Comments on: Learning the virtues of a deep breath http://thebradfields.ca/2009/01/16/learning-the-virtues-of-a-deep-breath/ updates from the bradfields Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:58:15 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Teri http://thebradfields.ca/2009/01/16/learning-the-virtues-of-a-deep-breath/comment-page-1/#comment-5334 Teri Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:42:38 +0000 http://thebradfields.ca/?p=115#comment-5334 In spite of all of your burdens and challenges, you remain a wonderful and talented writer Karyn. You just made me laugh and cry. I only have Andree as my reference but I do remember bowing down to the mothers in my neighbourhood who had more than one child. I honestly don't know how you handle all of this work as well as all of their different personalities (not to mention the wicked sleep deprivation). I cannot imagine juggling the needs of 3 little ones each at a different developmental stage. It's exhausting for me just to think about it. It is so easy to lose oneself. The role of Mother is not only the most difficult but also the most unselfish one that I know of. GO KARYN! Love and hugs and supportive kisses, Teri In spite of all of your burdens and challenges, you remain a wonderful and talented writer Karyn. You just made me laugh and cry. I only have Andree as my reference but I do remember bowing down to the mothers in my neighbourhood who had more than one child. I honestly don’t know how you handle all of this work as well as all of their different personalities (not to mention the wicked sleep deprivation). I cannot imagine juggling the needs of 3 little ones each at a different developmental stage. It’s exhausting for me just to think about it. It is so easy to lose oneself. The role of Mother is not only the most difficult but also the most unselfish one that I know of. GO KARYN! Love and hugs and supportive kisses, Teri

]]> By: Mom & Dad McMahon http://thebradfields.ca/2009/01/16/learning-the-virtues-of-a-deep-breath/comment-page-1/#comment-5333 Mom & Dad McMahon Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:34:14 +0000 http://thebradfields.ca/?p=115#comment-5333 Wow Karyn. I must congratulate you on your insight. I know exatly what you're going through. What I can't believe is that every time I talked to you and asked you how you were, you never once complained about whaat you are going through. That's what Mom's are for you know. Since I can't be there in person (and when I was there in person I saw firsthand what your day was like) my shoulder is always there for you. Not to cry on but to help you through your day. God Bless you Karyn. You are a wonderful Mother. Love Mom Wow Karyn. I must congratulate you on your insight. I know exatly what you’re going through. What I can’t believe is that every time I talked to you and asked you how you were, you never once complained about whaat you are going through. That’s what Mom’s are for you know. Since I can’t be there in person (and when I was there in person I saw firsthand what your day was like) my shoulder is always there for you. Not to cry on but to help you through your day. God Bless you Karyn. You are a wonderful Mother. Love Mom

]]> By: Violette http://thebradfields.ca/2009/01/16/learning-the-virtues-of-a-deep-breath/comment-page-1/#comment-5332 Violette Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:33:02 +0000 http://thebradfields.ca/?p=115#comment-5332 Karen, I HEAR YOU!! There have been times when I have been so sleep-deprived and cranky I could barely keep myself from throwing my head back and roaring. Instead, I found myself snapping almost constantly and driving everyone to distraction. And ultimately, coping, though not happily. During our only vacation of the year, on visit to Greg's parents in Florida, Liane was badly displaced, overstimulated, overtired AND teething. She's usually a heavy sleeper, but for two weeks, she wouldn't nap more than 45 minutes at a time and woke up 3 to 5 times a night. I spent the entire vacation in a grumpy, miserable fog. There was no fun in sight, despite the beach being nearby and a good supply of willing babysitters. Things are better now, since Liane is older, sleeping through her nights, and we've finally gotten around to going to bed earlier to catch up on our sleep (sometimes). And Liane is a amazing kid, winsome and easy-going -- except when she's teething, which she currently is. She turned into Miss Hyde two days ago and Dr. Jekyll has trouble peeking through. There's a reason why there's a stereotype. Sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture, is it not? If you find yourself omitting your deep breath from time to time, please know that there are those who understand. Hang in there - Violette Karen, I HEAR YOU!!

There have been times when I have been so sleep-deprived and cranky I could barely keep myself from throwing my head back and roaring. Instead, I found myself snapping almost constantly and driving everyone to distraction. And ultimately, coping, though not happily.

During our only vacation of the year, on visit to Greg’s parents in Florida, Liane was badly displaced, overstimulated, overtired AND teething. She’s usually a heavy sleeper, but for two weeks, she wouldn’t nap more than 45 minutes at a time and woke up 3 to 5 times a night. I spent the entire vacation in a grumpy, miserable fog. There was no fun in sight, despite the beach being nearby and a good supply of willing babysitters.

Things are better now, since Liane is older, sleeping through her nights, and we’ve finally gotten around to going to bed earlier to catch up on our sleep (sometimes). And Liane is a amazing kid, winsome and easy-going — except when she’s teething, which she currently is. She turned into Miss Hyde two days ago and Dr. Jekyll has trouble peeking through.

There’s a reason why there’s a stereotype. Sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture, is it not? If you find yourself omitting your deep breath from time to time, please know that there are those who understand.

Hang in there -

Violette

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