If there had been a tooth when she woke up this morning I would be able to make sense of the two hours we spent walking and rocking in the middle of the night. I would understand why my child didn’t want to be held and didn’t want to lay down.
If there had been just a little spec of white or a piercing on my finger when I rubbed her gums this morning, I would be telling my coworkers that my baby had teeth instead of mumbling hello and pushing towards the microwave to heat my second cup of tea, all the while wondering if maybe an injection of caffeine would be more effective.
A tooth would make it OK that at midnight, I was downstairs shaking up a bottle for my child and that if the neighbors were out, they got a good look at my bedroom attire of a t-shirt and undies.
If the tooth had made it’s appearance, I would not have this sick feeling in my stomach because it’s only Tuesday and I’m tired. That does not mean that good things are coming for Wednesday and Thursday.
The tiniest feeling of a tooth just about to break the gum would give me a reason for the child who barely slept from 11PM until 3AM last night and maybe it would take away some of the frustration I feel about not being able to soothe her. It would erase my doubts that she didn’t have enough to eat during the day or that rocking her to sleep last night made her wake up hours later, pissed that she wasn’t still in my arms. I wouldn’t be questioning whether I shouldn’t have given her the Tylenol or maybe I should I have tried the Orajel.
I know that whether it was tooth or just an off night that waking up in the middle of the night is not my baby’s fault. I also know that it’s OK that I was frustrated. That I was looking at the clock thinking, ”if she goes to sleep right now, I will be able to sleep for four hours before the alarm goes off.” That when I mumbled, ”For the love of God, kid. What the hell do you want,” that she didn’t know what I meant and doesn’t remember it this morning.
But if it were teeth, I would somehow feel like it was all worth it. That my frustration was nothing compared to her pain and that shiny little fleck of white would be badge of accomplishment for both of us. If only there had been a tooth.
PS. When teething starts, it can last for days? weeks? years? right? Someone send wine. and caffeine.
{ 7 comments }
Teething is NO fun!!! It is harder on some kids than others…my son had an awful time with it. Hang in there!!
We’re going through the same thing. I would put my money on teething. it is far worse before you actually see or feel a tooth. Ryann was a BEAST last week, Friday I saw the split in the gums and felt a little tooth. It sucks, and it’s frustrating, but just like everything else, this too shall pass. Hang in there. Try an ice cube or frozen apple piece in a mesh feeder. Or a frozen washcloth to help numb the pain and work that tooth through the gum.
Oh, I can so relate! Felix has had a couple of brutal nights.. I’m constantly checking his little gums..sure I’ll find a tooth breaking through, but nada! In desperation I’ve given him Tylenol, which seemed to work.. But really, who knows what’s bothering him! No rush here but it will be nice when he can finally tell me what’s wrong!
Okay. Take a nice deeeeeeeep breath. The good news is that baby of the year probably IS teething and all of your motherly instincts are probably working just fine. Teething is usually the most uncomfortable BEFORE the tooth actually peeks its little head out. So once you see the little booger, baby doesnt even have any symptoms any more! When Ellie is teething, sometimes she will wake up in the middle of the night too, but it usually doesnt become a habit. And what you did was Great! You were a super mom last night and comforted your crying child. Only YOU can do that, so it was worth it! I hope you have a decent day and stay caffienated! : )
Yep, my money’s on teething too. Unfortunately those awful night time wake ups don’t always lead to instant gratification – baby will make you work for it
And BTW I think there probably is a market for a caffeine IV system for new parents. A totally untapped market.
OMG I am SO with you! Its almost like you would just like there to be a reason for it, because then you can deal with the tears (hers AND yours) and move on. I honestly just made a post about this a few days ago, on the 16th I think. Teething is sucky for momma and baby, but its gotta happen so I guess just roll with it?
Take care!
Oh my goodness…teething can last for-eh-vah! I swear it seemed like Gillian Grace was teething for months before we saw any signs that a tooth was popping through. Finally just the other day she got her first tooth and she’s 9 months old! I was in a near panic! I thought for sure my baby girl was going to have to wear dentures those darn teeth just took so long to make an appearance! Have you tried Hyland’s teething tablets? They are wonderful and really were a life saver for us. They seemed to soothe GG and help her to sleep. Plus they are homeopathic. Good luck, it gets better eventually!
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