Five things I've learned from being sleep-deprived

I can't tell you the last time I slept for more than 5 hours at a time. Probably before I got pregnant. Seriously. So, about a year and a half. In the past 18 months, I've learned quite a few things about myself. Because I'm SUCH a giving person, I'll share them with you.

1. The most awful thing I've learned is that I can't do math well without sleep. Mental math has always been tough for me, but man, being foggy-headed all the time makes my brain work as well as a TI-83+_with no battery. Thomas eats every three hours. He has since he was born except for the occasional growth spurt or nursing strike. I still have to write the time down so I can remember it and do the math on when he'll be hungry again. It's slightly embarrassing. And more than slightly worrisome.

2. Just because there is a sign and I read it, I may not understand. I find myself triple and quadruple checking restroom signs just to make sure. Even then, I get worried until I'm inside and see the furnishings. I have the same problem with push/pull signs on doors, exit signs on the interstate, and bumper stickers. It's a real problem.

3.  My temper is almost always close to the surface. Let's just say that it's a good thing that I'm not around many people during the day. Poor Matt usually bears the brunt of my rage. Though, I'll admit, I sometimes tell my sweet baby to "get it together, Thomas!" but in a loving tone. Really.

4.  I'm always tired. I haven't gotten used to the lack of sleep yet. I'm pretty certain that there's a tiredness curve. I haven't gotten to the top yet. When does that happen? When will I be used to it? When will I not want to go to bed at 8:00 p.m.? Probably never. I do love to sleep.

5.  I forget things. Things that happened yesterday. Or this morning. Or five minutes ago. I don't remember what I told to whom. Or if I brushed my teeth. Or if I had breakfast. It's sad. I've been trying to do crossword puzzles to help, but I lay them down to take care of something and then can't remember where I put them. This time, the struggle really is real.

Matt and I are working on helping Thomas sleep for longer periods of time. I have full confidence that by the time we all get it mastered, I'll find my book of puzzles and go into the ladies' room without giving a piece of my mind to the restroom attendant who offered to take my coat.

NINE Months!

I think it every time the 6th of the month rolls around, but man, oh man, this time especially. Where has the time gone? Thomas has changed so much in even the past 30 days. He cries now when he gets in trouble or when I tell him that he can't have something. (Sorry, kiddo. I'm never going to let you chew on your daddy's laptop cord.) His face lights up when Matt walks in the door. He doesn't just watch the Roomba do its thing now, but chases it around in his walker. He can play by himself for several minutes before even looking up to see what else is going on. Sometimes, at night, if I'm really lucky, he'll sleep for more than three hours at a time. He's old enough to miss me when I'm gone. I never thought it would happen, but it has. I don't get a "daddy smile and wiggle," but I get a "come and pick me up now look." He only naps twice a day, instead of three times. He eats food! Pureed food, but he eats it! He is all grown up some days and still my baby on others.

He will still curl up in the fetal position when I attack him with the tickle monster. He'll still stare up at me like I hung the moon first thing in the morning when I go pick him up out of his bed. He still wants to sit in my lap to read books instead of sitting on the floor. He still wants to hold my hand when he nurses. His eyelashes are still impossibly long. He still giggles and giggles when I "eat" his hands or feet. He's nine months old, but he's still my baby.

He weighs 19 pounds and 5 ounces. He's 28 inches long. He wears size 3 diapers and 9-12 month clothes. Nine month pants are really too short for him now. With this spring weather, he's been wearing shorts lately!!

He has eaten peas, butternut squash, and sweet potato. He hasn't mastered a sippy cup, but will drink water out of an open cup...

As of his 9-month birthday, he hasn't learned to crawl, but can crawfish like a champ. See below... He doesn't sleep all night long. He still loves being swaddled. Since he isn't rolling around at night, we're leaving him to it. I'm sure that we'll change that soon, but not tonight. My resolve to get him out of the swaddle fluctuates with how tired I am.

Crawfishing! 

Reading in the tub. 

Reaching for his mobile. 

Giving kisses!! He gives them open-mouthed. It's cute and slimy.... 

Look closely at this picture.

 So, let me tell you about that picture just above here. I ran out to get a king cake. I hurriedly brought it in the house and put it on the coffee table that is now used as a barrier between the kitchen and the living room so that Thomas can't "walk" into the living room while I'm tied up in the kitchen. Usually, the coffee table is clean because Thomas is a reacher and a puller. I forgot to move the cake off the table before I put Thomas in his walker. I was washing dishes when I heard the crash. I turned around, saw the scene, laughed, and took a picture. That poor king cake never saw it coming. Ignore the roomba.

It's all smiles and kisses until it isn't. 

Happy Mardi Gras !

 Happy nine months, T-baby!!!!