My heart stopped today. It was only for a second (or three), but it definitely happened. It seems an appropriate response to what I witnessed. Baby Carter stopped breathing. So my heart skipped a few beats.
There we were – mom, Carter and I – settling in for our late afternoon nap (a custom to which I’ve come to very much enjoy) when it happened. Whoever coined the phrase sleeping like a baby clearly has never watched a baby sleep. There’s flailing and jumping and funny breathing patterns and grunting and the occasional random cries. But there are also smiles. Watching all of this unfold has become a favorite part of my days. I am watching over my little person and all is well in my world.
So today when he stopped breathing, my world turned on its axis. I wanted to do something – anything – to make him start breathing again. Fortunately I didn’t have to. It happened on its own a few moments later. And apparently it’s normal, at least from what I heard mom and dad discussing later. But it seriously and completely freaked me out.
That’s when I realized there’s something about newborn sleep that is kind of like life. It’s fun. There are moments that overwhelm you with joy and prompt a smile straight from the heart. It’s scary. There are moments that take your breath away – for good or for bad reasons. It’s not always easy. There are things along the way that make us sigh and grunt and flail (at least emotionally if not physically).
And dreams are real. Today was not the firs time I’ve longed to hop inside that little baby mind of his to see whatever he was dreaming about. Moreover, I wish I could have protected him from whatever made him scared in his dream and share with him whatever made him happy. But, just like life, there are some things that are uniquely our own. Dreams are one such thing.
My heart stopped today. It wasn’t for long, but it was long enough for me to realize in that small moment something pretty big. “Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s question,” suggested American psychic Edgar Cayce. If that’s the case, my questions don’t really matter. Because if that silly sleep smile is any indication, my little person’s got it all figured out.
Wiley's Wisdom 
That is a gorgeous photo of little Carter smiling. I know what you mean, Wiles, when you say, “your world turned on its axis’ there is nothing that will get your heart beating just a little (okay, a whole lot) faster than when they stop breathing – even just for a couple of seconds. Afternoon naps are very special – lol even at my age when they’re called “Nana naps” 😀
I love that term “nana naps!” That sounds so nice. 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words…I will be sure to pass them along to Mr. Carter just as soon as I can.
Lots of love,
Wiles
I didn’t know it was customary for a baby to stop breathing – I was with you on the racing heart there, Wyles. Both pictures are terrric, but just this once, Carter steals it and brings it home. That smile! Right up there with yours, Wyles. 🙂 Thanks for starting my heart again. Love and hugs, HuntMode
I didn’t know this about baby sleep either, but apparently all kinds of weird things happen in baby sleep. Its normal for their breathing patterns to be all over the place, which – even after what happened yesterday – scares mom and I a little. But we’re all okay and smiling, so that’s what matters. 🙂
Lots of love to the HuntModes!
Wyles
“Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s question” – funny I only read that yesterday too! And what a beautiful smile Carter has. I can imagine your shock when Carter stopped breathing, glad it was only for a little. It woudl be great to be in the mind of a baby…. no worries, just joy and love! (like you really Wiley 🙂 )
Isn’t that a neat quote? I love that idea. You’re right about being in my mind – it’s a lovely place filled with sunshine, rainbows and bacon. 🙂 I’m certain Carter’s is just as lovely, though I’m not sure whether there is any bacon since I don’t think he knows how delicious that is yet. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
[…] The Silly Sleep Smile | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
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that is a seriously cute smile
Thank you! 🙂 Big smiles to you!
Lovely photos of the both of you. So many things to learn from your little Bro.
So much to learn from him, and so much to teach him! One day at a time. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Carter is such a handsome boy. He’s lucky you’re watching over him so diligently, W. I like the idea of sleep being fun! When my paws wiggle and I say, “Woof. Woof. Woof.” in my sleep, Mom says I must be dreaming of running in the park off my leash. She’s right! Fun!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I do that with the wiggles and the woofs in my sleep too! High paw to you, dear friend!
Lots of love,
Wiles
I love his smiley photo!
Me too! Thank you friend!
I can understand why your heart skipped a beat in that moment, mine did reading it! Glad everything is a-ok.
Sorry to make your heart skip a beat – at least I was able to restore it back to normal. 😉 Lots of love!
You’re very good at helping to restore hearts! Visiting you has helped mend mine!
I’m overjoyed to hear this, dear one! High paw!
[…] The Silly Sleep Smile | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
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Very sweet! you can just love your little person! Hugs and LOL
Hugs right back at you, friend. And high paw!
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
I wonder if this still happens when he sleeps now that he’s a grown up 15-month-old.