Just a Season

I've noticed that kids go through phases.  Sometimes it seems like everything is just going as it should.  Then, other times, it seems like every day is a struggle.  I am in the middle of a struggle right now.  It is no secret that Daniel has never won any awards for napping.  No matter what method I have tried, it has never been easy to get him to nap well on a regular basis.  For a while he was sleeping 1 ½- 2 hours every afternoon.  I thought everything was finally coming together –until he got sick last month.

Last month when he had a little fever, he needed his mommy a lot.  It lasted a few days and then he was better, but he still desired that closeness.  Suddenly, he didn't want to nap – AT ALL!  He would grip his legs around me so tight as we walked toward his bed.  He would cry and point at me as I put him down.  And, he would cry and cry and cry, but barely sleep.  To make sure I knew how mad he really was, he would go #2 every day – sometimes more than once!  And, he would scream as loud as he could. 

I’m writing this in past tense, but I probably could change it to present tense.  He still cries, points, and poops, but he may have slept 45 minutes to an hour yesterday.  I guess that’s progress.  He doesn't do this when he goes to bed each night.  This is just reserved for nap time.

This lack of nap is having the biggest effect on me.  Call me selfish, but rest/nap time is my time to unwind and just relax for a couple of hours.  Listening to screaming and changing diapers during this time is not enjoyable. 

I have a couple of things motivating me not to give up.  First, Daniel is strong-willed and stubborn, but so am I.  I don’t let my kids win battles they shouldn't win.  He needs a nap still, so he’s going to learn that he has to take one.  We can battle this out for a month if he wants, but he’s staying in his bed during nap time.  Second, I know this is just a phase.  And, because I know that things can change at any time, I press on. 

However, thank goodness he’s cute and enjoyable otherwise, or I may just go crazy in the midst of this phase!

I love this silly boy!