Learning Curve

I have no idea what I'm doing.  For years people have been telling me how good I am with kids.  They're right - I am.  I'm comfortable around kids and I like to think that they're comfortable around me.  I treat kids with respect.  I think they are extremely interesting, fun, funny and real.  But just because I like kids doesn't mean I know how to raise one.  I have no idea how to raise a child.  I just found out yesterday that Scarlett isn't getting nearly enough sleep as she should be.  I'm embarrassed for not knowing this.  Why does it seem like every other mother in the world knows what they're doing and I don't?  Am I the only new mother who feels lost and alone most of the time?  

I'm convinced that my darling daughter has been miserable for days - weeks, even - because she's so overtired.  Yesterday was a disaster.  She was up for six hours.  She cried, I cried, it was awful.  I attempted to let her cry it out a bit, but after five minutes I thought I was going to vomit.  No more of that.  Last night I spoke to two moms who I trust - my sister-in-law, Jen, and my dear friend Emily - who gave me some great advice.  I also read The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer.  Today I put what I learned into action with promising results.  I'm going to keep working at it.  I know things will get better.  It's a learning curve.  I hope.