Sleep is An Urban Legend

When I had Ari, two and a half ago years ago, I told myself I was never going to sleep again. What did I know? I was a new parent, I'd heard babies didn't let you sleep because they constantly needed something or other, to be changed, held, fed and all that jazz.

I didn't like being deprived of sleep, but I knew that was part of the deal. Two and a half years later here is my reward for not sleeping:

Unfortunately, Ari has had some major sleep issues over the past six months. Read more about his insomnia here.

Those sleep issues have just gotten a whole lot worse because of this new arrival:

The lady pictured above, Ari's sister Samara (1 week old), fascinates him to no end. Now he doesn't want to sleep because he's afraid to miss out on helping with the baby. When Samara cries Ari says cute things like "Don't worry, Ari's here!"

I'm thrilled that Ari wants to be actively involved in his little sister's life, but frustrated by his lack of sleep.


Here's where you come in, dear readers:

What I know:
--Newborns, inherently, have a lack of routine. They may sleep two hours or four hours, depending on their mood.
--Ari needs a sleep routine desperately.
--How do I get Ari on a sleep schedule while caring for a newborn?

Please help a mama out!