Bye Bye Naptime

Clara Jane is losing her nap. I've seen the warning signs- increases difficulty going to sleep at night- for a good while now. But we've finally reached the tipping point: a midnight bedtime is way too late for a toddler (or her mother), even with a 2 to 4 hour afternoon nap. Mama and Dad want their evenings back, and I want my happy morning toddler back. 

Interestingly, during her recent late-night excursions (tonight, after lying in bed quietly for 2 hours) to the living room our bedroom, and the kitchen, Clara has been at her most cheerful. She clearly doesn't want her two-on-one time with Mama and  Daddy to end, even though we make a point of continuing in our evening rituals as if she was in bed. She is welcome to join us, but there isn't any playtime - she watched Arch play Clash of Clans, she sat next to me and read a book to herself while I texted and checked Facebook, Pinterest, and my blog roll on my phone, and she played in the tub while I took a shower. Just before getting "re-tucked", she got half of my cheese sandwich while Archer read her "Bread and Jam for Frances". But she ate up just being with us as we wound down from the day.

Similarly, Lily wanted me to help her make cookies today, and when I finally put down my work to help her she was thrilled beyond expression, dancing around the kitchen. 

I love structure, routine, and I love "getting things done", but I really think I attempt to accomplish too much in my days. What is really more important- planning menus and grocery lists? Or showing my daughters that I enjoy just being with them, not to do "school" and accomplish anything, but just for the joy of it, because they are special and worthy of love, time, and my attention?

Pray for me to slow down and enjoy these precious gifts: my flower child, my daily Christmas party, and my sugar-lump of God's grace.