A Good Ol' Nap

Day Sixteen: I appreciate nap time.  Sometimes there are just things that need to be done and they can't be done with the same efficiency with a one year old hanging around. Yes, many times I make it work. However, I feel a little guilty. When our girl is up, I want to play with her and talk to her; I want my attention to be on her. I know it is good for her to play alone and to see me cleaning and cooking, but still it's not ideal.

Nap time makes it all work. She needs the extra sleep cause she's growing and learning so much everyday; I need the extra time to keep this house in working order (and the occassional break). Everyone benefits from nap time; no one loses - though from the tears nap time sometimes induces, you might think otherwise. It's a "mommy knows best" kinda situation.

Today, nap time wasn't so smooth. She got tired, she laid down, I read her story, she fell asleep, I left. Easy as cake. I cleaned. 20 minutes later. The fun part- she woke up crying, I went in, I held her a minute, she laid back down, I left, she cried, I came back and patted her back, she calmed down, I read a story, I left, she cried, I read another story, and another story, and another story, she quirmed and wasn't looking at me, I left. She slept a little more, but mostly talked to herself while I finished the task I had been working on. Now she's up and at least she rested, even if she didn't sleep. I accomplished a couple things. Enough. I'm not frustrated by this nap. Why? 1 - it's rarely like this. 2 - this time with her will pass too quickly, I'm trying to enjoy it. 3 - this is why I want to be home, I want to be the one comforting her, reading her stories. 4 - probably the real reason, I'm well rested. Tomorrow, I'll finish my chores (hopefully).

Thank you, God, for children. Thank you for putting them together in such a way that a nap (or two or three) can be such a good thing. It's like you knew we'd need it, so you made them so that they would need it too. You just thought of everything! Thank you, God, for giving this gift of energy and peace and time.


What's this about? I decided on my birthday to make a commitment to being intentionally thankful. I challenged myself to post one thing I am thankful for everyday this year.