It’s been a back-and-forth, up-and-down week. I had a different post scheduled for today, but then I read through a few of my older “mom posts” yesterday and figured today was a good time for some musings on motherhood since Sunday is Mother’s Day.
Yep, this week has been one for the books. Bazooka was so sleep-deprived last week while on vacation, and he slept beautifully over the weekend (too bad we weren’t able to sleep late due to some travels that were totally worth it). This week, however, has been challenging.
I think Bazooka’s going through the 18-month sleep regression, and given that he’s never learned how to fall asleep on his own (except at daycare—apparently they “just put him in his crib” and he magically falls asleep—the sorcery!), it’s been maddening.
He’ll babble and “practice” all the fun words he’s learning (birdie!—up!—ball!—hi! hi! hieeee!) as I rock him to sleep, but then as soon as I put him in the crib, he pops up ready to play.
Mark has been the only one of us able to get him to settle down, and for the last few nights, he’s woken up at 11 or 11:30 and joined us in our bed. He does this sleep-gymnastics where one of us is kicked while the other is head-butted, so ma-ma and da-da are half-functioning zombies this week.
I really hope this is temporary!
Despite the sleep-deprivation, this is such a fun time. Bazooka is curious about everything—especially unplugging the iPhone charger (mama said “no!”). He is giggly and silly and full of the cutest expressions and gestures.
Our new thing is fish face. Every time I make a fish face (you know the face) he just laughs and laughs and then tries to mimic me (of course he can’t quite figure it out).
He is the best at giving hugs! Anytime you ask him “can I have a hug?” he will stop what he’s doing and put his arms around you. We’re still working on kisses—which, right now, are just head-butts. 😉
His favorite place in the world is outside! He loves exploring the patio, climbing the stairs (assisted), pointing up at the trees, and handing me the collection of leaves and sticks he picks up.
Eating is a hell of a challenge. If it weren’t for hummus and Wheat Thins, he would starve. Moms of mythical, vegetable-loving toddlers—do teach me your ways!
I think he’s finally starting to “bulk up” a little bit, too. He’s still tiny (the kid doesn’t even weigh 20 lbs yet—at 18 months!), but he seems…sturdier? He has never been sickly—even when we struggled with the doctor visits and testing, he always gained weight and always had good muscle tone—but I’m ready for some pants that aren’t dependent on functioning drawstrings (you’d be surprised how few baby and toddler pants have real drawstrings—most are just decorative).
I’m really excited for Mother’s Day this year. Not for the gifts (although, if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already seen that I received an early present—a DSLR!!!—that’s less my camera than it is the family camera, but still…), but just to spend time with my family.
My Bazooka—as trying as he is sometimes—has made me a mama. He’s changed my life in ways I’ve never imagined, and I know that each year will get more exciting (and challenging) and memorable.
To all the moms and caregivers out there, thank you! Thank you for the often thankless job you do.
For putting up with us, errr, strong-willed children. For driving us to school and practice and to the mall to buy clothes. For cleaning up after us when we chose not to. For writing us silly notes in our lunchboxes and listening when our hearts were broken. For encouraging us to take that honors class or audition for that play. For always believing in us, and for showing us how to be selfless.
I wouldn’t be the mom I am today if I hadn’t learned from the best. <3 <3 <3
[linking up for thinking out loud]
- If you could thank your mom for one thing today, what would it be? Definitely for putting up with my “attitude”—and encouraging me to be my own person.
- Any tips on surviving the 18-month sleep regression? Being honest, I’m probably just going to drink an extra margarita tonight. 😉
Ellie says
Happy Mothers Day 🙂 If I could thank my mom for one thing, it would be my stubbornness. I used to hate it, but now embrace my ability to go against what I “should” do or what other think the best life is, and just do me. She also taught me how to be frugal and the thrill of finding a sale. I’ll always be thankful for that! Good luck with the kid, when my cats don’t sleep, I feed them and then just sit in a chair until they give up on wanting to play with me.
foodiecology says
Thank you, Ellie. Yes, I agree that stubbornness can be a great thing – as is being frugal (my parents taught me the same).
Your cats sound very similar to my son, haha. Eventually he gives up wanting to play. 😉
Beauty in Christ (@Emily11949309) says
I am incredibly incredibly grateful for my mama, and I am thankful that God gave your little Bazooka such a kind, caring, patient mom. Your job is not thankless, because God sees what you are doing, and He gave you to that little man for a reason. That little man needs you. <3 Keep being his mama.
foodiecology says
Thank you, Emily. Sometimes I question whether I am really “kind” or “patient” but it’s so true that Bazooka has been a huge blessing in my life. He makes me want to be more patient, kind, and just better in general. <3
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
This was such a sweet post, Catherine 🙂 I mean… “I wouldn’t be the mom I am today if I hadn’t learned from the best.” <– hellooooo warm and fuzzy feeling! I think the main thing I'd thank my mom for is how absolutely selfless she was while raising me, and how she always puts others first and does her best to help and take care of people. Being selfless is something I definitely struggle with sometimes (only child and not yet a mother), so it's been great to always have that example and reminder in her.
foodiecology says
Thanks, Amanda. I completely relate to the selfless thing – that was actually my biggest “fear” when I found out I was pregnant – learning to be selfless. I will say that, in some ways (not all!), it comes naturally. Mama Spoons sounds like a wonderful person!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Ugh the sleep sounds awful. How did he sleep when he was really little?? Claire slept horribly until about 10 months. But any time she teethes or is sick (which seems like always) her sleep goes out the window. Don’t tell me there’s another sleep regression coming 🙁
I really can’t wait for talking. Claire isn’t walking or talking yet and that’s all people keep asking me if she’s doing. She also only weighs about 17 pounds at a year and has always been tiny but doesn’t seem frail or anything.
foodiecology says
He was actually a GREAT sleeper from birth till about 8 months (when the whole separation anxiety kicked in). Even then, it was mostly when he was sick or teething or going through a “mental leap” that we struggled. I tried my best not to take it for granted because I KNEW that one day we wouldn’t be so lucky. It’s all a phase, right?
Bazooka has been slower to talk, too. It really is fun! Claire is so adorable and she definitely looks perfectly healthy and happy. Maybe you’ll get lucky with the next sleep regressions since she was a poor sleeper early on! I’ll cross my fingers for you.
Lyss says
If I could thank my mom for one thing, it would be her being there for me during the worst times in my life. I put her through hell and back with my eating disorder, yet she never gave up on me or backed out when I needed her the most; and for that I am eternally grateful!
foodiecology says
Mothers are the best! You hardly hear about the effects of EDs or other illness on the caregivers, but it’s surely a battle for all involved. I’m so happy you had her support!
Brie @ A Slice of Brie says
Aw, if it makes you feel any better, my 2 year old (26 months) is a pretty little guy too. Pants are still a struggle lol. He needs a 12-18m waist, but more length in the leg. So summer is nice since it’s short weather and I can size down lol.
I would thank my mom for always being my biggest fan. She always encourages me to follow my heart, or keep blogging, etc. Anything I do, she’s my cheerleader. It’s nice to have someone believe in you 24/7.
foodiecology says
Yes, shorts season is so much easier!
My husband and I joke that we’re going to start a clothing line especially for skinny babies/toddlers. Not that we have any sewing experience… 😉
And I’d have to say that my mom is my biggest cheerleader too! Hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day!