Life with a newborn is a wild ride. The plot twist? You’re somehow both deliriously tired and completely in love at the same time. Every squeak, stretch, and little sigh feels like it deserves an award. And yet, coffee has officially become a food group.

The nursery has turned into my new film set — except instead of Tom Hanks, I’ve got burp cloths, white noise, and an unpredictable co-star who demands milk on cue. My outfit? Somewhere between “homemade chic” and “did I spill formula or is that just part of the design?”

But in between the chaos, there are those quiet, perfect moments — when baby finally drifts off on my chest, and the whole world feels still. That’s when I remember: this season won’t last forever. The sleepless nights, the snuggles, the tiny coos — they’re all part of the story I’ll miss someday.

So, no, I’m not sleepless in Seattle. I’m sleepless in the nursery… and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

For the Other Sleepless Mamas Out There

If you’re also living on coffee and cuddles, here are a few things that have helped me survive (and even enjoy) this season:

1. Create a cozy night setup.
Keep a soft blanket, water bottle, and snacks near your feeding spot. Middle-of-the-night comfort makes all the difference.

2. Invest in a sound machine.
White noise is pure magic. It’s not just for the baby — it helps you relax too (and drowns out every creak in the house).

3. Lower your expectations.
Some days the “win” is brushing your hair. Other days, it’s keeping a tiny human alive and fed. Both count.

4. Take pictures, even when you’re tired.
You’ll look back one day and miss the messy bun, spit-up-covered, sleep-deprived version of you — because that version is doing her best.

5. Find your people.
Whether it’s another mom online or a friend who checks in — having someone who gets it is everything.

6. Don’t forget to laugh.
Motherhood is too unpredictable to take seriously all the time. Find humor in the chaos — it keeps your heart light.

 Final Thoughts

The truth is, we’re all starring in our own version of Sleepless in the Nursery. The setting may change — a rocking chair, a dim nightlight, a cup of coffee gone cold — but the storyline is the same: love that keeps us going even when we’re running on fumes.

So to all the tired moms out there — you’re doing amazing. This may be the most exhausting role you’ll ever play, but it’s also the most beautiful one.

Brittany Holzbauer