Gifted Sleepers

I apologize for the delay in updates, turns out this parenting thing is a full time job.

Let me first say that the boys are in excellent health. Our little guys are getting stronger everyday and showing fewer signs of their prematurity. In addition, Shep's surgical recovery has been nothing short of amazing. Looking at him now, you would never know that only a few months ago he underwent open-heart surgery. Vicki and I could not be happier, and with the boys' major medical issues behind us, we have been able to relax a bit and just enjoy our time as new parents.

If your asking yourself about the title of this update. I will explain. No matter where we are (restaurants, grocery store, doctor's office) people are always asking us if we are getting any sleep. Now, I would like to think this question is not meant to imply that Vicki and I look like the walking dead, but rather to convey curiosity about the boys' sleeping habits. In response to this popular question, Vicki and I tell people that we are sleeping and its because over the past few weeks, both of our sons have become gifted sleepers.

I use the term gifted because I can think of no better adjective. I am sure every parent wants their child to be gifted intellectually, but at this early age it is difficult to ascertain the boys' mental prowess. They drool a lot and both make sounds that are remarkably similar to a velociraptor so its hard to tell whether or not we have the next Hawking and Einstein on our hands. However, if there was a Nobel Prize in sleep, our guys would be on their way to Sweden. Our little Laureates consistently sleep 10 to 12 hours a night.

Now, this was not always the case. When the boys first came home, our daily schedule reminded me of that episode of Seinfeld where Kramer attempts to live like Leonardo da Vinci, staying awake all day and only taking 20 min naps every three to four hours. Shep and Jack's rigorous feeding schedule coupled with their amazing ability to alternate their naps, made the first few months with the Britton Boys very da Vinci-esque. However, things changed when Shep went back into the hospital for his surgery. The rigorous feeding schedule was really for Shep's benefit and with him in the hospital there was no reason to keep Jack so structured. As we began to let Jack dictate his daily routine, he quickly began to log more hours of sleep at night. Within days, he was sleeping six to eight hours and it has continued to improve. Once Shep returned home, he quickly learned the ways of his brother and began enjoying longer and more restful nights.

So here we are, it's Monday night (5/31/10) and both boys were in bed and asleep by 8:00 pm. They will likely sleep until tomorrow morning around 7:00 am. Vic and I are very proud and appreciative of our little super sleepers. Of course, occasionally there are hiccups. Some days, Jack is not so much for the napping and will fight falling asleep with every ounce of his being. Other days, Shep wakes up so early it makes me think he is going to pursue a career in agriculture. Yet, more often than not, they boys get their ZZZs. And as you might have guessed, these earlier bed times and extended sleep schedules have been amazing for me and Vic. We can now do things like laundry, eat dinner before 10:00 pm and update the blog.

Thanks for keeping our family in your hearts. Have great nights and sleep fast!

-The Brittons

Kodak Picture Slideshow - Shep and Jack 5 to 7 months