He has also tentative scheduled a sleep study for that night in the event we need it. So, I feel like we haven't been given the "one solution" and sent on our way. That's encouraging. He did say she has a slight obstruction to her airway, but he's not ready to schedule surgery. It could be from her being congested, so hopefully in a month when we go back, that will be cleared up. I still believe she could have sleep apnea, but we'll see how this transition goes...and what happens next month.
As for me...I feel stress just thinking about what all needs to be done in the next month before we got back to SD and this just adds one more thing. Of course, if it means I'll get more sleep, I'm all for that!
- She weighs 26.5lbs (12.2 kgs--she weighed 6.2 when we got referral!) and is 32 inches tall.
- She's interested in letters, colors and symbols on our shirts.
- She loves to help unload the dishwasher.
- She's gotten so tall she can reach up to the counter and pull things off. The bathroom counter is especially difficult to keep things out of her reach!
- She loves to say (and play) "where is?" (as in...where is dolly, who is hiding behind my back?). She plays it with everything...including food at the table.
- She's now eating with silverware, from plates and bowls and hasn't been throwing the plates, bowls or silverware on the floor
- She's drinking from a cup (kind of), but still won't drink from a straw, but loves to chew on them!
- She's talking more...I mean, babbling more. Her favorites right now are "bah-bah-bah" followed closely by "whoa-whoa-whoa" and "es-yah" (don't know).
- She's mimicking us a lot, which is fun--in a good way.
- She's loves to stomp her feet and then expects you to do it too.
- She loves to play with her scooter--which means she loves to push it around. When she wants it to turn, she's picks it up and slams it down moving it to the right and left until she gets it going into the direction she wants it to go in. It really is funny!
- You never know where you might find her rocking horse in the house. She pushes it all over...it's been known to be my bedroom closet, the bathroom, the kitchen, her bedroom or the office. It's always a surprise!
- She's really gotten into coloring, drawing and writing. Whenever we color, she digs in the color box until she finds a red color...and refuses to try any other one. She can draw and flip through her color book (and scribble on random pages) for literally 45 minutes. It's actually kind of nice!
Sleep update
We met with the sleep specialist yesterday. He asked a lot of questions...I likely did not answer them in a very organized fashion. Thank goodness I had my wits about me and took some things for Megan to do...not nearly enough, though. Seriously...we were at a CHILDREN's hospital...meeting with a PEDIATRIC doctor...and there was NOT ONE indication in the room that children were welcome there. I had brought a few of Megan's favorite small toys, but since we were in there an hour, she got bored very quickly. She only had an hour nap (never good) and she could have slept much longer, but the day just did not go like it was "supposed" to. Oh well, she survived.
So, what did he say? Well, he wants us to start by not rocking her to sleep. We can still rock her to drowsy, but not to sleep. He does NOT want us to withhold comfort to her (aka cry it out) and he has no problem with us being in the room while she goes to sleep (if she needs it), just not rocking. He commented that like so many adults who need the radio on, the tv on or some other 'thing' to help them fall asleep, he believes Megan needs rocking. So, starting Friday night (oh joy!) we are going to begin the transition. I fully expect a couple of really long bedtimes...but the nights should be fine. Most nights lately, we have not needed to rock her during the night. Well, I haven't. DH & I are spliting the nights and he tends to rock more often than I do...I usually try to shush for at least 15 minutes before resorting to rocking. Usually, that works, but not always.
I am not sure how I feel about the direction we are going here. I've been saying for the last several weeks that I felt like Megan was wanting a change in bedtime...but I wasn't sure what that was...so we'll see how it works. Will I love being able to rock for 10 or 15 minutes, then put her in her bed to go to sleep?! Um, YEAH! And I love I don't have to give up the rocking part. The other part of this is that we have another appointment May 6th with him to see how it has worked and if she is still waking up for hours at night. He has also tentative scheduled a sleep study for that night in the event we need it. So, I feel like we haven't been given the "one solution" and sent on our way. That's encouraging. He did say she has a slight obstruction to her airway, but he's not ready to schedule surgery. It could be from her being congested, so hopefully in a month when we go back, that will be cleared up. I still believe she could have sleep apnea, but we'll see how this transition goes...and what happens next month.
As for me...I feel stress just thinking about what all needs to be done in the next month before we got back to SD and this just adds one more thing. Of course, if it means I'll get more sleep, I'm all for that!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter
Pretty dress...
Don't even ask me why I chose that dress for Easter.I hate that dress...and really realized it when I got to church.
Consequently, after getting washed, it's going in the giveaway pile.
We had a very busy Easter weekend. I was supposed to grade papers...but between running a whole bunch of errands on Saturday morning while DH worked to the impromptu Easter party Megan & I attended at the neighbor's on Saturday afternoon, the weekend zoomed past and I got only one paper graded. Oh well, I'll be busy while Megan is at school today.
