Crazy Lady Report
I figure an update on the day is due before I doze off…
The boys and I had a better than average day through lunch and up to the start of naptime. I was really proud of how well they were doing today. I’ve been talking about this “special day” coming up for a couple of days, when we get to have a really long “mommy date” with just me and them.
Lunch went really well.
We had a last-minute short doctor’s visit that I needed to squeeze in after lunch. That went very well, except for the spectacular shouting match that my boys got into with another boy in the waiting room as I tried to talk to the nurse for 90 seconds. Made quite a scene, and I picked them both up as they were shouting and carried them outof the room. All in a days’ work…
Nap started well, it was very different for both of them but we managed along and I learned some things about what might work or not work in the future. But we weren’t getting to sleep. I didn’t expect it, but I was holding out a sliver of hope that we’d get there eventually. By about 3 we were entering massive meltdown. But by 4, we were all calmed down again. We were still “working on naps” and they were pretending to go to sleep and being fairly happy and playful.
We got through dinner and the evening with average behavior and to to bed 30 minutes early. Got to sleep a full hour earlier than usual! That’s part is awesome.
I’m not sure what all this means, except that we are probably moving to shorter naps and earlier bedtimes overall. If that helps them get to sleep better at night, that will be great.
By the way, the brief doctor’s appointment was to get a blood pressure reading for both boys at the Bellevue Children’s Hospital Clinic. It looks about the same as getting blood pressure taken at any other time, but their equipment is more accurate than most.
Our pediatrician requested this because she is getting ready to perscribe a tiny dose of a blood pressure medication for them — that has a side effect of making them sleepy. This is a less drastic step than getting into anti-anxiety meds and stuff like that. Hope it helps! We just need to keep an eye on their blood pressure and make sure it doesn’t get too low as a result.
I’m so not even proofing this. Hope it makes sense!
Thanks for listening…
Fascinating about the blood pressure medication. I’ve been going back and forth about whether to medicate Jay or not. It’s worked wonders for Jazz, but I can’t say that I know what it would do for Jay. Make him spacey or focused? Who knows.
You are brave to get through the the crucial 2pm-4pm without help. Even atheist parents across the country are crying for God to save them during those hours.
Well done. Go you.
Thank you so much for the update. I’m so glad you made it through reasonable well and feel like you learned some things along the way.
It sounds like a fairly “normal” day…believe it or not it sounds a lot like my home some days. And I only have one. The nap time thing I can relate to …I think Danny is starting to have less of them now. I am very proud to know you and all you are doing with these little guys! They are very special and have special people with them!! Just keep up the good work and you will be glad you did in the future when they are doctors, lawyers, scientist(…whatever they want to be) and they can take care of you!! LOL
This week, I have had amazing luck with a dollar store flashlight. It probably won’t work next week, but VJ has been going down for nap and bed with his flashlight in hand.
It may not work for two boys - they would probably become light sabres or drums - but he has learned to click on/click off, and stays in there till he falls asleep.
The weeks prior were getting uglier by the day - and he is only 20 months old! (LORD give me strength.. and endurance!)
g
Naomi,
I found your blog via Sarah’s. We’ve had many similarities in our parenting journeys, although I haven’t had the extent of medical needs. My babies are now 9 and 10. I know SPD. We’ve actually been to the fireworks twice. Still stay home for Christmas. But the sleep thing, it has improved. So much that I don’t think about all those evenings in the rocking chair all that often anymore. I’m in Seattle and we stand out at the zoo too; perhaps you’ve noticed us. You and your sweet family have one more person surrounding you in prayer.
I haven’t been here in WAY too long. I loved reading the nap/sleeping/etc. update because I’ve been wondering how all the changes are going.
You can do this. You are doing it. And I won’t say you’re amazing because I know how you hate that.
You’re amazing.
Adderol makes bedtime interresting at our house, but the ability to cope during the day outweighs the difficulties falling to sleep at night. God makes children as cute as they are so we can keep our cool during the 2-4pm time. It was a fabulous plan on His part. Keep at it- you are Mommy! Thank you for sharing your life and heart with us. The last writer is right on…. you are amazing.