Sheesh

What a day. It has been one of those days. I like to think of myself as a pretty optimistic person but today was just one of those days. It wasn't totally bad... most of it was probably just me.

My sweet girl is having a really, really hard time going to bed lately. I know this is normal but it's my first time round. You can only listen to a crying baby for so long. It's hard and emotionally draining.

I felt helpless. I'd love for her to fall asleep on her own. She was doing great for a while. I'm not sure what happened. I feel like kids do better on a schedule, when they know their boundaries. It's hard to let her cry herself to sleep. Sometimes I get in this "oh she's gotta keep on a schedule and fall asleep on her own and nap times are this and this and this and yadda yadda yadda" kick. Other times I get on the "I don't care what 'the book' says, she's my baby and if I want to spoil her and rock her to sleep I'm going to. She's only little once anyway and time is precious" kick.

Which one is right? I have no idea. I think the trick is balance between the two. Most days I do pretty well. Today, as I said, was just one of those days.

I know this is all really no big deal, that I'll look back and think "Oh Rach, bless your heart!" But as I've said, I'm learning. My sweet daughter and I are learning together.

I remember sitting in a church broadcast a few years back and the lady who was speaking said something to the effect of, "Sometimes it's not the kids who need the timeout- sometimes it's the mom." That was totally me today. I was the one needing the timeout. (sp?)

Someone else once wisely said, "One of the greatest blessings is a night between two days." So true. I love that.

So, I'm off to bed and tomorrow will be a new day!!! (Whew! It's amazing how therapeutic blogging is, right? I already feel better) Life is good!