Sleep Deprivation

When I go back and look through old photos, I realize how sprite and alive Sydney’s parents look. A hot, young, attractive couple full of zest (ok, I indulged in the adjectives there…my modesty once again…haha!). But now, red eyes, shadowed eye-lids, and at times a general dazed and confused look seem to be recurring, perhaps necessary markers of parenthood. Sometimes speaking can even come out in a jumbled mess, as if we are also learning to speak for the first time, too. We may also do random strange things, like try to turn on the TV with the phone, and answer the phone with a TV remote (both of which do not accomplish the intended task).

Perhaps this period of parenting is intentional, to help us understand and empathize with what our children go through. So, if you find me off in a corner with a vacant expression and a trail of drool pooling on my shirt, just realize that it is part of my diligence of wanting to be an active and understanding parent. But, if you smell something not so attractive, please let me know that my parenting has gone beyond the intended limits.

Even with a general lack of sleep, parenting has great rewards. When you think you have no energy and can accomplish no task, Sydney will look at you, crack the biggest smile you have ever seen, and show off her (now many) pearly whites. What could be more perfect than that? It makes any of the sleeplessness and long nights fade away (at least until the next night).

As for Sydney, she has continued to practice her crawling, standing, speaking, and her new found love...reading. Ok, actually mostly she is fascinated with books. This includes opening and turning pages, looking at the pictures, and of course chewing on the pages. As for her crawling, she has certainly succeeding in becoming part of the mobile infantry...get it, mobile 'infant'ry. To all of those booing, just remember I am entitled a few bad puns a year.

Tip #11: Solid Foods

Make sure to use recommended baby foods. Even if you are tempted, please do not blend up a double-cheeseburger and fries for the baby. Just because we like it, doesn’t mean the baby will…or even that he/she will be able to digest it easily. You may pay for it later if you are changing the diaper.