Colette was up all last night. I was unable to keep her awake in the evening (perhaps the result of the doctor's visit earlier in the day), but by 12:30 AM she was ready for a night of attention. Jean, who had the previous night off, offered to take care of Colette. At 3 AM I woke up to find Jean and Colette still going. Jean and I attempted to help Colette relax, but by 6 AM we both admitted defeat. Jean asked that I take Colette out of our room so she could try to get a little sleep. Colette and I curled up on the sofa, where we both drifted in and out of sleep until 7:30, when I got up and Colette fell into a deeper sleep.
Jean's mother Ginger stayed with us last night. I have to commend her for her strength in staying in bed all night. There was really nothing to be done to help us: Jean and I and Colette have to work out these issues on our own. Ginger and I had a nice conversation from 8 to 10 while Colette and Jean slept. We talked about how daunting children can be after nights like these. The future seems rough. But Ginger told me a story of her sister's voice coach, who advised "If you're going to tie your shoe, tie your shoe." There is no benefit to thinking ahead: concentrate on the present.
Jean woke up and we spent an hour or so with her mother before she left. Colette (who was tired from an active night) continued to sleep. Jean and I took a nap for an hour, before I had to get ready for work.
Every month I hold a navigation training class for faculty and staff on campus who use our administrative database (Banner). Today was the day for class and for no particular reason I decided (despite the fact that I don't go back to work until Monday) that it would be nice to teach the class rather than ask someone from Administrative Technologies to cover. Jean tended to Colette while I got ready for work. It was nice to wear something other than sweats or blue jeans. Jean even remarked that it had been a long time since she'd seen me with a tie.
Class was fun; it always is. I got home shortly after five, and woke Colette to start our evening of fun. As before, our goal is to keep Colette awake as much as possible from 6 PM to whenever we go to bed. We also want to give her as much formula as possible so her stomach will be full overnight. Two nights ago we did this with great success. Tonight seems to be going well. Colette has been in some form of consciousness all evening and we're just about to start her on her third bottle in six hours. We'll burp her and put her to bed and pray that we only wake up two or three times.
Tomorrow the inspector comes to look at the house at 7:30. It would be nice to be alert when he or she arrives.
Still, the fun of parenting is that you have to keep going no matter what curve balls you're thrown. We'll manage to get through tomorrow morning if we have to, then collapse whenever Colette gives us the chance.
I am enjoying these days and nights, despite the demands Colette makes. In the middle of the night, when I hold her in my arms in the dark, she sometimes stops crying and she stares at me. It is quiet for just a moment and in the silence I take comfort in the miracle of her company.
It was cloudy but still warm enough that Jean could take Colette for a walk while I was at the University. Instead of the stroller, Jean used a sling loaned to us by some friends. Tonight the rain has begun and the rest of the week and the weekend is going to be blustery and chilly, unfit for walks with baby.
watching: The Drew Carey Show; Whose Line Is It Anyway
© 1999 Kevin J.T. Creamer