coffee

what did we do before coffee? seriously, I do not know how moms (or dads) can get through the morning without some form of caffeine. I know when my kids wake up before 7am, I am not ready to face the day until I've had at least one cup of caffeinated goodness.
When Ashley was born, coffee wasn't as big a deal for me. She slept through the night at 8 weeks, I think mostly thanks to my mother's rigid scheduling more than any influence from me. And I was only a teenager. I still had limitless energy. And while I grew up in Washington, which seems to be one of the coffee drinking capitals of the country, my folks didn't really drink coffee.
But now at age 40, coffee is a necessity. Kai didn't sleep through the night until he was 2 1/2 years old. Kate turned 2 in October and still isn't sleeping through the night. So I honestly haven't had a good nights sleep in over 5 years. 5 whole years. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Kate has decided to give up her nap so I am hoping that will translate to better sleep at night. She is sure going to bed easier--she's exhausted. But then so am I.
Kids are the best. But they are better when you've had your morning (and afternoon) java.