I have tried over the past few weeks to keep Abigail's naps on schedule. Does this mean that when the morning clock strikes 9 a.m. down she goes? No..but within reason...YES! As soon as I see her cues..and it's around that time...I am quick to respond to keep her on track with what her body is telling her and me.

She takes two naps a day...one morning...and one early afternoon. So long as they are at least an hour and a half each..this allows her to then last until bedtime at 7. Abigail's sleep clock has set it's own schedule..her naps seem synchronized for 9 am..and then again around 1pm.  Also I know that when she wakes in the morning..she lasts about an hour to and hour and a half..before she is ready for her first nap. So you can do the math..she wakes up at 7..she's ready 8:30...if she wakes up 7:30...I can usually predict 9 am. And so the day continues. And yes it's amazing how much sleep she needs!

It's amazing how quickly the daily routine changes when there is a commitment...an important task that needs to get accomplished out of the house...work inside the house...business calls..etc.  I wanted to try for a week straight to keep her as close to schedule as possible. This would mean...that I would be sure we are home so that when she was ready to go down..there was no delay. I was sure to do any errands I needed to do between naps...or between her last nap..and dinner.  I would even run out once my husband got home..if there was anything I just could not fit in.

I found that when she cut her bottom teeth..I knew it was bothering her..because her sleep and eating was on her predictable schedule...I could do process of elimination.  It is a good way to narrow down what is wrong if they complain...and overall makes a happier child, well at least a happier Abigail. I can only comment on persona experience.  There is a sense of frustration when we are out...it's her nap time..and she's ready to go down.

Of course there are times when it's just not possible...or when there is a family function..doctor's appointment...or an extended dinner out. However I have come to realize...that when I can help it...and do have control over those precious naps...the days go much smoother...and ironically her night's sleep do better too.

She knows her needs are being met...and trusts me that I will follow her cues...when I am able. It also helps me personally to know her schedule..because I can then work my own around hers.

So while I can't always make my MOMS playdates, my weekly 7:30 a.m. Rotary Breakfasts, or a friend's last minute call...I am doing the best I can to give Abigail what her little body needs as she contiues to grow and change. Her most recent well-visit was a thumbs up. It's always nice to feel that pat on the back and nod of approval. I don't sacrifice my week or my life...but I have quickly learned to time things right...and it's been rewarding in return. It's about putting things in perspective for a short time for a big pay-off.

( Above photo credited to Child Magainze, G&J Publishing)