We must be dealing with teething. There is no other explanation for the severe lack of sleep. Lewis keeps waking frequently, screaming, and staying awake for hours.

I have always said I don’t mind waking up once a night, as long as it isn’t for hours on end. But that’s exactly what is happening lately…. and I’m pooped!

I just don’t know what the kid needs. Tylenol helps a little, but he’s had some and he is still awake and angry. If it is teething, it’s molar time. So maybe tylenol just dulls the pain instead of taking it away entirely?

I’ve tried singing, rocking, bouncing, new diaper, playing lullabies on my phone, swaying, rubbing his back, rubbing his belly, stroking his hair, holding him a million ways, shushing, and as a very last resort I have even let him have night feedings back (sigh… when will we be done breastfeeding??).

He still screams.

And then somewhere between 1 and 3 hours after he initially wakes up, he zonks for a couple hours until it is time to start screaming again.

Silver lining in all of this: I have gotten better at keeping my temper under control. How? By reminding myself to practice empathy, and that he is in pain and needs me – it isn’t about how I feel about being awake, it is about helping him with what is clearly distressing to him.

It is very challenging when he is thrashing around so badly I can hardly hold onto him and screaming so badly he turns purple… but I have manged to avoid getting super tense, swearing, and crying for the most part. I wish I could say that staying more relaxed and focused on him has helped kiddo fall back asleep quicker, but that would be a lie. But at least I don’t feel like such a terrible parent for cussing in my frustration. It is a small victory… but an important one.

On that note, it has been an hour and a half this time around, and I think he’s asleep. Please wish me luck with the crib transfer. He looks like such a peaceful angel now that he is asleep, and he really needs the rest. Stay asleep, little buddy.