For a long time, I couldn't figure it out. Every time I would send Alexis to school sporting a new pair of shoes, she would return home with them completely ruined. I knew the black rubber mulch was responsible for the dirt and grime, but I didn't understand the wear. Lots of wear.
Then one day, I got my answer. As I stood peering through the kitchen window, I watched my baby girl grow up right before my eyes. She sat on her swing, stuck out her legs, pulled the chains with her arms, and pumped her way up high. Back and forth she swung without a single person assisting her. When she was done, she pointed her little toes down at the ground and scraped the fronts of her shoes to stop.
All. by. herself.
She's growing up right before our eyes.
So, it should have come as no surprise when Alexis started trying to give up her daily nap. I don't really understand why kids can't learn to appreciate that which I covet, but whatever. She doesn't want to nap. That's all there is to it.
On the weekends, it's no big thing. Weekdays, however, are a whole other issue. You see, while she may be convinced she's done with naps, SHE'S NOT READY TO BE DONE. Not. at. all. I don't know how she's managing to stay awake during her school's designated nap hour, but I suspect it involves whispering, peer pressure, and a couple of super cute accomplices. Even that doesn't really bother me. It's what happens when I pick her up from school that is the problem.
She falls asleep.
In the car.
At 6:30pm.
Every day.
Those four sentences thrown together into a giant pot and cooked up over a low flame are the exact recipe for disaster. We can't let her finish out the nap because then she can't fall asleep at bedtime. We can't wake her up because OMG! THE MONSTER! Never wake a sleeping child. Someone WILL get hurt.
I'm going to stop buying the kid new shoes and instead save my money for a new car seat. It's going to be a car seat equipped with an electrical system that allows me to shock the kid if she tries to fall asleep in the car.
Bzzzzzt.