To nap, perchance to dream

Why is it as an adult you crave time to relax, unwind, perhaps take a nap and as a child you fight sleep as if a nap will kill you?  If only I could reason with the boys and explain this principle to them.  Sleep while you can because you'll probably spend the rest of your life trying to catch up.

Nap time around here can get pretty interesting.  Sam no longer naps but there are days when I try to get him to lie down for a while.  Today was one of those days.  Let me back track a little.

We were at a pizza party hosted by one of his classmates.  Having decided the pizza was inedible because it "looked funny" (it was Papa Murphy's not his usual Pizza Hut) he proceeded to eat two slices of watermelon, a couple of cookies, and a bottle of water and called it lunch.  After two hours of play with friends both him and the babes were showing signs of a crash.  I loaded up the van and headed back to the house.

Wyatt fell asleep on the ride home and after a short rest is currently playing with the shades in our bedroom while talking to his puppies.  Andrew threw a fifteen minute temper tantrum calling out for Daddy, Nonnie and Papa in turn and shouting "No, Momma" at the top of his lungs.  After letting the tantrum run some of its course, I was able to wrestle him to bed.  After taking two sucks on the milk cup he fell fast asleep.

And then there is Sam.  I gave him his usual hot dog and banana with a cup of milk for lunch.  He watched one show on Nick Jr. while eating his lunch and then promptly asked me for a treat.  I declined to give him a treat after watching him consume cookies and brownies at the party and he immediately began a tantrum that easily exceeded Andrew's in volume and strength.  After I suggested he go take a rest the fur began to fly followed by several, "Do you want to make me angrierer?!?!?" (Sam's words, not mine.)  So in response I swept him off his feet and tossed him into his bed (no small feat since the little guy is pushing 45 lbs).  After three more returns to bed, he got the message and stayed put.  I said, "I love you."  He shouted, "I love you too!" with tears of frustration running down his red, rosy cheeks.  In the time it took me to write this post,  Sam has fallen asleep.

One of these I hope to achieve the ultimate trifecta of napping with all three boys taking concurrent naps just one afternoon.  Alas, today is not to be the day.  I can still hear Wyatt playing with the shades....