January 11, 2007: A new dawn is coming. (Maybe.)
We've had a series of firsts. The walking of course, then he sprouted a tiny ridge on his lower jaw: his first tooth came through, then there was a lot of fever and a heavy cough (nothing major, very "common" cold, still quite upsetting), then he learned how to wave - well, it's more a regal elevating of the hand at the right moment and - he may be, possibly, - I don't want to jinx it - on his way of learning to sleep through the night!
I like nine months. So many things come together, there is even less crying than before and communication starts, even if sparse. Ivan seems right on track with all his developments, maybe a little ahead on the walking part. At his check up he was 18 lbs/8.1 kg (15th percentile) and 29 7/8 inches/75.8 cm (70th percentile). He only gained one pound in three months, which is a little confusing to me as Noni used to be a chunk and I'm not feeding him any less, but he is obviously developing well so I'm not concerned - neither was the doctor. He said it's genetics. He'll just be a skinny tall guy, and who doesn't like that? Remember Jimmy Stewart? Wasn't he adorable? So there.
We went on vacation over New Year's and his sleeping was less than stellar. It was... less. He almost went home with the grandparents, he was this close. When we got home the cough he had gotten from Veronika got worse and he spiked a high fever, just when I was determined to teach him how to stay asleep. He had cried so much that night and I was trying to be firm, so when I noticed the fever I felt pretty bad. But then again, it was 3 am and we both had barely slept, how alert can I be? We went to the doctor, who declared it was viral and to give lots of Tylenol. So I did, but at the next appointment they found an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics which I could give him if I wanted to I was told. After 3 days of fever I wanted to. I gave him one dose and he took a nap and after that it was all gone. Now, why am I being so detailed? Because before all that I gave him a lot of Tylenol Flu which has antihistamine in it and puts him right out, so he wasn't waking up much at night what from the drug and the fever. It was nice, I can't lie... and secretly I was hoping maybe that Tylenol would teach my kid how to sleep, because all he needs is to get into a routine (the doctor said!), so his brain sticks with it. Well, I stopped the Tylenol when he got better because I do have a conscience, but oh, miracle of miracles, I would put him to sleep and sometimes he would fuss and cry but not for long... The last few days he cried and went back to sleep with barely any help and last night... last night! He woke up 3 times total during the entire night and every time went back to sleep on his own, I didn't even move a finger or said a word. I did not leave my bed all night! I didn't even nurse him that one last feeding at 10 pm. This is a big deal. We've tried so many things (nightweaning, having Lincoln pick him up instead of me, not picking up, holding hands, feeding, not feeding...) and I know that ultimately age is what really makes a difference, but really, 9 months is a long long time to be chronically sleep deprived. I'm not talking waking up once or twice a night, but 3, 4, 5 times and each time being up from 10 - 20 minutes to 45, 60 or 90 minutes.
I don't want to jinx it, but sleeping through the night would be the best 9-month-gift to me ever. Did you hear that, son?
Posted by mama at 10:41 PM