Thursday, December 8, 2011

Sleep Deprivation

You know you're tired when you fall asleep standing up while washing a bottle.

That's what happened to me around 4 or 5 this morning.

I think the lack of sleep is finally catching up with Nathan and me. Yesterday, I spent the majority of the day feeling slightly disoriented and found myself incapable of moving when the babies woke up wanting to eat. In the middle of the night, Nathan woke up because his legs were shaking uncontrollably due to crazy dreams combined with absolutely no deep sleep.

It's official: We're beat.

Nathan and I are lucky to live with his parents and have some much needed help during the afternoons and evenings once they arrive home from work. During the nights, though, we have been doing all of the work alone. We have tried getting up in shifts, but both of us are usually needed as Ezra and Elliott always manage to wake up within minutes of each other. The last two nights have been rough, as the babies have wanted to eat every hour or so. I'm excited about their growth spurts, though!

No sleep at night leads to very tired parents. Even though the babies sleep constantly, we have no opportunity to nap with a two year old running around. Additionally, Nathan has his at-home job. Needless to say, our house is crazy! When I am nursing a baby, I try to keep Eliza occupied anyway possible. This means my new iPhone is basically hers (if I miss calls/texts, that's why) and that Super Why! has taken over our Netflix.
We've had some friends and church members offer their assistance during the day, but I am being extremely germaphobic and refusing any outside help.  The pediatrician recommended "cocooning" ourselves for at least a few weeks until the boys are a little bigger, and I am fully enforcing this policy. I don't want to take any chances with out little ones.

Speaking of size, the babies are definitely growing. At the pediatrician's office yesterday, Ezra weighed in at 4 pounds 14 ounces, and Elliott weighed a whopping 5 pounds 11 ounces. That means Ezra has gained 13 ounces since coming home, and Elliott has gained 9 ounces. The doctor was impressed with their weight gain, and I felt some much needed encouragement to continue nursing and pumping.

My mom is coming on Sunday, and my only plans are to sleep! In the meantime, we find the occasional moments to nap.
 Thank goodness these boys sleep (unlike their sister)!


6 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. That picture with Nathan and the boys is the dang cutest picture...EVER! I love you guys and I hope that you'll be able to get some much needed rest when your mom comes. That's wonderful that she's able to come and help you guys out. Those two boys are just too precious!

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  2. Good luck!! My prayers are with you and your family. It is tough but you have some handsome young men to show for it. Keep up the good work!! : )

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  3. these are. the. most. darling pictures ever taken.

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  4. Oh Celia- I know how you feel......just keep pumping and sleep in between feedings as much as possible. I know the TV and friends became the kids babysitters for some time. Just know that you need sleep! I was also do germaphobic.....it's important to be that way. I should have invested in germ ex. Hopefully you get some rest!

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  5. That last picture is totally amazing. They look so sweet!! You are doing such a fantastic job keeping these boys fed and growing! Awesome mothering, you mommy pro! I'm so glad your mom is coming. You totally need to sleep, poor thing.

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  6. oh dear! i hope you get some sleep soon baby girl!!!

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