Speaking of school, she is going today...through lunch, then I'll pick her up, change her clothes and we'll leave for our Pediatric sleep specialist appointment (FINALLY!). I'm leaving about 45 minutes (or maybe more) earlier than I need to...but since it's right in the middle of nap time, I figure I'll just drive around a little so she can sleep. And if I'm lucky, she'll sleep in the car when we get there and I won't have to drive too much extra...and can simply park. That's what I'm hoping, actually. I'll post more on it when we get back.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
photos & video
A few photos from this week...
My little helper...and beginning to not feel well
Here's short clip of the princess dancing. She even was dancing at school this week during music time! Speaking of school, she's been doing really well...loves to see her teacher...yells "HI" as soon as she sees her and doesn't cry when I leave. I've been picking her up between 11am-11:45am depending on what time she wakes up that morning and how tired she is. We are still getting up in the 4 o'clock hour--we had hoped that the time change would help her sleep until 5am, but that hasn't helped.
My little helper...and beginning to not feel well
Here's short clip of the princess dancing. She even was dancing at school this week during music time! Speaking of school, she's been doing really well...loves to see her teacher...yells "HI" as soon as she sees her and doesn't cry when I leave. I've been picking her up between 11am-11:45am depending on what time she wakes up that morning and how tired she is. We are still getting up in the 4 o'clock hour--we had hoped that the time change would help her sleep until 5am, but that hasn't helped.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sleep
Could this be Megan's problem? Sleep Apnea? I think it might be. The description pretty much describes what a typical night looks like for us: restless sleep, frequent wake ups, stops breathing for periods of time longer than 10 seconds, overtired child which causes frustration, irritability and behavior problems (at our house it's hitting, which she does when she's tired--oh, wait, that's ALL the time!). I really noticed the breathing this morning.
She was awake at 10:30, 12:50, 1:50, 2:50 (we rocked that time...I fell asleep in the rocker), 4:10 then "for the day" at 4:45 despite still being tired and not hardly able to keep her eyes open. She didn't go to sleep until after 8pm either. That's less than 9 hours last night. ugh.
Treatment for sleep apnea in toddlers is a CPAP machine (if the problem is blockage), if the problem is the brain failing to send the breathing signal, CPAP machine doesn't work so I'm not sure what the treatment is for that.
Counting down the weeks until we see the sleep specialist. Only 5 weeks!
She was awake at 10:30, 12:50, 1:50, 2:50 (we rocked that time...I fell asleep in the rocker), 4:10 then "for the day" at 4:45 despite still being tired and not hardly able to keep her eyes open. She didn't go to sleep until after 8pm either. That's less than 9 hours last night. ugh.
Treatment for sleep apnea in toddlers is a CPAP machine (if the problem is blockage), if the problem is the brain failing to send the breathing signal, CPAP machine doesn't work so I'm not sure what the treatment is for that.
Counting down the weeks until we see the sleep specialist. Only 5 weeks!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Megan's Sleep...
This morning I've been doing some internet "research" to determine what's out there that describes Megan's sleep pattern. I found this question that pretty much describes what we deal with regularly. Dr. Greene's response is to contact a sleep specialist to determine what the underlying reasons are for their waking up at night. Done that.
I've considered melatonin. I was seriously considering it this morning at 3am when she was still awake after being awake for an hour (25 minutes in her bed, 35 min in the rocker), then woke up when I laid her in her crib (she laid there for 5 minutes rolling around, until I finally just picked her back up and rocked her again). But, in the research I've done this morning, I'm not sure melatonin would work. She doesn't really have a problem falling asleep, it's staying asleep that's the problem. Besides, most of what I've found does not recommend melatonin for kids--there has been very little research on the potential long term effects. There have been a few studies done on kids with brain issues as they do not produce adequate amounts of melatonin. So, I'm not sure.
I just have to wonder if she is processing subconsciously. It's been a year since referral...it's almost been a year since Megan was placed with us. So, could there be some processing going on in her little mind? I don't know, but I do wonder.
I've considered melatonin. I was seriously considering it this morning at 3am when she was still awake after being awake for an hour (25 minutes in her bed, 35 min in the rocker), then woke up when I laid her in her crib (she laid there for 5 minutes rolling around, until I finally just picked her back up and rocked her again). But, in the research I've done this morning, I'm not sure melatonin would work. She doesn't really have a problem falling asleep, it's staying asleep that's the problem. Besides, most of what I've found does not recommend melatonin for kids--there has been very little research on the potential long term effects. There have been a few studies done on kids with brain issues as they do not produce adequate amounts of melatonin. So, I'm not sure.
I just have to wonder if she is processing subconsciously. It's been a year since referral...it's almost been a year since Megan was placed with us. So, could there be some processing going on in her little mind? I don't know, but I do wonder.
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