In the middle of the night,

newborns are fussy. Shocker I know. But I'd actually really like to know why this is! What is happening at 2am internally, digestively, physiologically that isn't happening at 2pm?

Anna Kimball is actually a pretty mellow baby so far and it's not like our nights have been dreadful. Yet, these days she still seems fairly committed to making me earn my keep between 2:30ish and 5ish in the morning. On that note, here's a rundown of what goes through my head in the middle of the night. Other moms, perhaps you can relate?

• Maybe if I just keep my eyes closed while we endlessly rock and sway it will be like I've sort of slept?
• Forget it, I'm never going back to bed. Wake up! Open those eyes! Stay alert!
• Maybe we should give co-sleeping a try. I bet it would work. Matt won't notice I'm sure. (visions of smothering Anna Kimball quickly eliminate this idea, though it does pop back up again from time to time).
• It sure will be nice to get Matt's sympathy in the morning. Better start thinking of some good adjectives now.
• I really should be praying right now. Maybe that's why God has us up. Yes, these awake times could be make for such rich times of prayer and communion ... half-hearted prayers ensue, only to get cut off by a screaming, writhing infant in my arms.
• I don't care what the newborn online forums say. I am NOT. GIVING. UP. DAIRY.
• After putting Anna Kimball in her bed, I repeat the same desperate prayer in my head "Please don't wake up, please don't wake up, please don't wake up." 45 seconds pass. "Waahhh!"
• And the cycle begins again.

The good news is that eventually she does fall asleep, as all babies do, and so do I.

I'm also pleasantly surprised with how sweet Emery has been with Anna Kimball. She's the first to announce whenever her sister is "crying!" and is very supportive of her sleeping, too ... because that means more of our attention of course!

Sheets and sleeping bags

Last night Matt and I went to a Savor Party. At a Savor party, each guest is required to bring their favorite food and an object that they cherish.

For my cherished object, I brought an ironed pillowcase. I love high-quality bed linens. When they are ironed, getting into bed is like slipping yourself into a cocoon that will shield you from all the troubles of today and the worries of tomorrow.

I don't usually take the time to iron my pillowcases, but the Savor party has inspired me to do so more often. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, so I think it's important to do whatever I can to promote better sleep.

Matt did not bring an ironed pillowcase for his cherished object. He brought his sleeping bag. His sleeping bag reminds him of camping, of nights spent sleeping outside, cold and bone-tired, of enjoying nature with friends.

I can't decide if our cherished objects are extremely different or very much the same. While our chosen locales for sleeping clearly are in contrast, we both place high value on our sleeping experiences, however different our "cocoons" might be.

Furthermore, take a look at the picture above. Who do you think made our guest bed with such care and attention to detail?

I'll give you a hint. It wasn't me!