Blog Anniversary Week - Sleep Is for the Weak

One of my absolute favorite things to do is sleep. I remember the glorious days of being able to sleep in, and even take nap whenever I pleased. The perfect night's sleep for me was going to bed around 10pm and waking up at 9am (pathetic, I know). Now, with an energetic, rambunctious 22 month old I look back on those days with fond memories. Nowadays I don't do much sleeping. If my son starts screaming at 7:00 in the morning I consider myself extremely lucky (at least it wasn't 4:30 like last night!). He also dictates when if I nap too, since he will only nap on top of me.
I was beginning to wonder if it was just me, or if my son was just extra difficult. Besides the sleeping issue, do other kids demand a certain color sippy cup before they'll drink out of it? Will they only eat with a certain spoon or a fork? Do they stand there and scream if you put the "wrong" outfit on them? I found my answer by reading Sleep Is for the Weak, and that answer is a definite YES.

Sleep Is for the Weak, edited by Rita Arens and published by Chicago Review Press, is a compilation of essays written by the best of the Mommybloggers including Amalah, Finslippy, Fussy, Woulda Coulda Shoulda, Mom-101, and more. The stories shared are humorous, sincere, straightforward and thought provoking. Best of all, they are comforting in that you know that you are definitely not alone. The writers all have a unique storytelling style, making the book interesting and to read. In some cases I was able to see issues from a different perspective, which I loved. One of my favorite parts of the book is from an essay by Amy Jo Jones of the blog Binkytown. She describes her sleepless nights of lying on the floor next to her son's crib trying to get him to go to sleep. She finally lays him down on the floor next to her and this is the sweet conversation that they have:

"Mama?" he said. He was still awake.
"Yes, baby. I'm right here."
"Hold hands?" he asked.
"Sure, baby. Let's hold hands."
He again wrapped his little fingers around my hand and with it, my heart.
I thought to myself, I would trade a lifetime of sleep for this.

The book is full of these stories, some endearing, others sarcastic, but all of them honest and true. Apart from some occasional profanity, I enjoyed every single one of them.

WANT TO WIN? One winner will receive a copy of Sleep Is for the Weak. To enter leave a comment on this post prior to Thursday, February 5th at Midnight. Please leave your email address. Winner must provide a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.