Take a Nap Already!

My kids have always been pretty good sleepers, for the most part.  I don’t count Christian’s first five months.  Since then, both night time and nap time have been relatively smooth.  Of course, as every parent knows, the only constant in parenting, is that nothing is constant.  There have been short phases of bad sleep patterns, and the occasional random day, when I have to fight tooth and nail to get the world’s most sleepy children to take a nap.

Guess what kind of day today was?  Both my kids are still recovering from being sick, and so it is more necessary than ever for them to get good naps.  As nap time was approaching I thought it would be a piece of cake.  They were both practically falling asleep sitting up.  I took Christian to his room, tucked him in, and walked out.  Easy.  Tessie has gotten into the habit of napping on my bed while watching a movie.  Not what I thought of as good sleep habits before I had kids, but I basically have thrown all those ideals out ages ago.  I got her upstairs, on the potty, and into bed.  I put the movie on, and watched her eyes droop as I walked out of the room.  Great. 

Maybe three minutes went by before Tes came tip-toeing down the stairs, and announced that she woke up.  I don’t think so.  We marched back upstairs, and repeated our routine.  After another few minutes she started calling me because the movie wasn’t working.  I figured she was bluffing, but sure enough, I couldn’t get it to play.  “I think you have the wrong kind of TV mommy, we better watch it downstairs.”  At this point it didn’t seem like I was going to get a nap out of her, so I said she could watch it downstairs, but she had to lay down on the couch and rest.  Guess who woke up then?

I brought Christian out into the living room and got him cozy on the couch as well, although he was as grumpy as could be.  I looked at my two kids and tried to send them sleepy vibes telepathically.  Tessie must of sensed it because she announced how not tired she was, with a big smile.  I gave in, and sat down.  But just as I was ready to admit defeat, Christian started to fuss and rub his eyes.  I carried him back to bed, and he practically fell asleep before I left the room.  When I got back out to the living room Tessie’s eyes were half lidded, and it wasn’t long before she was snoring away.  Victory! 

For the next hour, I tip-toed around the living room, picking up pieces of wrapping paper, and putting away new toys.  I had to scoot Tes closer to the back of the couch a few times, but she slept hard, and had a great nap.  Christian slept until almost dinner time, and was much better for it.  I like to think that it was all a part of my all knowing Mommy plan, but the truth is that sometimes, you just get lucky.  And that’s a thing of beauty.

Of course it never occurred to me to go lay down in my empty bed, and take a nap myself.  But beggars can’t be choosers. 

Crashed out on the couch.