We've instituted "quiet time," which is relatively quiet - he stays in his room, looks at books, quietly plays with stuffed animals or quietly destroys his room like a stealth agent ransacking the bad guy's hotel for the hidden microfilm:
How did I not hear this going on?Our routine has been our routine for more than a year and a half. Adjusting to this new normal has been really rough on mama. Although peanut's tucked away behind a closed door and quite happy to have some time away from me, I can't seem to relax into my "free" time the way I did when he was sleeping. I've always got one ear out for a major meltdown or total room destruction. I'm thinking ahead to how rough clean-up is going to be once quiet time is concluded. I'm trying to brainstorm which activities we can fill the remaining afternoon hours with that will not only keep him busy but won't create a public meltdown because he's overtired. And frankly, I'm bitter that the decision of a two-year-old to ditch his nap has completely turned my life upside down.
I know eventually we'll have this schedule worked out. Quiet time will settle into something predictable. I'll have it all under control. I know because we've been through it before when he gave up the morning nap back in the day of early toddler hood. We've been through it before when we were simply trying to get on any nap schedule WAY back in the days infancy. It was bumpy for awhile, but worked out in the long run.
Until the way smooths out, though, I admit I'm a little cranky, a little tense, a little irritable, a lot less the mother I want to be. And that is frustrating.
The upside, the kid's pooped at the end of the day and down for the count by 7:30pm. That, and his future as a secret agent.
I know eventually we'll have this schedule worked out. Quiet time will settle into something predictable. I'll have it all under control. I know because we've been through it before when he gave up the morning nap back in the day of early toddler hood. We've been through it before when we were simply trying to get on any nap schedule WAY back in the days infancy. It was bumpy for awhile, but worked out in the long run.
Until the way smooths out, though, I admit I'm a little cranky, a little tense, a little irritable, a lot less the mother I want to be. And that is frustrating.
The upside, the kid's pooped at the end of the day and down for the count by 7:30pm. That, and his future as a secret agent.
8 comments:
My first reaction to what became of his room was "OH MY GOSH", and then, I have to admit, it made me smile.. a lot. Because imagine how much FUN that was to do? Clean up schmean up!
I know these days are coming for us!!
Oh my god! What a wreck! I understand, though. Sam can spend two hours in his room not sleeping, and even though I have the monitor on I am usually unaware. Good luck on finding that new rhythm. It'll come.
Oh, that is a very sad day, indeed. I shudder at the thought of losing naptime. As it is, I'm bummed to be down to one! Good luck readjusting to the new normal. Parenting always keeps you on your toes, huh?
I bet we see fewer blog posts now... :(
I've been thinking about you during this trying time. Mommies that I know who are napless figure out activities almost every day. They scour the local parenting magazine's calendar of events.
There is one upside though... You can plan activities further away or that take longer than a couple of hours b/c you don't have to rush home for naptime. I know that's not much of a concilation though.
I can't remember. What are you guys doing about pre-school next year?? Those are good days!!!!!
Wow! That room was an amazing mess. It's hard to believe what they can do when left to their own devices. I feel for you and I'm hoping that you both will find a new normal very soon. One that is good for you both.
Oh thank you!! As a new mom with an eleven month old and dozens of beautiful and unused (well, not for a long time) heels, I thought I was the only one. I have been mourning that part of me for a looonngg time. I was so excited to see the title of your blog and will be checking in with great excitement.
Oh my goodness...look at that room. YIKES! I would have shed a tear I think. Man, I would be longing for naptime that is for sure!
I feel for you! My little boy is almost 3 and luckily still takes a nap but I wonder for how much longer. The plus side is the early bedtime, which is nice for you and your husband. Good luck with everything! I am sure it will all work out!
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