Odds & Ends

I don't really have anything to say that will fit neatly into one category; hence, the title of this post.

First of all, I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew, but I finally submitted my paperwork to be readmitted into the licensure-only program at a local college (I already have a BS degree, so this program was ideal for me). Five years ago, I took a few classes to work towards receiving my state teaching licensure but then just kind of let school fall by the wayside when I got busy with, well, life (read: trying to balance a full-time job with baseline ultrasounds, injectable medications, timed sex, and pretty much obsessing over all things pregnancy). Now that I'm a stay-at-home mom, I figured taking a couple of classes here and there would be a good idea. My dream scenario would be to ultimately end up teaching at the elementary school in our neighborhood, where Camden will one day be a student. Remind me of that goal when I'm trying to read a textbook while Camden is crawling up my legs or when I'm frantically cramming for a test while shoveling a spoonful of sweet potatoes in his mouth, okay? Gotta keep the big picture in mind to stay motivated.

And now, my least favorite subject. I hate to even bring up the S word. Sleep is not a popular topic in my house, nor is it a popular way for Camden to spend his time. Even worse than discussing sleep in general, for me, is to talk about the dreaded sleep training. You may remember that my pediatrician recommended that I consider "cry it out" sleep training with Camden back in June, but told me not to start until I was ready. I wasn't ready then. I bet you're expecting me to say that I am ready now. Wrong. The truth is, I don't think I'll ever be ready for cry it out sleep training because it's just not the right fit for my parenting style. I also don't think it's the right match for my child's spirited temperament. But as Camden gets older & increasingly more mobile, co-sleeping is not only becoming more disruptive but it's also becoming less safe. And so my new goal is to have Camden sleeping in his crib (through the night would be a huge bonus!) by the time he's a year old. That gives me 3 months and some change to work with. I have an idea in mind-- a method that I feel good about was recently recommended to me-- and I'll share more about that particular plan as I start to move forward with it.

So, that's where I'm at: starting school & sleep training (again). I have a feeling life's gonna get mighty interesting around here very soon. Hold me.