I've joined the ranks . . .

I have finally joined the ranks of the sleep deprived moms (after 5 blissful months). Our Gotcha was 4/3/07. I specifically can remember and can count on one hand the number of times that she did not sleep through the night since Gotcha.

Lily woke up 5 times last night. I got up with her three of those times, Steve got up once (he worked a long day on Saturday or I could have asked him to get up more). In fact the one time that he got up, I didn't even hear her.

I'm sure it is one of 2 things: teething or separation anxiety. I am leaning towards the latter. We have yet to leave her for more than 5 minutes with anyone other than each other. Our goal was 6 months and we are nearly there. Lily and I did go to a surprise birthday party yesterday. It was the longest she has spent around total strangers. We were there nearly 4 hours. There were 20 or so people there and my parents were the only people there (outside of myself) that she knew.

We've been looking for a new church, so she's been around strangers every Sunday the last 6 weeks or so. But . . . We are only at church about an hour and a half and there really is very little interaction between Lily and people she doesn't know. She was rarely out of my sight, but I allowed my parents to do most of the running around and playing with her. She only left my sight a few times (with one of my parents), but interacted tons with everyone.

I used to be afraid to tell people how well she was doing, because they would always tell me they were jealous. Yes, I know one sleepless night doesn't mean that I am not lucky anymore. Whew, I do feel remarkably like I did when I had jet lag upon on arrival back in the states. My brain is not processing as well and I am definitely not as tolerant!

To date, we have not experienced very many symptoms of attachment issues. I'm not worried. I know it takes time. In fact, I always preface my "she's doing well" with "it takes at least 2 years to form a secure bond." I did "wear" her to church this morning to avoid people who try and take her out of our arms. Thought that might help her feel better too. Last week, I nearly had to wrestle a lady to keep her in my arms. Well, I am nearly falling over at the computer. Coffee has been my best friend the last 2 days!

For those of you who know me, know that I am not a fan unless it doesn't taste like coffee.