200th Post: SLEEP!!!!

In honor of my 200th post here on Owner of the Band, I want to make a strong declaration that I believe will make most of the people in my life happier.

SLEEP!!!!!

I beg you all: Please get more sleep, and give your children more sleep, too.

Sleep is a gift. Give it. Take it. Receive it.

There is plenty to go around.

Find a way. Get a sitter. Be Strict. Find a routine. Bribe someone. Read books about it. Ask for help. Turn off the TV. Move up the bedtime.

Most of you know that I take my children's sleep very seriously, and most of the time I am just as cautious with my own. My theory about baby's is that -- If they are not hungry, messy or cold, they should be put to bed when they cry. I know that toddlers are more complicated than babies, but basically the same philosophy fits. Why give a Time Out, when you can give the gift of a nap. Tired kids need naps and bedtimes.

This is one important key to a happy life.

Give your kids more sleep. Take more time for your own sleep.

Oh, how I love my children and husband SOOO much more if I am rested. I get more done, feel better about myself, and have more time to serve others when I sleep.

So. My gift to you on this 200th post anniversary is that I will help create sleep for you. If you honestly believe that you or your kids do not need or CAN not get more sleep, email me, and we will figure out a way.

Heal the World. Make it a better place. With sleep.




And as with my 100th post, I will now give a quick update on my tagline.

Thoughts by a lady who loves babies, sustains womanhood, believes in yoga and USED to own a rock band.

Loves Babies: Right now I love my own babies. I consider my Quinny a baby still even though my Avery McKenna is just a 5 week old little nugget. McKenna is a delight. I can't wait for her to laugh and smile all the time. I fear that I don't take enough time for her, and that as she grows this won't change. I want to set some goals to help me spend the right attention with McKenna-benna. Does that make me a horrible person for having to do that or a great person for making sure it happens? Not sure. Right now I am also completely in love with Lindsay's baby, Benny; Lizza's baby, Elsie; and my bother's baby, Vincent. I do love babies. big ones and small ones.

Sustain Womanhood: Right now the biggest part of my life is motherhood, which I love most of the time and feel the huge weight of part of the time. What gift it is to be a woman and to have the chance to be pregnant, give birth, be sensitive, rock a baby, teach a toddler, and be a partner in keeping a little family together. I love my roles as a woman. I love the qualities that are mine because of my womanhood.

Believes in Yoga: I just blogged about this the other day. So you all know how I feel. I believe that yoga (along with Sleep) can heal the world, my world. I am waiting for McKenna to be 6 weeks and eligible for the daycare at the gym so that I can haul my crew to the gym for 8 am yoga. It will be hard since we wake up at 9, but I believe we need it.

Used to own a Rock Band: I have to admit that post-band life is better than my wildest dreams. Our family is stronger for having owned and "sold" the band and for rooting some of its problems right out of our life. My husband sent me an "I miss you" text from work today, and in that moment I was aware of how far our life and our marriage has come since the band days. We are in a really good place, and I am so very grateful for that. I wouldn't turn away the hard times for anything. You have to know the bad to feel the good. Also, we are slowly working to get out of band debt. One of our big goals is January 2011. That seems far away. Don't get into debt. More words from the wise ... :)

And on a finally note: The fertility update

I am on the fence about the Clomid conversation that I need to have with my midwife tomorrow at my 6 week check up. Wish me luck and clarity.