Uncategorized: babies blog carnival blogging Blogging Carnivals exhaustion humour Motherhood parenting sharing stories sleep sleep deprivation sleep problems solidarity
by Josie
53 comments
The Sleep Deprivation Carnival 2009!
Hello all!
I’ve got something a bit special planned for you this week – Sleep is for the Weak’s very first Sleep Deprivation Carnival 2009!
Now doesn’t that sound fun? And not at all weird and depressing?!
As most of you know, sleep is an especially big problem in our house. Kai has never slept well, rarely managing more than a couple of hours unbroken sleep at a stretch until recently, and having immense difficulty both falling and staying asleep, with a horrendously out-of-wack body clock that still often thinks that 4.30am is a very good time to wake up and start jumping up and down and screeching like a frickin banshee.
It’s been an especially tough couple of weeks for one reason or another (as you’ve probably noticed from all my “I’m tired!” tweets! – sorry about that, very dull I know) and I thought what better way to put the ‘fun’ back in ‘barely functional’ than to host my very own carnival.
I know I’m not the only one for whom sleep is a difficult issue. Like it or not, sleep deprivation is a real experience for most parents with a new baby and effects everyone to a greater and lesser degree. If you’re lucky, it will only be an issue for perhaps the first few weeks, but for more many of us, severely disrupted or lost sleep can be a major problem for many months (or even…dare I say it…YEARS! *gulp*).
In the middle of those long nights and exhausted, bleary-eyed days, sometimes a sense of humour and the solidarity and support of my fellow parenting peeps (and chocolate and twitter of course) are the only things that gets me through. So I thought it would therapeutic and a bit of fun to invite you all to share your sleep deprivation stories.
You could write about:
- The worst night’s sleep you every had
- Something stupid you did while seriously sleep deprived
- The sleep problems you may be experiencing with your child at the moment (you never know, people may have some tips for you)
- How lack of sleep has effected your day-to-day life
- Your best sleep deprivation survival tips or no-sleep remedies
Or even better
- How you survived sleep deprivation and came out the other side and now have babes that sleep like angels -giving us poor parents still in the thick of things the hope that THIS WILL PASS!!
Write your post (or use an old one) and either post a link in the comments section below or email me using the contact button on your right. Next week I’ll post a review of all your submitted stories for us all to share in.
Feel free to use the badge at the top of this post and link back to me if you like, or just to make it extra easy for you here’s a HTML code that will insert the image directly into your blog with no uploading required (cause I’m nice and super clever like that):
Joining me from Twitter or Facebook and haven’t got a blog? You can still take part! Just write and submit your entry via email and I’ll be sure to include them in the round up next week.
As an extra bit of fun I am also inviting you all to submit photos of yourselves looking seriously sleep deprived.
Here’s one of my very brave friend Mark to start us off who is busy looking after his very elderly grandpa (which I think counts as parenting in any one’s book)…
Again, email me your pics and I’ll display them in a rogue’s gallery next week. My lovely husband Ant and fellow sleep-deprivation partner will pick his favourite who will then be awarded a random sleep-themed not at all crap fabulous prize. And just to prove to you that Ant has suffered with the best of them, here’s one of him to add to the mix…
Enjoy and good luck! The deadline for submissions is midnight next Sunday 27th September so don’t miss out!
P.S. If you fancy giving this venture a plug via the share buttons below that would be just FAB and I will love you forever.
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Oh I like this idea! Plenty of stories to choose from so will have a think. Might struggle on the photo though as I banned anyone from taking photos of me in the immediate months after my children were born as I looked so rough. And thinking about it, any other rough photos have been deleted too. Love the ones on this page! Very funny.
Whistlejacket´s last blog ..Pumpkin’s progress 
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
@Whistlejacket, Oh go on… the must be ONE photo hidden away somewhere!
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Great idea, Josie.
Here is the post I wrote a year ago – a guide, if you will, to getting a good night’s sleep.
http://notdrowning.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/getting-a-good-nights-sleep/
I even used the phrase “Sleep is for the weak” as an eerily prophetic nod to you and my linking to this post from this blog. I must be physic. I mean psycho. I mean psychic.
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Hannah Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Excellent blog, I never thought I would quite read anything half as good as Josies, turned out I was a little wrong! xxxx
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Hannah Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Excellent blog, I never thought I would quite read anything half as good as Josies, turned out I was a little wrong! xxxx
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Hello! Wanted to pop by and say thanks for commenting so wisely on my witterings about class, also will try to put something together for you for this…Good luck with it!
