Skeat

Been there , done that!:)My second one would even 'puke' (no kidding) for me to get her and if I didn't move fast enough...she would grace everything w/it:)I had a good friend that hers did the same thing. I wish I would have had her doc, for he said for her to ignore it...period. She couldn't leave him in that circumstance, so she would change him, his bedding and put him back to bed. Then go to the kitchen and drink a nice cup of tea in the dark and count many times thru 100. Her method worked, for he realized it wasn't working:) Both of mine were up by 3am...mine were wide awake not just wanting mom. We would sit in the dark watching our local religious station that has soft music and beautiful scenery. It would sooth them and me:)Wise words told to me that I repeated over and over in my head was 'this too shall pass'....and, actually it does and sadly...too soon!:)Even though you prob don't feel that way right at the moment:)If you have a grandparent or someone to give you a night's break...take it!! I was on my own over here and thought many times that would have been a blessing. One night can make such a difference. I assume you are feeding that kid:)More then formula by this time:0)My mom had 5 kids and believed in that last drink to have baby cereal in it...it did help for awhile:)Could be this kid is hungry:)Keep us posted...Skeat

sewjoyce

I sure hope you find a solution soon!! Being sleep deprived is not good for any of you...

MollieSue

Jen, I'd vote for a doctor visit too, just to rule out everything. Could even be an ear infection. They could also probably give you some ideas, if it's not something physical, on how to get her sleeping pattern straightened out.
I know it's hard sometimes, I had four kids, in eight years, with the middle two 15 months apart. Looking back, I have no idea how I did it. lol!!
Does your mom, or other family member live near, so they could watch them while you took a nap?
Hang in there, this too shall pass. But I think I would start with the doctor visit.
:-)

auntluc

The suggestions of talking with the pediatric doctor sounds like a good start. You should let family know you need a break. I bet an aunt, trusted friend, or other family member would give you a rest if you just let them know how you feel.
I take all 3 kids for my inlaws so they can have a night of rest.
I didn't think they would ever let the first child stay away from home...and not until the second baby was born did they let her stay.
With 3 kids under the age of 4 they're now glad someone offers to give them a break.
Maybe just turning the child to a different position during the night will help also.

littlehud

My DGD moved in with me when she was 10 months old. She did not sleep through the night til she was almost 2 years old. Yours sounds so much like her it is unbelievable. My daughters only saving grace is we could take turns getting up with her.

alaskasunshine

Never had that problem. So I think mayne a Shogi screen and a sound machine from wall mart. I have one that plays several nature sounds like Ocean, waterfalls, babbling brook. Leave it on only when she sleeps. The sounds are really soothing.

That must be torture I need my sleep like crazy! Lack of sleep makes me nuts-o! We will pray for you all!

kwhite

My (now 21 year old) was a great sleeper when she was small, but she had another problem with constipation. I took her back to the Dr. over and over and he was no help at all. Just kept telling me it was her diet and I changed her diet for 6 months she had nothing she shouldn't have according to him. I got so frustrated I finally took her over 60 miles back to the Pediatritian I had when she was born. I was so upset by time he came into the room he had a nurse take my daughter out until I calmed down. Long story short she had a real problem. He had it fixed within a week. My suggestion to you is if your Pediatritian is not giving you any useful information or help. CHANGE DOCTORS UNTIL YOU GET HELP!! Sit quietly by yourself and objectivly look at your mothers intuition. If you are not afraid to trust it you probably know if there is something wrong. Good luck and let us know what happens.

b.zang

Please, please, please take the advice given here and get some help from family for you to get some rest. You will feel better and be amazed at how much easier it is to cope with sleep problems. Explore the medical routes suggested here.

Leaving a child to cry is one of THE most damaging things you can do to a developing brain. A child who is left to cry alone will fall asleep but the the brain has learned that the world does not care. Automatically and regardless of all other interactions, the harm is done to emotional responses, tolerance to emotion and even recognition of own emotions.
Parents who have tried this will say that letting your child cry is extremely difficult for them, it causes stress and distress to the point where some mothers leave the house when their child is crying. If something is this distressing, why do we not listen to our instinct and act? I love kwhite's words, "sit quietly with your motherly intuitions." If you are rested, and do that, you will learn what the tears mean. Please, please give your daughter an emotional and physical connection with you now. Exhausting, perhaps; worth the time when measured in a lifetime, absolutely.

Sorry to sound preachy. This is near and dear to my heart and has really struck a chord.

blzzrdqueen

Last night's results:

I fed her dinner later then normal. by a 1/2 hour, so she ate at 6pm. Kept her awake later then normal...going from 7:30 to 8:15. Fell asleep like a rock when I rocked her and gave her the bottle. That's usually never a problem. She didn't wake up until 2am...cried hard for the bottle. Gave it her to her, and she stayed awake for a bit after that bottle. I did not take her out of the crib. Just took the bottle away when she was done. she rolled to her side, sucked her thumb and held her lovie. She whined a few times every hour or so after that, let out a couple loud cries, but stayed asleep for the most part. Unless she cries a "I'm hurt" or a "I need to be changed" cry, I'm not getting out of bed, most of the time when she cries, it doesn't last any more then 5 minutes...I usually jump right up so she doesn't wake anyone else.

Going to try keeping her up later again tonight and see what happens.

Thank you all for your advice and support! I knew there was a reason God brought me to this board!

kwhite

I know my daughter was a real chow hound at that age. Maybe a bit of baby cereal right at bed time will keep her tummy happy until morning.