The funny thing about toddlers is that just when you have the schedule down and you feel like you're finally on firm footing with naps, bedtime, and the favorite foods of the week ... they change. Parents, can I get an amen? *sigh*
This bright eyed, spunky, strong willed yet incredibly compassionate and sweet child of mine has me thrown for a loop right now.
For those of you who have known me for a long time, you know that I'm a recovering control freak. Marriage, a baby, and God have thankfully calmed the type A in me and I've relaxed quite a bit. Or so I thought.
Deep down, I still like to have somewhat of a plan for our everyday. Wake up, breakfast & cartoons, play date or errands, lunch, naptime (which means productive time for this mama), play time or chores, dinner, family time, bed.
Doesn't that sound lovely and well organized? *wink*
The one thing missing from that equation, right now, is naptime. I fear saying this outloud but ... *whispers* ... I think she's almost done with her nap. So, it's time for me to give that control nature up again and figure out a new way to structure our days so I can still accomplish the things I need to do while having a happy and rested toddler.
A mother's, blogger's, and shop owner's work is never done, right? RIGHT?!
The funny thing about life is that just when you think you have it figured out ... it changes. God has been making it clear to us over the last several months that where we are isn't where we're meant to be anymore. He has been quietly (and in some instances, not so quietly) nudging us in a new direction.
That means both the hubs and I need to allow God to guide us to where He wants us to be in terms of career and location. We are focusing on Jeremiah 29:11 a lot these days. I can't tell you much but I can tell you that the next few months are going to be a wild ride of trusting in His plan!
The funniest part about us is that we actually like change.
We just like to have a plan in the midst of it.
*smile*
*smile*
16 comments:
First of all, AMEN. Toddlers are such fickle little creatures, aren't they?
I am praying for you as you guys let the Lord lead you. It's got to be tough, but the blessings will be worth it!
my first three kids all stopped napping at 2 1/2...like exactly at 2 1/2....made me nuts!
But they weren't cranky in the day and they slept great at night, so what's a tired mama to do?
kids...
Maybe institute an hour of quiet time? She can play quietly in her room while you are getting things done somewhere else in the house. One of my best friends does this with her 6 and 8 year old boys and it works well for all of them. Her boys even seem to appreciate the down time.
My best plan is to ''not have a plan.'' Roll with the punches... keeps me on my toes! ;)
My kids phased out their naps before they were 3. I miss naptime. ;)
Hang in there, mama!!
Growing up, my Mom had mandatory rest times for everyone under six. You didn't have to sleep, but you had to be in bed and be quiet. With three kids under three, I believe this was for her own sanity as much as anything else. :) I would just sit quietly in bed and look at books. I think kids can benefit from a lull in stimulation even if they aren't napping. Best of luck!
Up until a couple of years ago we had a mandatory quiet time... (our boys were 15,13, and 10 when it stopped as they started going to public school). It wasn't so much for them as it was for me. In fact it was something I initiated when the eldest quit taking naps but the middle was still a baby. It made for a much happier/calm situation! I'll be praying for you as these can be trying times.
on a side note... are you going to the influence conference?
Love you, friend!!!
Love this post! I remember what it was like when my kids gave up naps - at first I tried to figure out how to do it all then I started the "quite time" plan. Everyday they have at least an hour of quiet time. They can lay in bed and look at a book, watch a movie. But they have to be quiet and that gives me time to get things done and them time to rest without sleeping. :) Strong strong mama!
You and I are VERY much alike!!! I'm very Type A too and your daily routine is very much what ours is. I will say that my son (similar in age to N) stopped napping for almost two weeks straight and then all of a sudden we're on week two again of him napping at least 2 hours. I was ill at the thought that he might be done with naptimes. Thankfully he's not, and hopefully N isn't quite done with them yet either. :)
I'm not a mom (yet) so I have NO idea how other mommas get everything done! I feel like I'm pushed to the limits some days without any kids to care for... I guess you just grow and adapt right? Sending you good thoughts girl!!!
C gave up her nap around the same time. It was torture once B was born born. I wanted to nap so badly when he would nap, but I couldn't because she was up. We ended up instituting mandatory couch time when B took his nap. Daddy still enforces this now that he's home with the kids. B naps in his bed, and C has to stay on the couch for an hour. She is allowed to have a pile of books with her and she is allowed to watch two episodes of one of her shows (Thomas, SuperWhy, etc.) while on the couch. She's pretty good about staying up there and I usually just dozed right next to her. E uses the time to get stuff done or to read or to just have time to himself.
Good luck, Mama. Toddlers are weird, but so much fun.
Good luck, love. This can't be easy. I think it's great you can be so honest about it. Thinking of you and wishing you the best. <3
I think our little girls would be great friends. They sound so much alike.
i feel you mamma...life has been crazy, busy, chaotic as of late and i'm just trying to go with the flow. i'm praying for you!
Amen, amen, and amen! A must have routine or he greatly struggles, so when we hit those transitional points in life it's no fun for anyone! It makes those good days even better though, this too shall pass friend!
Amen!! I'll be praying for you: especially for patience and control. I had such a hard time when Buckaroo dropped his nap. I didn't want to let go of the routine I was familiar with and go into the unknown. You want to know something? I actually like the new routine, sans nap, much better! I get my productive time at night now, and he sleeps longer at night. And, as he grows older, some days (like today), he'll let me have a little productive time while he plays alone (right now at me feet). I just have to be careful not to ignore him or he gets mad = has a tantrum. The tantrums are fewer and further between these days, I'm happy to report!
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