Yesterday, on a walk in the woods with Greta, Annabel and I - and Piper, the cat that always escorts us into the woods - I broke my own no nap rule. We are in that stretch of toddler hood when a daytime nap is no longer a part of the regular rhythm - and where the occassional inclination to do so is best avoided, if possible. All too often, it makes for a funky afternoon wake up and a bedtime far too late for these two tired parents, anyway. But oh, the woods were quiet, the sun was warm - it felt so good on our faces. There are exceptions to every rule. Thank goodness.
"I tired, Mama" she declared from her cozy spot in the sled, halfway into our intended journey to the back of our land. "Close your eyes, baby girl," I replied. She squeezed her eyes tight in silliness, "I sleepin!". But then, just a minute later she really had fallen asleep. I stopped the sled. I sat myself right next to her, and leaned against a maple tree. Dog and cat hovered nearby - both playing but keeping a watchful eye on where we were. And then, well, I may have just closed my eyes for a moment there in those woods, in that sunshine, right next to my baby girl. And I have to say, it really was the perfect nap.