I have said it before. I will not ask other parents the dreaded question. Even when asked with good intentions, it is loaded and evaluative.
"Does your baby sleep through the night, yet?"
Perhaps it is the "yet" part that bothers me. It taunts. "Because she should be."
I said don't ask me, because parents will let you know when it happens. It is defeating to have to answer, "No." Our baby girl is now 7 months (this Saturday), strong-willed and we are still on a night time journey, but for the past week I have been getting at least 7 hours of sleep in a row. I hesitate to answer "the question" with a firm, "Yes." As it is a journey and we are learning as a family. There will be regressions, sickness and nightmares. For now, I will enjoy this treat of sleep!
How? I will not discount prayer. A VERY supportive husband, who has been having more interrupted sleep than me as of late if Rylyn does wake before 5 am. He is the one tending to her during twilight time now. Although the past week, he too has been having uninterrupted sleep. Finally, ignoring the pressuring question when it is asked and answering in my mind for myself, "Rylyn will sleep though the night when she is ready as we have created the right environment and habits for it to happen."
Switching gears...umm pans...for a moment I would also like to highlight my renewed love for the "hard egg." While visiting with my aunt this month, she made me the most delicious egg salad sandwich. I have been on a hard egg-kick ever since.
Easy. Quick. Healthy. Versatile. Yummy. And, sometimes smelly!
My hard egg preparation knowledge comes from the combined wisdom of my mother and Betty Crocker: Place eggs in a pot. Cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil and allow eggs to boil for 5 minutes. Take eggs off burner. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Place in refrigerator to cool - I suggest making them in the evening and leaving them overnight. The egg shrinks in the cold away from the shell and membrane making it easier to peel. I have found this method and waiting until you want to use the egg makes the eggs less stinky too.
What do I do with my hard eggs? Eat it whole, mash it up for a salad topping, make egg salad using Miracle Whip and pepper and, my personal fav, make devilled eggs! Get crackin'!
Bible Reflections:
1 Timothy 1:14-16
The Message (MSG)
-Paul could have been considered a hard egg. At one point, he was not interested in Jesus and His Followers. He was interested in persecuting them. Jesus was patient with him. Jesus loved and forgave him. And now, this work passed on to us. To be patient, loving and forgiving of the hard eggs or difficult people in our own lives.
