6 Stages of Tired

As I was packing and sorting through things I came across this article in an old American Baby Magazine. I thought it was funny, particularly because I have just re-entered this cycle. I couldn't find a link to it online, so I guess I will type it.

"We Know How You Feel... 6 Stages of Tired" by Jen Singer

1. Bliss. You've been running on adrenaline from the moment you brought the baby home from the hospital. Though you haven't slept through the night since at least Tuesday, you don't care because you're all hopped up on hope, pride, and that sweet baby smell. Motherhood is an adventure, and the all-nighters must be followed by years of restful nights...right?

2. Disillusionment. You're starting to wonder if all this sleep-deprivation nonsense is really necessary. You've got the overnight TV schedule memorized, and the only way you know the difference between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. is by checking whether it is light outside. And yet your husband woke up today all smiley and refreshed. You start to imagine doing evil things involving diapers and his briefcase.

3. Despair-After weeks of interrupted sleep, you're getting a little forgetful. That's why you've just brought home a seventh bottle of oregano from the supermarket. It's also why you fear you're about to lose your edge. Judging by the sweatshirt you've got on backward, though, that boat sailed some time ago.

4. Delirium. Now you're so tired you've got a word stuck in your head: "lollapalooza." [or in my case a Thomas and Friends song] You heard it on TV, or was it at the pediatrician's office? No, it's everywhere you go. Hey, the nurse just called you last name: "Lollapalooza." And-gasp!-so did the baby, who had faked you out by sleeping through the night on Monday-and only Monday. But now you're back to the usual nighttime, uh, what's that word? Oh yeah, lollapalooza.

5. Relief. You wake, startled by the sunlight coming through the window. You rush into the nursery to find the baby sound asleep. Then you take a deep breath. And suddenly, you feel like you're going to by okay.

6. Bliss-You've had several full nights of sleep now, and frankly, life seems sweeter. You've got a spring in your step, a smile on your face, and something crusty on your shirt...but at least now you're rested enough to care about removing it before you head out of the house. You are mother, hear you roar! Well, maybe later. The baby is sleeping now. Shhhh!

To my wonderful expecting sisters and friends...I am excited for you to join me in the sleepless nights club. Especially because that means you get to take off the big bellies and enjoy your new little ones.