Christian's having a tough time lately. He's clingy, and fussy. He cries, whines and screams when he doesn't get his way. If Ansley does something that is not to his liking, he screams and looks right at me, waiting for me to get onto her. He previously has slept, with no exaggeration, every single night from the time he was 9 weeks old until now, without waking up a single time. Eight pm to nine am, every single night. But lately he's been waking up screaming in the middle of the night. I know this is the beginning of toddlerhood, the ending of an era - the Baby Era, where he was snuggly and cuddly and all he needed in the whole world was his Mama. Now in this new Toddler Era, all he needs is his Mama, and anything else he sees and screams for. He wants to be carried. Constantly. It's demanding. And exhausting. I now easily and readily agree that Ansley is at a much easier age. And I know this will pass, and then I will no longer have a sweet baby toddler, I'll have a sweet little boy. And I might not remember that this age was tough, for both of us. For all of us.
But he is still extremely cute. And that helps some.
What a sad picture. When I left he looked so happy. What happened?? :)
Posted by: Jonathan | January 24, 2008 at 03:59 PM
thank you for this post. this first time mama of a toddler needed to hear it! (hope his nighttime sleep gets better soon!)
Posted by: kristen | January 24, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Cute definitely makes up for it--at least it does for MiMi!!
Posted by: MiMi | January 24, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Hey...what a cutie! Make sure he doesn't have an ear infection. :) That's what mine did when their ears were hurting. Poor baby...and poor mamma! I hope you get some sleep soon! I know the crying pictures are so sad, but you get some great shots...they will be cherished forever!! :)
Posted by: Candace | January 25, 2008 at 08:38 AM
It seems to me that night terrors (bad dreams) can start around this age...I remember our doctor mentioning this when Cole was that age....It's hard to be wanted and needed all the time, though, for the mom. Hang in there!
Posted by: Joanna | January 25, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Sometimes, Ella Beth's cute factor is all that keeps me from losing my mind! Ella Beth and Christian must have very similar personality traits...I'm crossing my fingers that it will pass. Soon. I'll keep you in my mommy prayers b/c I know how incredibly exhausting it is. Thankfully, we do remember much more of the "good" times than the "bad."
He is a cutie. :)
Posted by: amber | January 25, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Yes, some days it's hard to be one - and hard to be Mama to a crying little one. I have thought about you lately because I heard Lifesong on the radio both yesterday AND today. :) Hope Christian is sleeping better this weekend.
Posted by: Renee | January 25, 2008 at 05:12 PM
such pitiful tears. I'm right there with you, it's rough sometimes for sure. Hope the days get a little better for you.
Posted by: Christina | January 25, 2008 at 05:26 PM
One year molars?!? That is what Reece is going through right now. I forgot all about that until my sister reminded me about them (I thought I would remember everything...)My poor girl just flat out feels terrible. Whatever is is..I hope you guys get through it soon. He looks SO sad...hope you guys can get some sleep.
Posted by: Laura | January 27, 2008 at 06:45 PM