To Sleep Per Chance To (Sleep Long Enough To) Dream

Sleep deprivation is nearing an all-time high at our house. Not because we have twins, and not because we have four kids. Because we have CHASE! You would think that after six months things would be getting better, not worse, but that, at the moment, is wishful thinking.

Chase has never been a great sleeper, even from the moment he was born. He startles easily and is constantly looking for the warmth and comfort of strong, cradling arms. This was fine (and even cute) at six pounds, but at 22 pounds plus, it’s backbreaking! He used to only wake up once a night, but now it’s becoming more frequent- like every hour or so- (I’m not sure if it’s teething, gas from new foods or both) and his ability to soothe himself is non-existent. When he awakes, he immediately begins kicking, screaming and flailing around. There is nothing that is subtle about this child. More often than not, the moment he is picked up he nestles in to the crook of your arm and closes his eyes (usually not before flashing you his playful, sparkly smile). BUT the moment you try to lay him down and he realizes he’s free of your embrace, the bedtime song-and-dance starts over. Normally I would not have a problem letting him “cry it out” but Chase and Ella share a room and that last thing I need in the middle of the night when nerves are high and sleep is low is to have TWO screaming babies to tend to and waking up everyone else.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far. I’ve tried moving Chase in to a pack-n-play in the living room and letting him make more noise, but the problem with this, I’ve discovered, is that due to the hard floors, the sound is AMPLIFIED (and Ella’s is the closest bedroom). I also plan to be putting him in his crib MUCH more often during the day to let him “cry it out” in hopes that this training will carry over to the night time, but our house is SO loud during the day, it’s a wonder ANYone can sleep here. I’m thinking about moving Chase in to pack-n-play in our bedroom at night so that when he does cry, at least there’s less chance that Ella wakes up. But of course the trade-off here is that you-know-who then doesn’t sleep, and a grumpy and tired mom is not good for ANYBODY.

So, if you are a mom, have a mom, know a mom or even know OF a mom, I am open to any suggestions on how to improve our sleeping situation. Keep in mind that our house is SMALL (1500 sq. feet), loud (especially during the day) and crowded (so the option to rearrange rooms is limited). But, by all means, share your wisdom, I’m desperate!