Sleep deprivation is a normal part of early parenthood. But for David and Shannon Lamb, sleep issues have taken on a whole new meaning. Their three-year-old son, Rhett, hasn't slept at all -- not a night, not a nap -- since he was born.

Rhett has a rare condition called chiari malformation, which his doctors believe is the cause of his sleeplessness. Patients with chiari malformation have a skull that is abnormally formed and puts pressure on the brain, causing it to protrude through the bottom of the skull. People with chiari malformation may have muscle weakness, vision problems, or coordination issues. Symptoms can range from nonexistent to severe.

Because a three-year-old must always be supervised, the Lambs have divided up the day into shifts. One takes the morning, while the other takes the afternoon, and then they share the night shift. I know how comforting it is at the end of a busy day to tuck my girls in for some much needed rest. I can't imagine how stressful it must be to have a toddler on the go 24/7.

Rhett recently underwent an experimental surgery, so hopefully he can find relief from his symptoms and everyone in the household can get some much needed sleep.