Monday, April 24, 2006

Nap Strike

I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but Naptime is my favorite part of the day. See, I'm not really one of those moms who wants to spend every living, breathing moment with her kids. I just try to act like it in public.

" 'Why do I homeschool', you ask? Well, because I love my children so much, I just can't bear to be away from their smiling, angelic, little faces."

Not.

But there seems to be a standoff developing when it comes to my eagerly anticipated Naptime around here. And though my gun is bigger, I'm not sure I'm quick enough on the draw to win this one. I understand that Brother and Sister (7 and 4, respectively) are really probably too old for naps, although there are definitely days when I KNOW they need it. But I do so love it when all three of my perfect little darlings sleep quietly and peacefully for an hour or two...or three...or...well, let's not get greedy.

Here is how Naptime goes at our house most days:

Me: Okay, kids. We've read 20 books, had a gazillion drinks of water, gone potty three times, washed our hands, had a philosophical discussion about things you suddenly have a keen desire to know, such as, why the sun shines, why rain is wet and why the sky is blue, and we have exhausted pretty much every stalling tactic known to man. Hug, hug. Kiss, kiss. Love to all. Now GO TO BED!!!!!

Brother: I'm not really tired. Can I play quietly in my room?

Me: No. Go to bed.

Sister: Can I play quietly?

Me: No. Go to bed.

Brother and Sister (in unison): WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Me (to self) : @@#***$##@

End of Act 1

Act 2 begins with me, surrounded by quiet, enjoying a cup of Chai Tea, just sitting down to blog my brains out. Suddenly, I hear a noise. I know it is someone moving around when they are supposed to be sleeping. I peek in to find Sister, with twenty Barbies in her bed, feet on the wall, treating it like a dancefloor, doing a happy little jig.

Me: What do you think you're doing?

Silence.

Me: Be still. Be quiet. Go to sleep.

Sister's bottom lip juts out, trembles a bit, then...

Sister: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Me (to self): #$**#**@

Now, imagine this scene playing out every 5-10 minutes for about two hours, alternating with Brother, Sister and sometimes, Baby. What does a girl have to do to get some peace and quiet around here???!!

I have allowed for "quiet time" on their beds before, where they read, or play with something quietly for awhile. But tonight we have soccer practice and I know they need the extra sleep. If they don't get it, coming home tonight will be like a scene from a Stephen King movie. Shudder. Not to mention that "quiet time" is only good for about half an hour. And because I am truly a selfish mortal disguised as Supermom, I relish a good hour of solitude to break up my day.

Hmmmm, I think I have some Benedryl in the medicine cabinet.

Sigh. Blogtime over. I hear Baby waking up now.

8 comments:

jesprincess said...

So are you inviting me to a Stephen King movie tonight, cause I'm not really a scary movie kinda girl?

Mybe Hubby will let us get coffee again tonight! :)

Heth said...

Amen sister! The best present my family could ever give me is sleep.
This was so funny.

Jessica said...

I miss afternoon naps! My days start so early now that I am exhausted by 3pm...what I wouldn't give for a nap!

joyfuljourney said...

Naptime at our house is a good solid 2 hours (since big brother is in school). Besides the time I have before they are up - it's my favorite time of day. Come to think of it, I pretty much love any time they are asleep!

So, what makes a housewife desperate? When naptime just doesn't happen!

Michelle- This One's for the Girls said...

I say persevere. Nap time is just too precious to give up. I miss those days...

Maybe get a little "if-then" action going. (ala- LL.) "If you take a good nap for 5 days in a row, you will get a ____." I don't know. I feel for ya.

LiteratureLover said...

I was one of those children that hated to take naps. My mom says that they would take away all my toys and still find me in bed quietly playing with my fingers.

Ironically, I love to nap now! :)

heartsjoy said...

Ahhh, naps...yawn...feeling sleepy.

Anonymous said...

Sister, I have been there. Many a day, in fact. Hey, in fact today is one of those days. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe not.