In the Search For Sleep

We chase sleep this kid and I.

One of us loves it.

The other one not so much. Although he never misses an afternoon nap with his seven blankets and train magazines. I call him a 90-year-old man every afternoon.

But the nighttime sleep, he doesn’t love it so much. He goes to bed great…always has. But his preferred time to wake up is 3 am. He comes in my room, touches my shoulder to let me know he’s awake and then he wanders downstairs.

I can hear him, my mom ears listening to the crinkling of his paper, as he makes his way to the couch. Seconds later I hear the Barney episode with the tuba. It’s the same every morning.

I spent a lot of time trying to figure his sleep out over the years. As he’s gotten older, I’ve figured out he just doesn’t need as much as me. Or his dad. Or his brother who hates to wake up before 10 am.

I wonder if it will always be like this. If he will be paddling around our house at 30, watching his shows at 3 am or if he will eventually learn to sleep.

Who knows. What I do know is today we are tired. Because his dad and I don’t get afternoon naps like he does.

And he sure is happy. Because despite how much sleep he gets, every day is the best day of his life. I wish I could have a little more of that part.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.