The Change (not necessarily menopausal)

My niece, Annie, has two boys, and her last child was born in May. She was trying to figure out if she would like to have one more child so she may have the possibility of having a daughter. She has struggled with this decision, and has come to the conclusion that she is able to handle her two sons, her job (she's a nurse), and being a wife, and that is enough. In the mean time the following story is Annie's final straw and assisted in making her decision of stopping at two children clear for her:

I have not slept for over 4 months. I am not kidding. Sam, my newest addition to my family, has yet to sleep through the night, or even six hours. He usually gets up every 4-5 hours. Not to mention the times I get up to give him his binky so I don't have to feed him again. At first I thought: well he has been sick once he feels better he will sleep. NOT the case. Now, I think he might be teething. So not only is he up twice a night he no longer takes very good naps. So I get to enjoy Sam 24 hours a day without a break. I mean; I know he is cute, smiley and laughing a lot and who wouldn't want to spend 24 hours a day with him? ME! That's who. It would be nice to have at least 10 mintues to myself.

This weekend I thought: why am I making such a big deal over not sleeping? Sam is our last baby so I should enjoy the time I get to spend with him, eventually he won't need me as much and he is growing up so fast. I thought I will have a positive attitude and enjoy getting up with Sam, he is very precious. Well that was the Annie that had sleep. Positive, thinking who needs sleep. That previous night was our anniversary so we had left the boys overnight and I had received a great nights sleep. So the morning came and I was all missing my boys and grateful that I could spend time with them. Well obviously that has worn off. I NEED MY SLEEP!! I mean; how much time do you really need to spend with your kids? Seriously I barely have time to eat, and sometimes I don't eat until dinner. The constant tiredness, irritability and my short temper I blame on the lack of sleep.

As I am writing this short blog I hear Sam crying. Surprise, surprise it has been less than 30 minutes and he his up from his nap. Okay seriously I am going insane. I think I shall curl up in the fetal position and cry. Anyone is welcome to join me, misery loves company. Please excuse my bad attitude, I am happy that I have my boys and I do have a great time spending time with them, but sometimes being a mother is too dang hard!