My son, on the other hand, gave up naps ages ago. He’s also at an age where he constantly wants me to play with him. Wrestling and LEGOs and re-enacting Beauty and the Beast. It’s adorable, and fun, and utterly exhausting.
Today I got to remember what it was like to have nap time. It was glorious! It also got me thinking about all the things I miss about having nap time. So, here’s my list. Let’s see if you can relate!
- I can actually hear my thoughts! They don’t have to shout over my already shouting 4-year-old.
- I was able to have a phone conversation without someone either demanding I get off the phone so I can go back to playing with them or someone taking over the conversation.
- I listened to a documentary on Bob Fosse, uninterrupted.
- I went to the bathroom by myself.
- I didn’t have to place my beverage in inconvenient places so that short people wouldn’t accidentally knock it over.
- I was able to throw on a bit of makeup.
- I was able to leisurely enjoy my Facebook newsfeed instead of frantically trying to catch up with the outside world while sitting on the toilet.
- I ate a cookie without anyone grabbing for it.
- I was able to sort through papers and not have the toss pile become scattered around the room.
- I didn’t have half-eaten crackers shoved in my face.
- I didn’t have boogers wiped on my shirt.
- I sat down for longer than 5 minutes.
- I was able to leave a room without having to assess what the preschooler, baby, and dogs could possibly get into.
- I was able to use two hands to do things.
- The only question I had to answer was, “What should I do next?”
- I was able to take a shower without a half-sized person coming in to wait for me to finish so I could go play with him.
- I was able to write this blog post.
The thing is, while I utterly enjoyed nap time for far too many reasons, I also couldn’t wait for my boys to come home. Sure having a rambunctious preschooler can be loud and hectic and overwhelming, but it’s also fun, and loving, and exciting. Watching his imagination and his understanding of the world develop is truly a blessing I wouldn’t give up for the world.