Linda´s last blog ..Mummy, what does middle class mean?
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Excellent site! I’d love to write something for you, even though my girls are big now ….but I’m still a bit tired!
Dulwich Divorcee ´s last blog ..A good tagging
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
@Dulwich Divorcee, Can’t wait to read it! And thanks for stopping by!
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
@Dulwich Divorcee, Can’t wait to read it! And thanks for stopping by!
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Hi, can I cheat and contribute something I’ve already written??
http://veryboredhousewife.blogspot.com/2009/09/toddler-induced-insomnia.html
Ta muchly
Very Bored Housewife´s last blog ..More Bling!
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
@Very Bored Housewife, You certainly can! Thanks for taking part x
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
@Very Bored Housewife, You certainly can! Thanks for taking part x
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Have tweeted because it sounds like it will be good fun. Now I just have to work out if or what I should write.
Mwa´s last blog ..Ten step plan update
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Does it count if I was awake all last night thinking about what to write for you?
Maternal Tales´s last blog ..Award Overload
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
@Maternal Tales, It wasn’t my intention to CAUSE sleep deprivation! Honestly… what are you like! x
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
@Maternal Tales, It wasn’t my intention to CAUSE sleep deprivation! Honestly… what are you like! x
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How weird – I’d just written these thoughts down when I read your blog… sorry if this sends you over the edge but since everyone thinks sleep deprivation ends when your baby “sleeps through the night” – I thought I’d shatter the illusion.
10 Phases of sleep deprivation Up to age 4
1. Feeding a newborn.
2. Loosing dummy in the duvet (can last up to age 3)
3. Sniffles, colds and flu (at least 6 times a winter, and once in summer for good measure)
4. Batteries on mobile died (this never happens as 7pm when you put them down, but ONLY at 3am)
5. Getting out of new bed (once transition from cot to bed occurs, expect nightly visits for at least 3 months)
6. “I want some books” (in my house anyway this can happen any time from 7pm to 7am despite there being a bookshelf beside her bed)
7. Night terrors (yours, and theirs)
8. Bed wetting – just when you think you’ve mastered the potty training – the night-time version commences
9. Bed vomiting – like the above and just as messy, but rather more spontaneous and a lot more disgusting.
10. Just for the hell of it crying – any age, any time, and any where. Well, we all need a hug.
Sleep is for the weak? I’ll drink to that!
Alana Kirk-Gillham´s last blog ..It’s a Number’s Game
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
@Alana Kirk-Gillham, Oh Alana I LOVE this! Don’t worry I’m under no illusions… especially as as soon as Kai is sleeping marginally better we’ll probably have another baby and begin this merry dance all over again!
Thanks so much for sharing your list – and if you fancy contributing anything else just let me know!
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Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
@Alana Kirk-Gillham, Oh Alana I LOVE this! Don’t worry I’m under no illusions… especially as as soon as Kai is sleeping marginally better we’ll probably have another baby and begin this merry dance all over again!
Thanks so much for sharing your list – and if you fancy contributing anything else just let me know!
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Hi Josie – Josie – JOSIE – WAKE UP!!!!
Love the ‘theme’ of your carnival. My post isn’t strictly about being sleep-deprived (I am totally knackered at the moment as small boy has had shocking dose of chicken pox), anyway, it does relate to the ‘am I going insane’ paranoia which results from sleep-deprivation! Anyway, see what you think. Yous, bleary-eyed, HCM.
http://hotcrossmum.blogspot.com/2009/08/missing-three-pairs-of-shoes-and-one.html
Hot Cross Mum´s last blog ..Always take the weather with you
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LOVE the idea. Funnily enough, I’ve written a piece in tomorrow’s Independent all about my own personal sleep hell if you’re near a shop and fancy a peek. Don’t get excited though because I don’t have any solutions to offer…. Will think up a post for you. x
babieswhobrunch´s last blog ..Great birthday wishes
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PS here’s a link to one i wrote recently for starters….
http://babieswhobrunch.blogspot.com/2009/04/seeking-third-way.html
babieswhobrunch´s last blog ..Great birthday wishes
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It is seriously hard to pick just one post related to sleep. But, after months and months of posts like this one complaining about not sleeping (http://capitalmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/letter-for-boy.html) I have decided that he too shall one day suffer one day like I have. Now I am looking forward to when he turns 15 and it is my turn to wake him up!
http://capitalmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/letter-to-boy.htm
This is my strategy (although a long term strategy) for dealing with a lack of sleep.
