Ben napping, 6 weeks
Ever since we brought Ben home six weeks ago, friends and family have all asked me the same question: “How are you doing?”
The short answer? “I’m doing great, but I’m really tired.” Ben wakes up every 2-3 hours, and at least one of his nighttime feedings lasts at least an hour. And, with three other kids odds are high that at least one of them will A) wake up in the middle of the night or B) wake up extra early in the morning. It has been many, many months since I’ve slept through the night.
I am really really really really REALLY tired. So tired that it is hard for me to focus – mentally and literally. Like, sometimes my eyes literally will not focus on what is in front of me. I cannot read a magazine because the words blur together, and I avoid driving during moments of extra tiredness. My eyes are fatigued.
Evelyn sleeping, 6 weeks
Before Baby 4, extreme tiredness and exhaustion might have caused me to feel extra emotional. But, now I am too tired to cry. I literally do not have the strength to shed a tear. I have surrendered to the tiredness.
Mack dozing, 4 months
I am so tired that I simply cannot see further than the next few days. Weddings this summer, Chris’s birthday next week, doctor appointments next month – I cannot plan for these events because I don’t have the mental capacity to think that far ahead.
Vivian snoozing, 7 weeks
I am so tired that my body hurts. Aches, really. Every muscle is working overtime to compensate for the lack of rest, so when I do finally lay down at 9:30 pm for a three hour stretch I feel my body melt into the mattress.
I try not to complain. I know there are plenty of women praying for a baby, and they would feel grateful for a few months of sleepless nights. Plus, anyone who signs up to have a kid knows that sleep will be in short supply, so I recognize my predicament is not unique to me. And since this is our fourth baby we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel: someday Ben will start sleeping through the night and my mental state will return to normal.
For now I just have to survive.
And enjoy every freaking moment.
Because it goes by in an instant.
Good morning! April 16, 2014
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
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thank you for writing that even though you are so tired, you try not to complain because you know there are lots of women out there that would do anything for a baby. i found your blog through the ND magazine as both my husband and i are alums. We have no living children but have had a miscarriage. We would do anything for a baby and keep praying. Your family is beautiful. I wish you sleep!
Amy, I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. I am sure the little one felt your love – and what a good feeling that must have been! I will pray to Notre Dame that you and your husband welcome a baby to your family soon.