forever 'n ever

Ahhhh, The Boy. The Boy has reached *that* age. You know, the age at which they don't need a nap during the day anymore, and yet they still desperately need a nap during the day. It's a difficult phase. We've been dealing with it by not forcing the nap issue on a daily basis. I figure, if he naps today but then doesn't nap tomorrow, it's all good. He's transitioning. If I remember correctly from when The Babe went through this phase, the silver lining is that bedtimes became much easier once the nap was out of play.

The Boy has not had a nap since Monday. On Friday, he was so tired that he actually just fell asleep on the floor in the family room at about 3:30 in the afternoon. I decided that come hell or high water, The Boy was going to take a nap today. I got home from errands around 1:30 pm to find that my husband had been unsuccessful at his nap attempts. The four of us sat on the sofa, having a little quiet time, when The Boy announced that he was tired. I pounced. "Great! Let's get you ready for a nap!" He protested. He is a big boy now and doesn't need a nap. "No nap, Mommy! My not sleepy! No!" He cried. But he needed a nap.

I got him upstairs and read him the sheep book and left the room. 30 minutes later he was crying. He had not fallen asleep, and he wanted out. I went in to soothe him and he pats his pillow. "You stay, Mommy? You sleep, too?" *sigh* It was very sweet. I told him I could stay a few minutes, and I laid down next to him on the bed. We were each on our sides, facing each other.

For those of you that haven't seen it, The Boy has the best napping room ever. He has thick red canvas curtains that let in just a smidge of light when they are closed. His room is very cosy and rosy and warm and sleepy at nap time. So, The Boy and I were laying there, cosy and snug, facing each other. I was pretending to sleep hoping that The Boy would catch on. I slowly opened my eyes and found The Boy there, just looking at me. I told him I had to go soon, and he quietly said "No, Mommy. Stay. Please?" I asked him how long he thought I should stay, and he said "Forever 'n ever, Mommy. My wish we could stay here forever 'n ever."

Me, too, little man. Me, too.