Sleep, what's that?

[Roseii]

(((hugs))) sweetie DD1 refuses covers too, I worry about her getting cold at night. I think she would refuse a grobag too, she is so stubborn! And if it helps our naps are totally crappy too
We're buying DD1 a Peppa Pig duvet spread for her birthday next week in the hope she'll be so enamoured she wants to use it at night x

[*Becky*]

yes they do go up to 4 years. They are so great imo. I am sure we would be in a BBB by now if he was not in them. x

[Tweakster]

Laura everything is up in the air here too, I really think these teeth are mucking things up.  I would bet that things get better when those molars are through.  At least that's the tiny shred of hope I hang on to every day lol

(((hugs)))

[katie80]

I would bet that things get better when those molars are through.  At least that's the tiny shred of hope I hang on to every day lol

LOL, me too, Wendy! I agree, Laura, it's hard to know how to dress and figure things out when the weather changes, and it's equally hard to feel like it's always one step forward and two back.  I often get frustrated at the same thing.

The short naps and ages to settle no matter the time still sound like teeth to me.  Grrr. . .  I can't remember where O is on the molars.  Is your mom doing meds at all?

[babybarr]

Just 2nd year molars to come but no obvious sign.  Although logically speaking (thinking about previous teething history) they should be making an appearance very soon!

Mum not doing meds - TBH I think she would think I'm mad to do it at nap time

He doesn't seem to bad temperature wise at night but it's just trying to help with the naps I think. 

We're at ILs tomorrow so that means a nap in the car for 30mins on the way home at some stupid time

[lchuynh]

I have nothing wise to add to the raft of suggestions you've already received, not to mention the endless avenues you have already negotiated. Perhaps you may consider a two week trial of melatonin for O if you haven't already done so.

Laura, isn't it absurd how bad is never good until it is worse? But what's also ridiculous is that love knows no limits to it's endurance, no fading of it's hope, and storms certainly do make trees take deeper roots. Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. I don't assume to know you well enough, but from my POV I notice someone with tremendous courage, tenacity, and lion-heartedness. Thus I applaud you for not only having the strength to traverse your own situation (and what a situation that is too!), but also extending a helping hand to those who require it.

One day your son will understand and know who you are; his mother, Laura - the gallant Lioness.

[LizzieN]

Everything Lien said so beautifully xx

[hrk]

Hi Laura.  I don't know that I have followed any posts before regarding your lo.  Super hugs for all that is going on.  I skimmed through the thread, but have you already checked in to any sensory processing issues?  You mention a high tollerance for pain, which can be related to sensory issues.  Self regulation (like sleep) can also be affected.  How are the other developmental areas proceeding (fine and large motor, communication, vision/hearing, cognition ie. thinking, play, visual/auditory learning.  Eating well (or super picky or sensitive to textures), sensitive to/avoids or seeks certain scents, sounds, physical stimulation etc?  Throwing something out there.  Teething makes things go haywire, though.  XXXXXXXXXX

I meant to add seeking behavior related to sensory input as well.  :-)

[babybarr]

Lien - thank you what very kind words, you made cry (not in a bad way)

Perhaps you may consider a two week trial of melatonin for O if you haven't already done so.

No one has offered it to us and it's not something I can get hold of without referral in the UK I don't think anyway

Jean - DS has a high pain threshold cos he's had many needles and illnesses (he has an immune deficiency) However, the sensory stuff is something I have been wondering about for a while myself.
He has very good hearing, vision and verbal skills.  I think he has delayed gross motor skills but everyone assures me he's fine he was a late roller, sitter and crawler (after he walked) but walked around 13mths - probably sick of being sat on his a*se!  He hates new things, he's only recently started feeding himself properly and being able to move himself on a ride along toy.  He doesn't like textured food - so is picky.  He hates anything covering him and has done since he was tiny.  He would cry if I covered his feet with a blanket.  Now as soon as possible after having a shower he has to have the towel off his legs and feet.  He doesn't mind clothes though.  He doesn't like being messy (but that may be my fault ) !!
Thoughts welcome !!!

[LizzieN]

I think you should post a topic on that sweetie, sounds like there might be something there....

Hugs to you lovely xx

[babybarr]

Jean - thought of a few other things when I was getting ready for bed last night....  When DS was really small he couldn't stand loud noises or bright lights - I even asked his paed about his dislike of the light cos it was really bad.  Even now he hates anything too noisy, hoover, hairdryer, drill lawnmower or even too loud music.  He is a very affectionate little boy - loves cuddles / kisses / holding hands etc - I don't know whether that's relevant I just assumed he was "just like that".

Lizzie - I could start a thread but really someone medical would need to acknowledge these things and TBH I wouldn't know where to start with that!

[MLK]

There are a couple of threads, here's some more info:

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=93593.0

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=133370.0

I've posted on both of them worrying about my DS1!

[LizzieN]

Hey sweetheart, it may well just be him but if you can get any strategies that help him to integrate and cope with these sort of things then it may help you day to day if he is overloading during the day with "normal" levels of stimulation then I would be very surprised if it didn't affect his nights too xx  Even if no one will hear you, this info may be very useful for you all xxx

Btw I think it's lovely that he is so affectionate and snuggly, enjoy those wonderful cuddles!

Hugs to you lovley girl
xxx

[hrk]

I checked out that sensory link a long ways back, but it doesn't mention the WIDE range of things that cold be affected.  Sensory issues can look SO different from child to child based on if they are sensory seeking or sensory avoiding.  THere is hypersensitivity (over responsive like with his feet) and hyposensitivity (under responsive like the shots).  Someone can be both hyposensitive in one area and hyper sensitive in another.

I really liked the book "Raising a Sensory Smart Child".  It helps you see how things may see through your child's eyes.  The good news is that you can start to pick up strategies that may help.  An occupational therapist is actually the specialist.  There are sensory profiles that parents can complete.  We used one by Winnie Dunn.  There are lots of other books, like the Out of Sync Child.  But I didn't like that one so much.  Raising a sensory smart child was much better to read.

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html  This site has a check list, although I don't like it as much as the book.  I could see the link between so many sensory things for H when I read through the book.  The website is nice to look at for the categories that can be affected.  Down towards the bottom is self regulation.  If you were in the US and lo had gross motor delay, then sensory could also get services through a birth to three program.  Who does the developemental screenings there?  Usually it isn't a dr here.  That is why I asked about other developmental areas, as in the US you can qualify for services if there are developmental delays.  The book also talks about how to get services for sensory issues, but I am thinking it was based on the US system.  

The noises, cuddling could all be a part of some sensory needs.  So, it sounds like he likes deeper pressure as in the cuddling?  If so, does he sleep wrapped in something?  That is actually one of the sensory strategies we use with H that was outlined on a list of strategies from the occupational therapist we saw. And came back to add that white noise would be a good idea if you are not using that now.  H has a hard time "weeding out" noises, too.  If there is sudden noise he always says "what's that?".

[hrk]

Another thought that two of the children's centers that do developmental screenings also have open play groups that are run by occupational and physical therapists or other early education professionals, too.  It may take some digging for resources, but there should be some.