Naps

When Anson was born, Dave and I had several classes we were required to take and some that we volunteered to take. One class we took while he was in the NICU was about naps/eating/rountines. It stressed the importance of naptime. This is when an infant grows. I did not know that prior to being a mommy. It is so important, there have been books and studies looking at naptime extensively in the past 7 years. How it affects growth, both physically, mentally and so-forth.

My friend M. and myself have had numerous discussions about this, as she has a preemie also. This is what it boils down to for us and our families. Our entire lives revolve around our children's sleep schedules. It is that important to us and my Pediatrician has often commended Dave and I on our ability to stick to Anson's routine and what benefits he receives from this schedule. A lot of parents don't do the scheduled naps, and that is none of my business. It's just something Dave and I feel very strong about. That being said, don't criticize us about how we are "over-protective of Anson and have gone over-board on our routines with him". We are doing exactly what our Neonatologist instructed us to do. Anson is growing, he has no delays in development, has never been sick or hospitalized (which is amazing for a preemie born in the Winter) and he is actually slightly advanced for his adjusted age. So, we are doing it right and just because it's not your way doesn't mean it's the wrong way.

M. and I were laughing at work about parents who have their kids out and about at 9:00pm-10:00pm and wonder why they are "fussy" and throw tantrums. It's so funny because those same parents blame that fussiness and tantrums on teething or "melt-downs" when what the issue generally is, is plain old being tired. Just think about someone coming and waking you up at 3:00am and expecting you to play and run all over God's creation and actually expect you to be happy about it. Seriously, think about it. A child is not an accessory to your life. You are an accessory to theirs.