September 13

Dear Julie,

Today was a very long day. Let me start off by saying that I love you, and that I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything. However, after today, I understand why people shake babies. You cried. All. Day. Long. I am so over today, and have never been so happy for you to be sleeping soundly. 

You didn't sleep well last night. You were up every hour from 7PM-midnight, then again at 3AM, 4:30AM, and got up for the day at 6AM. You got to wear one of my favorite outfits today, and I can't believe that it still fits. You're so little, that this outfit has lasted six months! 

We went to Nana and Papa'll's house to help Papa'll bake a cake, and you refused to nap. I put you down at 8:30AM since you'd gotten up so early, and you cried for an hour. I checked on you, and you just kept crying. I got you up, fed you some yogurt, nursed you, changed your diaper, and out you back down. You slept for 45 minutes, and we're ready to take on the day. 

You played with Nana while I helped Papa'll in the kitchen, and then it was time for lunch. 

I forgot to pack food for you, so you got to try oatmeal today! You loved it! You've had oatmeal in your bottle, and to thicken foods, but never as flavored food. You had Quaker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, and couldn't get enough. 

Then it was time for another nap. I out you in the pack n play at noon. You screamed for half an hour. Then I decided to try to get you to sleep ok the car. I knew otherwise, you wou don't nap, and with class going until 9PM, not napping wasn't an option. 

You fell asleep by the time we were out of the neighborhood, but, again, only slept for 45 minutes. We went on to the studio, and you did really well until 4PM. 

You started to get really tired, and fussy, but refused to nap. I'd out you down, and you'd scream. We went to Nana and Papa'll's house during class to write up a bill of sale for the Subaru. We sold our car to one of our dancer's families, and had to get the paperwork ready before their class was over. My hope was that you'd fall asleep on our way to the farm. Unfortunately, you had different plans. You stayed awake, and didn't nap again for the rest of the night.

Every time I'd put you down for a nap, you'd scream. I finally gave in, and just out you in the bouncer. 

You were so overtired, and your teeth were hurting, and we were both miserable. We left class an hour early tonight so you could go to bed. 

You cried all day, and thought you were still smiling and happy, you weren't your normal self. As soon as we got home, I nursed you, and you fell asleep before I left your bedroom. Hopefully, you'll sleep tonight, and tomorrow will be better. I love you Julia Rose, even when you're overtired.