Mamamamama!

At about 5:00 this morning, I woke up to Nash crying and yelling, "Mama Mama Mama!" I'm not convinced that he really knows what that means, but regardless, he was calm when I held him. I rocked him and let him cry himself back to sleep a few times (only a minute of crying each time), but he kept waking up. Finally, I just brought him in bed with me and we slept for another hour and a half.

So this is my dilemma--what do you do when your baby (who is usually a fabulous night-time sleeper) wakes up at night like that? It's my inclination to make sure that nothing is wrong. However, most of the time nothing is wrong and then I get into a cycle of him expecting me to hold him that night or he'll cry. And I guess I'm not always totally sure that nothing's wrong because how am I supposed to know if he's cold or if his tummy hurts or if he has an earache or something like that?

I don't think there really is an answer to my questions, but I'm still at a loss for what to do in situations as these. I do have to say that I adore my son and it is such a good feeling to hold him when he cries and see him calm down almost instantly because I'm there.

To end with a couple more positives:
* Nash has a consistent schedule now! Nighttime sleep is from 7:30 to 7:30. He has two naps: one at 9:30 and the other at 1:30.
* His naps are finally longer! He sleeps about 1-1 1/2 hours for each nap.

Running

I've finally started consistently running again and it has, once again, changed my life. Or at least my outlook on life. I feel so good about myself, about my marriage, and about my life responsibilities when I have an exercise routine that I stick to. Something about exercise, and running in particular, really gives me a more optimistic outlook on life. I feel like I can handle things better and I have more energy, too. I am so lucky to be so close to so many friends that I can run with. I have made numerous life-long friendships over the past two years because of these running groups. The benefits are limitless! I need to keep this up my whole life. Just imagine: a beautiful, healthy woman, with good relationships, a positive outlook, and an ability to get the things done that need to get done. Wow, sounds like a dream.

Spice Rack

I just wanted to give a shout out to my sister who gave me the coolest gift for Christmas--a spice rack! And not just any spice rack, mind you, but one she created herself. I love it!