Nap-time Is For Suckers

Last week, I laid Baby L (2) down upstairs in his crib for nap-time as I usually do after lunch. (Let's all give it up for nap-time! Woot woot!)

J (4) and I head outside to assemble his new big wheel courtesy of Nina (aka Nana, aka Tino, aka Wino, aka My Mom).

After working on it for a lifetime (which in actuality was 10 minutes), we headed inside looking for a hammer.

Upon entering the house, we found ourselves face-to-face with Baby L standing in the kitchen. He was just grinning at me and saying, "Mama! Mama!" He was so proud of himself.

Initial reaction: HEART ATTACK! This baby not only climbed out of his crib, but he climbed down the stairs by himself. He could have broken his neck! This must be what a heart attack feels like.

Second reaction: Hilarious. This crazy little guy climbed out of his crib, down the stairs and here he stands grinning at me like the Cheshire Cat. His hair is a mess, he is pantless and he is smiling that sweet baby smile. I can't make this up.

Final reaction: Sad. I know what this means. This means that we have to take the crib down today because it is no longer safe. Baby L will now be sleeping in a big boy bed. This ALSO means that the likelihood of him taking another nap is slim to nil. 

RIP nap-time.

Scooping up Baby L, I quickly (okay not that quickly because you have to catch them then try to keep them from squirming) put pants on him and sunscreen. We finally all head outside to play. 

If this kid won't nap, then I am going to WEAR HIM OUT.

Still in a state of shock, I text Hubby to let him know what has transpired here today. He texts me back to let me know that he is also shocked and will take the crib down once he gets home.

After playing outside for almost two hours (oh yes I did), we head inside so I can start making dinner.

While the kids are playing with their monster trucks and watching Wild Kratts, I decide this is an excellent time to partake of an adult beverage with the day I have had.

After working on dinner and keeping an eye on the kids, Hubby arrives home. He comes in from the garage, says hello to the kids, then turns to me.

Now Hubby is a wise, wise man. He takes in my harried demeanor and the beer in my hand. He simply gives me a hug and says, "Any more of those?"

So after a speedy dinner, Hubby heads upstairs to dismantle the crib. He takes it apart and lays the crib mattress on the floor. 

Viola! New baby bed! (At least until he gets the hang on sleeping on a mattress. This way, if he rolls out, he only has a 4 inch drop. No big whoop!)

After bath time, everyone gets their jammies on, brushes their teeth and heads to bed, with Baby L going first.

We read a story. I lay in there with him for a few minutes and he passes out. Baby L sleeps all through the night!

*Insert Roger Rabbit and running man here.*

Day 2: No nap. Passes out quickly at bedtime. Sleeps thorough the night.

*Feels like fitting into my old college jeans or I just won the lottery.*

Day 3: Super, super, super, to the infinity crabby. Try to get him to lay down because I can see he is exhausted.

I realize this may take a while so I prep J. I have him go to the bathroom. Give him his iPod, turn on the TV and tell him to STAY IN MOMMY'S ROOM while I put Baby L down. J agrees.

After reading a story to Baby L, I lay down beside him. It takes two threats of "I'm leaving the room!" before he finally settles down.

Baby L wants me to lay on my side, facing him, while running my fingers through his hair. (What's this deal?! Why all the stipulations, Baby L?)

He is almost asleep. J busts in with some random question. I mumble some response through gritted teeth and tell him to get back in my room.

Baby L sits up and is now wide-awake. So we begin the dance again.

Once he is asleep, I wait a few more minutes, then I make my move. I slowly get up and I am almost in a standing position when Baby L's eyes fly open! He starts screaming and crying like someone punched him.

And... the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Drama goes to Baby L in "Nap-time Is For Suckers"!

*Sigh.*

Forget it! I don't have another 40 minutes to go through this again. We'll just try at bed-time.

Bedtime rolls around. I think you all know what went down. More of the same.

This time though Baby L does pass out early.

I think I am home free but now he wakes up twice in the middle of the night by coming into our bedroom crying and screaming, "Mama! Mama!"

This pattern is now his routine.

*Another sigh.*

THIS is why God made coffee AND wine.