I had to share. This is beautiful. For the sake of my sanity I welcome you into bed with me as you snuggle to my side and melt into the shape of me in the dark. Sanity comes from understanding. It comes from knowing that sleeplessness does not need to be angry or short-tempered. It can be slow and snuggly. Sleeplessness does not need to be frustrating. It can be warm and fuzzy and naps can be found while your brothers play in their gated-off room while I snooze with you in the afternoon sunshine. Sanity comes from letting go of unrealistic expectations and finding joy wherever it can be found. I do not feel that it is sane to allow you to cry alone. I do not feel that it is sane to ignore the only language that you have for expressing your needs. I do not feel that it is sane to expect you to soothe yourself now or at any point in your early childhood. I do not feel that it is sane to expect you to learn positive things in a vacuum while you are upset and frantic. Right now you need me for reasons you are not able to explain. I do not feel that it would be sane for me, as a mother, to ignore the needs of my child when I have the ability to meet them. For me, sanity comes from knowing that all of my children are content, cared for, and knowing that they understand that they are safe and loved. Sleep is lovely, of course. But I won’t take sleep in trade for sanity. For the sake of their sanity, some will choose to have their babies cry it out. For the sake of MY sanity, I will wait it out. From now through the end of your need.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 20:34:29 +0000