I’ve been really bad about my 4 o’clock photos this month. Not just bad about getting them posted, either…I think I’ve taken maybe six of them since the first of the year.
Change, Adapt, Learn. That’s our mantra around here. When I chose 4pm for my photo-time a few months ago, I was almost guaranteed that Angel would be just waking up from her nap at that time. These days, an actual nap is rare.
We don’t even call it that anymore…
“Grandmom,” she says earnestly, “I’m big now. I take a rest, NOT a nap…”
Some days, it’s a stretch to even call it a rest…
So, we adjust.
Just like we do for the weather…
Actually two at a time is a great way to show us the differences. I used to tell the kids that it was Mama’s rest time. And they had to keep really quiet while I had a wee nap. Then I put them in bed with a peanut butter sandwich and a book. Then I would set the timer on the stove and they had to stay lying down, singing or playing as long as they stayed on the bed until they heard the buzzer go off then they could come and wake me up. I literally raced to the couch and lay down seconds before the buzzer went off. They thought it was a great lark!! But I got a wee break from the chirping! If they got it right they were then allowed 30 minutes of TV. Its all about the bribe! Your Angel is very clever to have noted the distinction between nap and rest. good girl. c
No sandwiches in her bed, but the books are there for sure! She’s getting better at it, and the timer is one reason why – she KNOWS there will be an end. She can play quietly, but if she gets loud or rowdy, Grandmom will add 10 minutes to her time…
I love the timers, they make everything so much easier..you and I are very alike in the way we deal with kids! c
Common sense wins the day!
Ooh, snow again! That’s a lovely picture, Marie!
Thanks, Cathy! It’s still hanging – and blowing – around!
I love Cecilia’s post about nap/rest time. I agree about two 4 o’clock pics being a good thing. Take some time for yourself!!
She’s a good one, that C! Had 4 kids in quick order when she was young…and lived to write about it
Angel’s rest reminds me of Gone With The Wind, when all the women are sent upstairs to nap while the men drink brandy and smoke cigars. You should give it a grander name: repose or respite or quietude. Maybe if it feels fancy it’ll last longer…the first time. ;op
I hadn’t thought about that scene in ages! At this point, where Angel is concerned, I’m just glad to be past the fit-throwing at the mere suggestion of a rest…most days, anyway.
Oh, how I remember loving the nap time…heck I still do. Give me 20 minutes right after lunch and I’m good to go. Terry now, says if he lays down he will sleep the afternoon away. So he doesn’t take a rest and I do. Love both your photos!
Linda
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Hubby’s like Terry – and if he does fall asleep, he’s cranky when he has to get up.
I think most Moms learn to power-nap when the kids are little – it’s better than a cup of coffee to keep you going!
Life comes full circle. Having been up most of the night, I just awoke from a long nap, not a rest. It will take a while, to be sure, but “Big” Angel will come around.
As for the two 4 o’clocks, what a difference a day makes!
I hear you finally got some snow out your way, too!