Addie sleeps for a solid two hours every day. We plan our schedules around her naps and I feel that we have figured out our days so they work for us.  When Addie is awake Chris and I both work to make her feel that she is always part of the conversation…we never just leave her to fend for herself, it’s always the three of us doing things together.  Because we are a team of three and not two parents against one kid, she is developing into a very cool little person with a great vocabulary and understanding of what behavior is acceptable and when.

But I digress, the point is, because we are always together during the “awake” hours the two nap time hours taunt me with all of the THINGS I need to get done.  But I’m tired. I need a little downtime too but find myself being pulled by the couch cushion with the imprint of my butt, my website, this blog, my sewing machine and it’s numerous projects people have ordered AND various and sundry things I can clean/fix.  I can get a lot done in two undisturbed hours!

But I usually don’t.  There is a reason the couch cushion has an imprint of my derriere: because most days I let myself off the hook and I RELAX while Addie sleeps.  And you know what? I am a better mom because of it. I am a better wife because of it. I am a better PERSON because of it.  Not everyone has the luxury to hang out while their child sleeps, in reality-land there are circumstances that must be taken care of when there is time available.  But I have learned, and I challenge you to do the same – ease up on yourself a little bit.  Take five minutes and look at a fashion blog, or read a magazine.  Do something that you find relaxing.  The dirty dishes in the sink aren’t going to explode if you don’t wash them right away.  The clean clothes in the dryer can be tossed around again with a damp towel and they’ll never know the difference.

Give yourself a break. It’s called nap time for a reason, take advantage of it!