sleep deprivation.

As the father of a 9 month old, solid sleep is not really in my vocabulary anymore. I hear this is something that all new parents go through. I don't really like it. I am a person who really likes my sleep and its not that Jonathan is really a bad sleeper- his sleep just doesn't match with when I can sleep (after doing all the things you can't get done when he is awake). Sometimes I think of the bad nights when he gets up crying multiple times because he has a new tooth coming in, when he isn't feeling well, or even when he just decides to be up from 5 AM on and I wonder, if this was taking place in Guantanamo Bay, would I be able to file for torture charges?

The Bible says that children are to be viewed as blessing (and something to do with a quiver of arrows (Psalm 127:4-5 )) and its completely true. As I walk around with bags under my eyes, my third cup of coffee for the day (and its only 11 AM), and I am not sure how I will be able to make it through my afternoon meeting without drooling on my desk, I don't remember the screaming, the poop up to his armpits, or even the food he flung at me during dinner. I do, however, remember the smile he gives me when I come home, the head butt (his idea of a hug), and the way he peacefully (sometimes) falls asleep on my shoulder.

Some may say that forgetfulness is a sign that I may need more sleep. That may be true, but I think in this case, God is giving us all a glimpse as to how he views us. God is out to get us, but not in the negative way many often think. He is out to get us to hold us close, heal our hurts, and to see us fulfilled in Him. These are the ramblings of the sleep deprived.

the best laid plans.

Jonathan has been doing well sleeping for a few nights. So yesterday, my wife and I took the day off to do some "life planning." It is amazing at how complex life can get when you throw a little one into the mix. So during our 5 hours of working out all the little things that need to get done each week (working out, eating, sleeping, work, reading the Bible) and discovering a new love for google calendars, we have a plan.

So last night, I was getting ready for bed and for an early wake up this morning for the gym when I heard Jonathan, who had been sleeping for about 3.5 hours, gagging and coughing. I run down to his room with dental floss hanging out of my mouth, to discover him throwing up all over himself and his crib. This was about 11 PM. This is Jonathan's first major stomach bug, so being a new parent I have a lot of emotions that probably are typical of this type of situation such as pity, saddness, and the ability to all of the sudden not be grossed out by the massive mess that is covering my son. Regardless, I was able to settle him down, give him another bath, change the sheets in his crib, all in about 15 minutes with Lindsey's help. Five minutes after that, he did it again.

Jonathan and I were in his rocking chair until 3 AM. He was getting sick every 10-15 minutes until 2 AM. Our newly laid plans are not off to a good start.