Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Restless Baby Syndrome

Sarah's a kicker. Has been since day one. We often would lay awake with our newborn and listen to the sound of her tiny heels repeatedly nailing the bassinet pad - 'thwumpthwumpthwump....thwumpthwump....thwumpthwumpthwump".

The other day I heard a story on the news about restless leg syndrome. I didn't think much of it at the time, save that I'm glad not to have it. But last night, while Sarah remained awake with legs flailing for what felt like the majority of the night, I wondered if babies can have it. The poor thing was so tired, she'd close her little eyes and rest her head on anything in sight, but then she couldn't stop wiggling and repeatedly woke herself up.

Kate did not go through anything like this. Kate does not mess around when it comes to sleeping. In fact, she never even stirred while Sarah was wide awake and crying last night. Which is good, because it's wearying enough to worry that the brain of one of your children will be under-developed because she doesn't get enough sleep and subsequently won't be able to learn all the important stuff she has to learn. It's obvious that's what happening. I test it; from time to time I'll surprise her with "Sarah, quick, name all 9 supreme court justices, start with the chief!" and every single time she can't name a single one and instead just chews on something. If this kid doesn't get a good night's sleep, she's never going to get into a good college.

2 comments:

Brooklyn Volunteer said...

I have the same concern for Irene. When I ask her to name the Supreme court she always cites O'Connor even though we've told her repeatedly that she retired

LMP said...

Yes, but it's so difficult to keep up with news of the states when you're so far away.