What is your definition of "easier?"

VeilSdeGTO

Just curious since we all have such different definitions of easier at various stages.

To me, easier is sleep related. It would be nice to put her down drowsy but awake and have her fall asleep on her own (and stay asleep). STTN would be great. Having her nap anywhere but my arms all.the.time would be a welcomed break.

ihearteddieboo

To me "easier" was when he was a newborn to about 9 months. When I could put him down in the swing, seat, PNP, and he would stay there and not scream his head off because he wants out.  Now that he is crawling and into EVERYTHING, it is so much more difficult to get a shower, eat a hot meal, etc. 

I would love to be able to shower in the morning without having a little head peaking through the curtain yelling for me to hurry up or come out to find that he has unrolled an entire roll of toliet paper. 

itsmegin

I'm with you in the napping somewhere other than my arms. That's what makes me feel like I can't do anything all day. I am honestly not that tired. Most nights she sleeps for a few hours right when I first put her down, then wakes hourly from there. Since I cut out dairy, the nighttime crying, fussing and grunting has diminished. I would also like the evening fussiness and cluster feeding to stop, I spend hours every night feeding her, and she usually cries the whole time she's eating, it's so upsetting!

D&D4Ever7

For me, it is definitely sleep.  STTN and at least one nap a day would be awesome!

MrsAtch

For me "easier" will be not screaming for at least three hours when we go upstairs to bed. I can deal with the nighttime waking and even the needy must-be-held-all-the-time days but I hate feeling helpless when she screams and screams and I don't know what to do. 

Clerk9

Two big things stand out to me:

1.  Sleep!  When I was no longer having to feed DD every 2-3 hours & then when she started sleeping longer at night.  (Don't feel brave enough to say STTN yet, but I *think* we're about there.)

2.  Communication.  When she started to make noises other than screaming (little complaining whines, coos, etc.).  And then when she started smiling.  Holy cow, just getting a smile made things SO much easier!  The responsiveness really made me feel more relaxed & bonded with her.  

I'd say it took a good 3 months before I felt like things had gotten "easier".  (But there are always growth spurts & other weird things they'll do from time to time to be more "difficult" again, so it's not like it's ever a breeze.)  Hang in there, Mama & we're here to help get you through it!