A Guide to Trial and Error Parenting

That is likely to be the title of my first book I write. These past 4 months have been wonderful, but no doubt filled with the new challenges of parenting. In preparation for motherhood I read lots of books, mostly about sleeping, checked out lots of baby websites, and talked to lots of friends about their experiences with their own children. But after four months, I am again reminded that parenting, atleast at this stage in her life, is all about trial and error. Let's reflect on the last week, because everyone has a different opinion as to what the deal really is.

Bella FINALLY began sleeping through the night, three straights days in a row, 1o hours each! But then I introduced rice, the time changed, and since then she has woken up at least 2 times a night! And while I was use to the midnight wake ups, one time a night had been her routine and quickly falling back to sleep was her response to a quick feeding and cuddle. But this last week she has laid in her bed for hours, literally, barely making a peep, but instead staring wide eyed at the monitor. The first night I noticed this, she did it for 2 1/2 hours straight! This was not like her AT ALL! And though she wasn't crying, knowing that our baby was lying in bed wide awake meant I was lying in my bed wide awake (thanks to video monitors, ugh!).

I finally decided it must be the rice, after doing some research on the internet, so I stopped the rice on Thursday. But then I thought about it, and figured it could be a growth spurt, remembering what I read in one of my books, since she is wanting to eat a bit more. But then I spoke with a friend, and decided it MUST be teething, since her gums where her eye teeth are were all swollen and showing signs of a break through.

In the end, I still don't know what single thing it is, and maybe it is a collection of things that have occurred. All I know is that this guess and check game of parenting can be exhausting if you think too much about it. So in the end, I am going to enjoy our little girl, the challenges of parenting, and the little bit of sleep Drew and I are getting at night. We are grateful for the path God has laid for us and accept any challenges He may throw our way. Because SHE is totally worth it! But I can't deny we do look forward to wake-free nights in the future.

Now if I could only find the time to write that book...