Brie´s last blog ..The moral of the story
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Marvellous idea, almost as good as the poo carnival…
I’ve got an oldish one about sleep when we’re travelling to add to the mix.
http://itsasmallworldafterallfamily.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/sleep-or-the-lack-of-it/
Victoria´s last blog ..A trip down memory lane, river, jungle trail and highway
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Hi Josie,
Here’s my submission for your carnival, I was rubbish at sorting this sleep malarkey out so it recounts my experience and includes tips from those who did much better than me:
Looks like you are going to have a strong resource for parents in this carnival so that’s brilliant.
Good luck with everything.
Linda
x
Linda´s last blog ..How my twins kept me awake at night, and top tips to stop it happening to you
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Excellent idea! Here’s my contribution…
http://www.working-mum.co.uk/2009/09/coping-with-sleep-deprivation/
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Here’s another one for the list… still, reading all these at least makes me feel somewhat comforted I’m not alone at 3am lying prostrate on the landing floor looking under my daughter’s bedroom door….. read on!
http://mummymania.blogspot.com/2009/01/night-terrors.html
Alana Kirk-Gillham´s last blog ..It’s a Number’s Game
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Hiya! Here’s my contribution to the sleep deprivation carnival, just before bedtime!
http://mummydothat.blogspot.com/2009/09/she-sleeps-like-baby.html. Great idea and really looking forward to reading all the contributions!
cartside´s last blog ..She sleeps like a baby
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Oh I’d love to join. The only problem is, I am so tired… 
Metropolitan Mum´s last blog ..The fast, the furious and the fashionable: a day at Goodwood Revival
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Something I wrote ages ago when I was still in the trenches.
http://violetposy.co.uk/2008/04/20/guide-me-through-the-night/
How they can melt your heart even when they don’t sleep x
Liz@VioletPosy´s last blog ..Two Today and a Massive Giveaway!
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Hey! I have a post ready! (So proud of myself. Every previous carnival I tried to join, I bottled out or was too slow.) I will post tomorrow.
Mwa´s last blog ..Isn’t she just the bee’s knees?
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And here’s one for you from ParentDish, Six ways to get your child to sleep through the night:
http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/09/23/six-steps-to-get-your-child-to-sleep-through-the-night/
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Josie Reply:
September 27th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
@Joanne Mallon, Thanks so much Joanne – great to have a Parent Dish article to include, much appreciated.
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Josie Reply:
September 27th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
@Joanne Mallon, Thanks so much Joanne – great to have a Parent Dish article to include, much appreciated.
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Hi there. What a great idea for a carnival! Sleep deprivation: something I definitely know all about. Can I join in? I wrote this article about where we were six months ago with sleep, and where we are now (not a lot further on really!):
http://cavemother.blogspot.com/2009/09/sleep-one-year-on.html
I would be honoured if you would include it.
Cave Mother´s last blog ..Sleep, One Year On
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Cave Mother Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
PS I don’t actually want to publish it until Saturday, so although that will be the URL, it won’t be up there until then.
Cave Mother´s last blog ..Sleep, One Year On
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Cave Mother Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
PS I don’t actually want to publish it until Saturday, so although that will be the URL, it won’t be up there until then.
Cave Mother´s last blog ..Sleep, One Year On
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Fabulous idea for a carnival, but won’t all those drums and trumpets wake the babies? Sorry.
I wrote this recently, it’s words of wisdom from a sleep professor:
http://sandycalico.blogspot.com/2009/09/advice-from-sleep-professor.html
SandyCalico´s last blog ..I Can’t Find My Little Boy
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http://mwaonline.blogspot.com/2009/09/go-to-sleep-baby.html
Hurray!
Mwa´s last blog ..Go to sleep, baby
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My post is up. I’ve just begun to realise how lucky I am! http://bringingupcharlie.blogspot.com/2009/09/sleep-is-for-weak.html
Tim Atkinson´s last blog ..Sleep is for the weak
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I’m not sure how this works – but this is quite an old post…
http://beingmumbeingme.blogspot.com/2008/10/sleep-and-lack-of-it.html
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Josie Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
@beingmumbeingme, That’s perfect thank you! On Monday I’ll be posting a round-up of all the enteries for people to read and include details and a link to your post.
Thanks so much for contributing.
