Sleep is very important to me, I have already mentioned it in a column a couple of months ago. It is fresh in my mind again after having two kids get the flu and all that comes along with it.
A week ago, my youngest came walking into my bedroom early in the morning, which isn’t abnormal. When I went to put her into bed with me I felt a hot tamale and knew I was in trouble. She acted completely normal, running around and playing, which at least looked better than a run-down kid.
After a day or so of a fever and a worried mom, we made a trip to the doctor for a hefty cough she developed. The fever had started to subside but an ear infection and upper respiratory infection decided to take its place. It wasn’t completely unexpected but not exciting to hear. The silver lining was she was happy and energetic through everything you wouldn’t know she was sick.
We had a few late nights and I saw hours I typically assign to sleep, but we made it through. Thankfully, she has been a trooper and took her medicine without much of a fight. That was a welcome change from gagging and throwing up during past illnesses.
My oldest seemed to make it through untouched until exactly one week later. I saw some tired eyes, felt her head and knew we were 2-for-2. She acted much the same as her sister, but did request a nap, which is very rare.
For about a year, she has slept through the night with very few exceptions. That brings me back to how important sleep is in my life.
After falling asleep at about 8:30 that evening, I thought it would be an uneventful night. I was wrong. Starting at about 11:30, I was called in for assistance about every half hour until morning. Whether it was for more juice, having to go potty or she sweat through her pajamas, I was at her side. I kept thinking she had to just fall asleep, and maybe I could get a couple hours in a row, but it didn’t happen. Her sister decided to chime in just to make sure I didn’t get too comfortable.
Come morning, I had to wake up and go to work while the kiddos stay home and hang out, catching up on their sleep. I know it’s not the norm and caffeine will help me power through, but I hoped the next night I wouldn’t see any hours past midnight.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com