No Naps = Grumpy Jack

I knew the day was coming - had heard tales and stories - but I just kept thinking (wishing, hoping, praying "pleeaasssee God") that Jackson would be one of those kids that napped until he was four or five (or seven). But, alas, my little napping boy suddenly stopped napping. Now, he still needs a nap (at least in my opinion) but he WILL NOT take a nap no matter how tired he is (have I mentioned how stubborn my curly-haired cutie is?)

Of course, Jack decided to give up his afternoon siesta while Lee was out of town. Not only did he give up the nap but he ALSO started waking up at 5:00 (yes, A.M.!!). Does anybody else's child wake up earlier the more tired they are??? Needless to say, I was exhausted when Lee returned from his golf trip to Pinehurst where I'm sure he worked way harder than I did with our fiesty little man trip out of town. Our afternoons and evenings have contained many more meltdowns than I would like but I think we have adjusted to the loss of this afternoon siesta (well, maybe Jackson but not me).

Why, you ask, am I spending an entire post devoted to the napping habits (or lack thereof) of a 3 yr old? Especially when I haven't blogged in ages?? Because -I have had some of my funniest and most treasured moments as a parent during this tiring and trying time.

I do require that Jackson stay in his room quietly for at least 1 hour during the afternoon. He needs some downtime and so do I. This has been way more difficult that I would have ever thought. This. child. is. so. strong-willed.

One afternoon as I was getting him ready for his "nap" I gently remined him that big boys stay in their rooms during naptime. He gently reminded me that he preferred to "rest" in the hall outside his room. To which I replied, "No, Jack. You stay in your room" To which he replied, "No, Mommy, my knees will be in my room but my nose will be in the hallway" And, honestly, that is exactly what he did.

On another afternoon after our "nap" Jackson decided that he wanted to play "nap", only he was the mommy and I was the non-napping Jackson. So, I would lay in his bed and pretend to "not nap" with all kinds of crazy requests and needs while he came in and out of his room being the mommy. All was good until he came in the room, put his face right next to mine and said "If I have to come up here one more time you WILL get a spanking. Do you understand me??" and left the room.



Probably one of the best things associated with the little guy giving up his naps - the late afternoon, football watching, nap with Daddy.