A normal day is 24 hours long. A day with a toddler is around 48. So naptime is essential, for all parties involved. When the magic moment happens - your babe can't fight it anymore - the feelings you feel are so real. First, you will experience a sense of:
1. FREEDOM
Sing it with me now - "Oh freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom), freedom, YEAH freedom!"
You don't know how long it'll last, but for now you are free. Free to pee all alone, free to eat without sharing, free to watch trash TV, free to cuss without caring.
You do a jig, you jump in the air, you see all the possibilities of what you could do dance in front of your eyes like fireflies.
Then you're suddenly hit with:
2. REALITY
There it is on the fridge, staring you in the face, a to-do list you created earlier. You scan this dreaded document, each task more awful than the last.
Where do you even begin?
If you mop the floors first, does that leave enough time to pay bills?
If you pay the bills first, will you have enough will do anything else?
You toil over these questions until your head hurts. Then you realize your headache is from hunger.
3. PRESSURE TO PRIORITIZE
What's the last thing you ate? When's the last time you peed? When's the last time you took a shower?
Your nails look horrendous; your legs need a shaving.
The flowers need water; which ones are worth saving?
These decisions are exhausting and you're feeling overwhelmed. Maybe one episode of Real Housewives could do the trick to calm you down.
4. RESIGNATION
You settle into your show, a bag of Pretzels by your side, and you're feeling really good, for about the first five minutes. Then... the guilt sets in.
5. GUILT
What are you doing with your life? Is this who you've become? Who's the Real Housewife now?
Remember your New Year's Resolution- sleep when the baby sleeps?
So unrealistic. But write while the baby rests? That one you can do.
6. PRODUCTIVITY, AND PANIC
At last, you're getting something done, clicking and tapping away. Nothing could get in your way! Pandora's on, your worries are gone. He's taking a really good nap!
Like, a reeeaaally good one. Is this real life? Should you be concerned? You should probably go check on him. Just to get a peek. Make sure that he's still breathing.
7. RELIEF
Ahhh, there goes his chest - rising and falling. And there goes your heart, melting into mush. You could stand there and watch him forever.
But so much to do, so little time.
So you creep back into the living room and put that game face on. You crack your neck and roll back your sleeves. It is time to get to - "WAHHHHH! MAMAAAAA!"
8. DISBELIEF
Are you hearing what you think you think are? Is nap-time really over?
It can't be. It couldn't be. It shouldn't be!
You had so much to accomplish. You had such grand intentions.
What do you have to show for it?
Oh, but your sweet boy, he couldn't care less. He is ready for a wake-up kiss. Ready for his afternoon snack. Ready to play, play, play.
You take a deep breath.
"Okay!" you say.
Tomorrow's a new day.
As you add 50 new items to your to-do list. And wonder what in the world you'll do when you have two!