To Nap or Not to Nap?

For several days, I shared Molly with Nana (Grandma number 2). I had the morning shift and Nana had the afternoons. On the last day, I had Molly for the entire day. I was so excited! I drove Molly in the car for the first time. It brought back the feeling of recognizing how precious the cargo is while headed to our destination, The Nature Center, one town over. We sang songs and waved to the garbage man and the mailman while driving along on our merry way.

When we arrived, we joined a class about sea creatures and shells. Molly sat in my arms on the floor as we listened and learned together. At one point, Molly looked up into my eyes and said, "Bea, Bea, I love you." My heart melted. It confirmed we had bonded and made a connection for life.

Back at home, Molly went in her bed for a nap. I recalled my daughter Amy's directions: “Close the shutters upward, close the door and leave the room. Just listen by the stairs to make sure she's asleep.”

Twenty minutes later I hear Molly yelling at the top of her lungs, "Bea Bea, oh Bea. Hey Beab!"

Molly clearly didn't want to nap. To try to entice her, I said: "Molly, I will read one story but then we both must take a nap. After we can play outside until Mommy comes home." I pretended to fall asleep in the rocking chair in Molly's room. As I opened one eye, Molly was sitting up in her bed and smiling at me. We both became hysterical laughing and then I knew: There would be no nap today!

As my dad used to say, “You plan and g-d laughs...."

We played ballet school until Amy came home. Mommy was not happy about the day's no-nap policy.

When your day is not going as planned, smile and think of someone who brings you joy and be thankful that the smallest things in life can bring you the greatest joy. I am thankful I had three days of taking care of Molly, thankful of having a chance to bond. What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.