Thursday, November 18, 2010

in need of a pick-me-up


This kid has been a challenge and a half for me this week, thinking he's done with naps at the ripe old age of not even 15 months. It's driving me crazy and has me thinking every day that I'm a terrible person for letting him spend hours upon hours of the day in his bed, trying to fall asleep and most often not succeeding. Or, in today's case, he fell asleep after 45 minutes of trying, only to sleep for 20 minutes and wake up screaming. All the stars were aligned for a good, long nap and it didn't happen. Emory ate a good breakfast, went on a not-too-cold run in the park (well, a stroller ride), came home and chased "Zee-Zee" (Paisley), played, had a good snack, actually consented to some snuggles, got dressed for the day, listened to two of his favorite books, etc., etc., etc.

What normally occurs is that the little man becomes such a sleep-deprived beast by late-afternoon or early-evening that he finally takes a nap a couple hours before bedtime (not at all the most convenient time) and then the cycle starts all over again the next day. What he doesn't know is that I'm devising an evil plan to keep him awake until an early bedtime tonight and then get up with him early enough tomorrow so he remembers at what time his nap is supposed to take place. Wish me luck.

(in these photos, he happens to be covered in lint from my weekend sewing project, and he looks like such a kid)

So, when Emory woke up cranky cranky cranky after 20 minutes today, I found myself wallowing in self-pity for the bajillionth time this week, wondering why my kid won't nap anymore. And then I remembered that I have a birthday gift I haven't put into use yet:

Isn't it gorgeous? Before Le Creuset existed Descoware, and Rachel, in her absolute thoughtfulness, along with Lee, gifted me with this true vintage, never-used gem. The truth is that I almost can't bear to use it and remove the original label. (It even came in its original box). But seriously, this beauty will be broken in really soon on some homemade French onion soup .

All of my gushing over my not-yet-used gift reminded me that I have something for you, dear friends. I've recently become acquainted with CSN online stores. They are a conglomeration of over 200 online stores selling everything from children's backbacks, to home improvment needs, to cookware. And I'm giving one lucky reader of my little blog a $35 gift code to use towards anything on the site. That's right, the fortunate soul who wins could even use that $35 towards purchasing a piece from the offspring of my beautiful, convertible Descoware. Or that money could be really useful for Christmas shopping, if you're like me and you have ideas but nothing yet purchased. To win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post with advice to help me deal with my non-napping child or tell me what you'd like to purchase from CSN. I'll randomly choose a winner by Monday, November 22 at midnight. You have until then to comment... so tell all your friends and comment away!

8 comments:

  1. Had he already switched to one nap a day? If not, maybe he's ready for just one nap instead of two. BUT, if he's already done that... is he teething or sick? If it's not THAT (don't you love the guess work of a mother? :0)) then I think your devilish plan sounds like a great one!! :0) GOOD LUCK!! Sorry if I was NO help!

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  2. I feel for you. Oh how I feel for you! You know, between Maeby and the kids I work with - the 16-month mark is a tough one. I don't know what it is, but for me, around that time was the worst time and I totally felt like the world's worst mom and like I was a failure and that nothing I did was right....perhaps you aren't as dramatic as I am - but remember, this is a short time and it will eventually pass. Stick with it and even if it means its only 20 minutes - that's ok. Is he growing? Is he teething? Has there been a change (even a small one)recently? Kids at this age are extra sensitive. All I can say is keep with it. Keep trying. He still needs to nap, even if he doesn't think he does. On days that Maeby wouldn't nap I'd at least have her have some down time with me; quiet time so that she wasn't being crazy and active and busy, but calm time where we read or sing soft songs together and snuggle on my bed. He can feel your anxiety and your frustration and will feed off that which will make the situation harder - at least that's how it seems to be with Maeby. I just so so soooo feel for you. Hang in there! Let me know if you ever need to talk or vent!

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  3. I can't help you with napping, but I might be able to help you give away your CSN gift code. I found a lovely coat rack that looks like a tree (I'm really into coat racks lately). Or Christmas shopping too.

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  4. I don't think I can help with the nap business, and I haven't checked out the CSN website either, (feel free to leave me out of the drawing, as I didn't follow any of your directions) but I do want to say thanks for such a fantastic lunch-date today! It was great to reconnect, and you picked an amazing spot. I can see why it's your favorite. Thanks doll, hang in there with the little guy.

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  5. Oh the napping. Ayla has recently decided that she doesn't want to take a nap until 7 PM. 7 PM is not ok because then she is awake at 10 PM and not wanting to go back to sleep. Taking a nap this late (which I have not been able to prevent because a certain daddy is watching her at that time while I am at work...) has also caused her to stop sleeping through the night entirely. I'm talking 5 or 6times that I have to get up and lull her back to sleep. Are you kidding me? Where is this coming from?!

    I'm reminded again, like when Ayla was the tiniest babe that refused to sleep, that I cannot get comfortable in a routine with her because as soon as I do... voila! She switches it up on me.

    Also... When did Emory become a child? If you compare the picture on your header to his current pictures, you'll see that he practically looks like an adult these days.

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  6. it might be too early for this sort of thing, but Ayurvedic medicine may give some insight. It classifies people into different doshas and says that certain times of day are better for certain people... ie. morning vs night person... if 1pm or 4pm is your natural sleepy time... It also gives these classifications to foods which can make you feel certain ways depending on how strong a certain dosha is in your make up. I want to get a book on it :)

    good luck, I'm sure you're doing just fine...

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  7. Count me in for the giveaway, eh? I've got an anniversary, wife's birthday, and Christmas coming up! Happy for some extra gift potential! Real men go anywhere for a good gift...even blogs! :)

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  8. P.S. This is the former Elder Henrie!

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