Mother Of The Year

Today I earned the Mother of the Year Award.  While I am not certain if the word “best” or “worst” should preface that title, I deserve the award nonetheless.  For quite some time now, Jack’s naps have trended towards 1 1/2 hour, post lunch slumbers.  As of late, however, I have found that he will pass out in the carseat, no matter what time it is.  If this car cat-nap occurs within a 3 hour window of his real nap, he boycotts the post lunch sleep altogether.  You can probably imagine or relate to what that means for me: whiny, clingy, fussy, evening-meltdown tantrums that have me counting the seconds until bedtime.

Well, today I defeated the carseat.  Our playdate was across town early this morning with Jack’s two best buddies: Jake and Pearl.  We departed for home before lunchtime and just as we pulled off of their street, Jack’s head was slumped to the side and his eyes were beginning to glass over.  ”Stay with me, Jack!”, I hollered over my shoulder.  He quickly returned to an upright position only to slump to the other side.  Luckily, I have mad mommy skills and I was prepared.  In the passenger seat I had the following: full sippy cup, mini ritz crackers, new toy given to us by Jake, box of chocolates given to us by Pearl, tissue paper galore, and the golden item of all items….mommy’s cell phone (for worst case scenarios ONLY).  With this arsenal, along with my standard weapons of radio volume and windows cracked slightly, we made the 25 - 30 minute drive with eyes wide open.  Not to mention tears, screaming, and kicking.  The guilt was bordering on unbearable as I could just hear Jack begging me to leave him alone and let him doze.  However, I know good and well that a 1 1/2 hour nap in his cozy crib will leave him much happier than a 25 minute car nap any day.  And that my friends is why I deserve this prestigious award…put whatever you want in front of it.