Why I Should Have Been Born in Spain

I used to read novels for fun.  That was before having kids.  There were a lot of things I used to do for fun that I have given up for lack of time and energy since having kids.  I'm truly OK with most of them.  I don't miss certain things all that much, and I certainly wouldn't trade any one of the children for the ability to go to a bookstore, drink a latte, and browse the bargain books.  I've given up the ability to go take a jog any time of the day I might like, but again, they're all just way too cute to trade in for a svelt physique.  Having three littles and another on the way means that it's a rarity when I can just spend an afternoon shopping for clothing bargains.  If I'm going to go shopping now, I'd much prefer going to Ann Taylor Loft and spend $25 on a pair of quality shorts I know I will wear the heck out of, instead of spending hours at Marshalls rooting for bargains and getting five pairs of shorts for the same price. Anyway, the point is there are certain lifestyle changes I've chosen to make, been forced to make, or am too exhausted not to make, and it's really OK. 

One lifestyle change I have not given up is my afternoon nap...and I'm going to finally publicly say here and now...I'M NOT SORRY!  It doesn't seem to matter how restful or crazy my morning is or whether I'm pregnant or not, I need a nap at 1:00 or so.  Sometimes just 20 minutes will get me through the rest of the day, but if I miss that nap, I go from Donna Reed to Mommy Dearest...well, let's not overstate things...while I don't prefer wire hangers, I'll let that slide.  My point is that I feel rotten and much less patient if I'm not given a chance to recharge. 

I've spent a number of years rather sheepish about the fact that I need an afternoon nap.  I mean, I'm not a child.  I get a good night's sleep most nights.  I take my multivitamin, am not addicted to drugs or alcohol, and eat fairly healthy.  And I need a nap.  I should have been born in Spain where everyone has a little siesta time and no one judges anyone for taking the break.  I'm lucky now because Xavier's nap jives with mine, and the big kids are really good at entertaining each other, so they usually leave me alone.  Usually.  Sometimes, my bedroom becomes Mater's car wash or Madeline's school.  But the kids quickly move on when Mommy groans her distaste for their choice of play venue.  Sometimes, I just spoon with the kids on the couch while they watch a show or two.  I've gotten really good at sleeping through Pocoyo.  Something about that British narrator's voice is very soothing.  And Mikey makes an amazingly cuddly teddy bear for such a skinny little fart.  I used to be a much lighter sleeper, needing absolute quiet to sleep, but things change with three little ones in the house.  Today, the kids were playing in the living room while Mike hung up ten pictures on the wall in the breakfast nook.  In our new open-concept house, that's all the same room really.  I crashed on the couch for a second...just a second...I heard him hammer in maybe three nails.  And then I must've blacked out.  When he woke me because he had to leave, I realized he had hung all of the pictures, the baby had gotten up, and for all I knew a tornado had taken off the roof.  I wasn't sure where I was...maybe Oz?  There were munchkins.  Yes, it could be Oz.  Is that a lollipop from the lollipop guild stuck in my hair?  Yes, it must be Oz.  Sigh, I finally figured out where I was just in time to be in charge of all three of them.  Luckily, I was well rested and ready to go.

So, yeah, if you call me between 1 and 3, there's a chance that I could answer the phone sounding like you woke me up...because you probably did.  I used to act embarrassed and say, "Oh, no, I was just lying down to rest for a minute," but now that I've made it so public, I'm going to let you know what dream you interrupted.  ;)