Holy crap, brenda. You need some alcohol. And ice cream.

Well, I'm planning for at least one of those, and soon. I'll let you guess which one.

And the hair is excellent, danke. Really quite short, but v. nice. My friend C who gave me the picture that he used as a guide was quite chuffed at what a good turn she gave me. I will attempt pictures in the near future.

And, I got a recommendation from my boss for a new hair guy, and I think I've finally found one here that I'm inclined to stick with. So that's a huge plus.

How old is she, Stephanie? And why is it that you want to get away from nursing to sleep? Is it hard on your body?

She just turned 6 months. I actually like nursing her to sleep. I'm not sure why but I feel like I'm really susceptible to feeling like I'm indulging her too much. (Maybe because *I* like it, it seems questionable? I don't know if that even makes sense.)

She's been nursing a lot lately, like every two hours at night. I think she's been growing a lot. But my nipple is fairly sore (and she only nurses on one side so it does all the work). On top of that, Joe and I went to that Ball last week. Ellie cried for an hour with babysitter before she fell asleep. She was expecting to be gently lulled into sleep with mommy and it didn't happen because I wasn't there. I feel like my enjoyment of nursing her is causing her to be unhappiness when she's not with me (which isn't often).

eta: juliana, you have been on my mind so much lately. I'm wishing a quick transition for you.

Again, thank you all. Z's not demanding that I make him feel better (so the cluesmacks aren't necessary for that), I'm just the dumbass who keeps trying. But thank you for letting me wallow a bit.

For those following along at home, that's one (possibly two) dead and at least four hospitalized. I should be getting hazard pay.

It's been like that at the holidays for the last three years here (overall, four moms, three brothers, and a few more distant relatives have passed away at the holidays, and we don't have that big an office). I'm starting to think we're cursed and to fear for my family at this time of year. Stay safe ~ma!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{juliana}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} You'll be in SF soon, and everything will be better. For now, have some hot chocolate with both itty-bitty cute marshmallows and big fluffy melty ones. And ice cream.

I'm so glad Franny is okay. Were you ever able to figure out if Isaac got any, at all?

Thanks for your concern, Cindy. It was pretty nerve wracking. We think she gave him some based on his red-rimmed cheeks and her answers to our questions. She said she gave him the "pokey" part (the dosing tip). But after talking to poison control, we figured that there was no way that he could have had a toxic dose, he probably just got a double dose for the morning. As they don't treat for it below a toxic dose, we didn't have his blood levels taken.

I'm not sure why but I feel like I'm really susceptible to feeling like I'm indulging her too much. (Maybe because *I* like it, it seems questionable? I don't know if that even makes sense.)

It may be none of my business, but 6 months is awfully young. Too young to worry about overindulging her by nursing her to sleep. I say continue the nursing, and perhaps add in a lullaby, etc, so she starts having some other cues for sleep.

Steph, I started reading to Em while she nursed to sleep. Works like the lullaby, just another "time for sleep" cue.

I can't believe I forgot about Franny. I guess I was all wrapped up in my own stuff. I'm glad she and Isaac are okay.

It may be none of my business, but 6 months is awfully young.

No, thanks, I'm glad to hear your input. I love her so much I just want to do whatever makes her happy. She's actually the easiest baby in the world - I really have no problems with her. And I really don't mind the occasional sore nipple. I should learn to do a better job of listening to my internal voice. I *know* her going to sleep patterns are fine, I just have to have some faith in that knowledge. I think I'll try the lullaby/book idea.

Ellie has napped for a total of 45 minutes today. I so want a break!

I hope you get one. We FINALLY got a two hour nap from 4-6 and I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

I'm not sure why but I feel like I'm really susceptible to feeling like I'm indulging her too much. (Maybe because *I* like it, it seems questionable? I don't know if that even makes sense.)

I can relate. We didn't start moving away from bottle/rocking combo for sleeping until O was over 9 months old. By the way, lots of nursing plus shorter sleeping may=growth spurt. IJS.

lots of nursing plus shorter sleeping may=growth spurt. IJS

I'm thinking yes. She had gained over half a pound in a week between doctor visits.

I'm thinking yes. She had gained over half a pound in a week between doctor visits.

Woo hoo! Except for the overly nursey/non sleeping parts. *g*

I'm still hurty but man, I can't express how getting a little more sleep makes it easier to cope with pain. I may yet make it another 9 weeks. My MiL's birthday is the 15th--I told her there is no way in hell I'm waiting that long to share her birthday. But I'm open for anything between the 8th and the 12th.