Conference moira::parenting

    Tina,
    My 12 1/2 month old is going through his worst teething yet. He normally 
    sleeps for 10 hours straight.  He's been doing that for 8+ months.  This 
    past week he has woken up EVERY 2-4 hours, whimpering, calling mama, and
    crying.  It's his teeth.  I give him tylenol and orajel and he gets 
    better.  All he wants it mom to hold him until he goes back to sleep.  
    Then he wakes up again a few hours later and it starts all over.
    Matty is pretty much himself during the day, except for when he gets
    tired.  A lot grumpier than usual.  Doesn't want to eat a lot of his
    favorites because it just must hurt too much (we're working on an eye
    tooth now, along with 4 other teeth, and we already have 7 in).
    Is it possible that your son is teething and the 'no, no, no' is due
    to the teething pain? (or the constipation as you mentioned).
    
    Cheri

    Could it be dreaming?  A bit early according to some books, but I don't
    believe all the books all the time.
    
    meg

    I was thinking the same thing ... dreaming.  I can't remember when
    my son started dreaming (he's 2.5 yrs now), but I do remember it
    started before he was 2.  Sometimes, their routine just changes 
    or it very well could be teething.  Try the tylenol route and see
    if that helps.  If it does, then it's probably teething.
    
    julie

    
    	I'd opt for a check at the doctor's.  For my son, waking
    	at night has always meant either teeth or an ear infection.
    	Since he's had all his teeth since he was 1, I usually get
    	the ears checked.  (I forgot this advice myself last week,
    	and waited five days before taking him to the doctor, thinking
    	it was just his cold waking him.  I felt like a heel when
    	the doctor said he had a "raging" infection :-(  ).
    
    	Karen
    

    I've listened to Angeline talk and giggle in her sleep.  Can't
    tell me she's not dreaming!
    
    I'd lean toward the constipation and teeth too.  They really 
    bother Angeline the most at night.  
    
    					cj *->

    I have an 18 month old who is doing the same thing.  The 5 year old
    also did this at that time.  The doctor told me with the older one that
    it could be several things.  Two, dreaming and teething, have been
    mentioned.  The other he mentioned is that this is also the age when a
    lot of kids start with a separation thing.  They wake up, realize they
    are alone, and get upset.  We've also found with the younger one right
    now that having a cold she'll wake up when her nose gets stuffy, then
    we go through the same thing also.
    
    Irene
    

    ..thanks so much for your help!  I tried a dose of tylenol for Chris
    just before bedtime last night, and he slept longer than his usual
    4 hrs before waking up..  and you're right - he's fine if he's busy,
    but as soon as he gets tired (which seems alot earlier lately), he  
    starts.  Just to be safe, I'm making an appt. for him later - so at
    least ears can be ruled out.  He's usually SUCH a sweetie - I hate to
    see him not feeling/sleepy well, and not know what to do!  
    ..welcome to motherhood!
    
    Thanks again,
    		  T

    Just a quick update:
    	Last night Chris only woke once - hopefully we're past the teething
    	on those teeth - anyway!  I did take him to the pediatrician who
    	checked him out completely - the diagnosis: Molars and Eye-teeth coming
    	in at the same time. The Dr. said it may be as long as a month
    	before we're completely through.
    	Tylenol, Ora-Gel, and alot of TLC was perscribed.  Must be hurting
    	Chris: He HATES the taste of Oral-Gel, but the other nigh, 'round
   	3:00 he actually opened his mouth when I had the tube in my hand...
    
    	Thanks for all your wise advise - just knowing what everyone else is
    	going through/has gone through helps!!
    
    	T