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Josie Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
@beingmumbeingme, That’s perfect thank you! On Monday I’ll be posting a round-up of all the enteries for people to read and include details and a link to your post.
Thanks so much for contributing.
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Just as I thought things couldn’t get worse my damn curtain rail fell down.
Being totally shattered and out of my mind with exhaustion I couldn’t put it back up!
Now, Reuben wakes me every 2 hours for a breastfeed, he’s 17 months.
The only sleep I sometimes get is between about 5 and 7 but now not a chance!
Once the sun comes up I’m doomed!
I’m paranoid about light getting in at the best of times.. Actually I feel rather Vampirish at the moment..garlic makes me quite queasy.. Anyway I digress as I am typing on my iPhone when I SHOULD be trying to sleep..But you know what,my exhausted buds, if I dare to fall asleep Roo will wake up.. You know how it is.. So I must conclude this ludicrous sleep deprived rambling!! Excuse typos.. I’m really much too tired for all this ….
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Here is the link to my “I want to win a slanket please” oops I mean Sleep Deprivation Carnival 2009 blog entry.
http://tums2mums.blogspot.com/2009/09/slanket-reward-for-my-months-of-sleep.html
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Well here is my post – http://amothersramblings.blogspot.com/2009/09/sleeping-like-baby.html but if you will allow it, I wanted to share this one http://amothersramblings.blogspot.com/2009/09/wordless-wednesday-sleep-is-for-weak.html and this one http://amothersramblings.blogspot.com/2009/08/one-from-archives-top-ender-fell-asleep.html with you too!
Pippa´s last blog ..Sleeping like a Baby
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Bonjour!
Can I enter this one please:
http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/09/daydream-believer.html
Ta muchly!
Loving this idea lots.
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..Daydream believer…….
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http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2002/4/15/103358/720
Hey everyone!
Apparently we can survive on an hours sleep according to my son!
Have a look at this if you can keep youre eyes open long enough.
I know its cheaty but it is rather fascinating…
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Hello, I’ve never done one of these before but would love to get started. Hope you don’t mind including my entry. Thanks!
http://budofabud.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-bed.html
carolb´s last blog ..SAHM
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okay, so the last thing you sound like you need are any more posts re non-sleeping, but one of your submission criteria was a post offering a solution. and this happens to be mine. the solution isn’t original, but i promise this version is worth seeking out.
http://babieswhobrunch.blogspot.com/2009/09/solution-to-losing-sleep-battle.html
and just in case this might helps anyone out there, here’s a link to that indy piece i mentioned. i might not have found a bona fide solution, but in the process of looking i figured out that i might not need one after all. (but i’m writing that from the luxury of a holiday. what life will be like when i get home i shudder to think. especially now louis has a SERIOUS boob addiction. it’s magic stuff. i can’t knock it. anyway, the piece:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-to-help-your-baby-sleep-1791130.html
babieswhobrunch´s last blog ..Great birthday wishes
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Josie Reply:
September 26th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@babieswhobrunch, That fantastic! Thanks so much for your contribution – the more the merrier.
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Josie Reply:
September 26th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@babieswhobrunch, That fantastic! Thanks so much for your contribution – the more the merrier.
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Here’s mine : http://allgrownup06.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-to-co-sleeping.html
Fab idea. I LOVE you’re writing. You are inside my head.
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Hoping I am not too late….I blame the broken sleep! Here is my submission, with embarrassing photos!
http://youfoundkelshidingplace.blogspot.com/2009/09/sleep-deprivation.html
Kelly´s last blog ..Sleep deprivation
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http://americanmominengland.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-parent-isnt-sleep-deprived.html
My post. . . I hope it’s not too late! =)
Erin @ American Mom in England´s last blog ..I am ready. . .
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Here’s my post on sleep deprivation:
http://mostleast.com/2008/10/24/sleep-deprivation-effect-get-no-sleep/
I can’t wait to read everyone’s entries. Thanks for organising this!
ella´s last blog ..Money well spent
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[...] post was written for The Sleep Deprivation Carnival 2009 at ‘Sleep is for the [...]
Josie Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
@Whistlejacket, Oh go on… the must be ONE photo hidden away somewhere!
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Whistlejacket Reply:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
@Josie, well possibly, I’ll have a look… there’s an award for you at mine.
Whistlejacket´s last blog ..A couple of awards!
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Whistlejacket Reply:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
@Josie, well possibly, I’ll have a look… there’s an award for you at mine.
Whistlejacket´s last blog ..A couple of awards!
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