A Major Worrier

With a baby, every moment of sleep a parent can get during the night is precious. So why did I miss out on the chance for three additional hours of sleep? Because I come from a string of worriers. My Grandma: a major worrier. My mom: a major worrier. Me: a major worrier.

Last night around 3:20am we had a 4.63 earthquake. This is not an abnormally large earthquake by Alaskan standards. In a highly populated area this earthquake could cause some damage; but in a remote area like Valdez nothing much comes of this type of shaker. But by my reaction last night, you would have thought that the world was coming to an end.

The quake felt a lot larger and seemed to last a lot longer than it actually did. Instantly I scooped Addison up out of her bassinet while the dogs ran around at my feet growling and barking (their normal reaction to earthqukes). Once the earthquake was over, I hurried downstairs to grab the laptop to learn our fate. At the time I was aware that this was an over-reaction; but I was not in control - my worry was. Normally following this type of earthquake I'd roll over and fall back to sleep. Not anymore - now I have to look the quake up online to make sure that there is not a tsunami on its way.

Within minutes of the earthquke there was an announcement saying that this quake did not generate a tsunami. Do you think that was enough to comfort me and put Addison and myself back to bed? Nope. I kept refreshing the website to make sure they didn't change their minds and issue a tsuami warning afterall.

Finally, I was satisfiend with the announcement and I put Addison back to bed. She slept through the whole ordeal and didn't even wake up to notice that she hd been placed safely back in bed. I, on the other hand, sat in bed awaiting the next quake and making a mental plan to grab extra diapers, dog food and blankets should we have to make the move to the nearest tsuami shelter.

I've always been a worrier but now that I have Addison I have so much more to worry about. This must be a part of the maternal instinct. If it is, my instinct has kicked in full-swing. I worry about how everything can or could affect my baby. I am here to protect this tiny being with a huge presence and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. Addison, my dear, good luck with this; worrying is apparently in your blood.

By the way, I was able to go back to sleep this morning around 6:30am - just in time for a hungry Addison to wake up for a quick feeding. Oh well, who neeeds sleep when you get a chance to snuggle with your beautiful baby!!??