Sleep (Take 1)

Ollie at 6 months--asleep outside at a summer cocktail party. How do kids do that?I really don't get a lot of sleep.  Which is a problem because I need 8+ hours to function properly and even begin to be pleasant. 

When Oliver was born, he didn't sleep much either.  I still don't know if it's because he legitimately wasn't tired, or if I fucked things up. I'd put him down for naps and ten or fifteen minutes later, he'd be up again.  Or he'd sleep for exactly 40 minutes (which I now know is the duration of one baby sleep cycle).  Then he'd be up, wide awake and cranky. 

As the weeks and months went on, I'd hear moms on the playground talk about how much their kids (who were the same age as Ollie) were sleeping.

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How (and Why) to Start a Moms Group

I know I looked that good when I was pregnant. You? I spend a lot of time (like, a lot) talking about Mom Issues.  In fact, almost not a day goes by when I don't spend a significant amount of time hashing out current sleep patterns, the consistency of poop and how to make Oliver scream less during bath time so that the neighbors don't report us to Child Services.... ("We were just shampooing his hair, Officer.  I swear.")

It can get boring.  In fact, I get bored of hearing myself yammer on.  But what I don't get bored of is knowing that other moms are dealing with the exact same shit.  So in September 2009, I started a Moms Group.   We meet once a month at a restaurant to discuss a timely topic (chosen by moi) and then digress into harping on bad celebrity baby names (because Bella Luna and the like are just plain dumb).   We also offer each other support, perspective and good cheer. Bascially, it's kinda like a Book Club, only without the books. 

So why you should start one?  Oh, I don't know...  to remind yourself that you're not alone and that other women might possibly love and sometimes hate (yes, hate.  I wrote that.  Hey, it's my blog.) they're new lives as parents as much as you do?  It also ensures you get out of the house at least one night a month. 

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