When Baby Sleeps . . .

“Sleep when baby sleeps!”

Let them sleep, for when they wake they will move mountains.

That suggestion rang in my ears from the moment it was made up until now. It made sense. I knew that momming would come with a side of no sleep at its very onset. This bit of advice was tucked into my back pocket upon reception, only to be stuck in that very spot when I actually needed it.

I tried. Within those first two months, I really did make some attempt at trying to match my nap time with my newborn’s. Once his dad went back to work and I was solo, however, I was a little more diligent about putting it to use. When I did decide to take full advantage of nap time, I’d wake up afterwards looking around the house feeling guilty. My house was a mess! Bottles were not washed. I had no time to read a couple of pages in the book that I started a long time ago. Ultimately, I felt semi-well rested (because sleep is totally different when you become a parent) and unproductive. I actually began resenting this bit of advice anytime I’d here it once I officially became a mom because the truth is . . . AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

What I do have time for is getting my entire life when baby sleeps. So, what do I do when baby sleeps?

Well, it’s a mad dash to clean, sterilize and prepare bottles for the next few feedings. This is followed by taking the quickest and most thorough shower and moisturizing my ever dry skin. Peek over to see if he has, yet, awaken. Nope! Rush to neatly store the overwhelming pile of clean laundry and have some lunch once that’s done. Still sleep? Great! I’ll begin to style my hair for a couple of … seconds …before… its time. First, comes the infamous startle where the blanket flies off of him. Then he opens his eyes in a state of confusion. Once he starts to recognize me, a smile sneaks across his lips only for a short moment. It’s showtime all over again and what have I done? A LOT!

Lesson Learned: When baby sleeps, do but anything sleep.