When our kids were babies, we always sang the song “Sanctuary” before bedtime.
Now that they’re older we’ve switched gears a bit to a version of, “IF YOU ASK FOR ONE MORE THING…”
Nap times have always been a little different, especially Mary Virginia’s nap. For her nap I tell a story, then sing a song, then pray. She asks if I could please make up an original story and original song each time, if that wouldn’t be too much trouble, Mommy.
She asks exactly that politely, except substitute every vowel in that sentence for a tantrum and that’s what it’s like.
A few months ago I came up with a song that we both kind of like, and so now every day when I put her down for her nap, I stroke her hair and sing it to her.
These days her nap times are getting fewer and farther between. She does a little rest time and then joins David and me in the living room where we’re both staring at screens and interacting as little as possible.
Unlike when this transition happened with David, I’m not dreading it as much. This is partially because I already have a child who doesn’t nap, so it doesn’t feel like I’m losing anything. Plus, now I know the secret about kids who don’t nap: they wake up at a sensible time in the morning.
It’s not a crazy shift; I still can’t stay up for very special three-hour edition of the Bachelor and expect to get 8 hours of sleep. But this week Mary Virginia didn’t nap at all and every single morning she woke up after 7 a.m. She’s only done that a few times in her life so when it happens Tom and I look at each other and shrug like, “We should check on her, right? But it’s so quiet down here…”
Since the end of Mary Virginia’s naps is no longer a faint dot on the horizon, but instead galloping toward me like an angry curly-haired bull, I decided to write down the song I made up.
I don’t want to forget it, and I know I will.
Mary Virginia’s nap song
This, this is a song.
This is a song for my Mary Berry,
This is a song for my curly girly,
Who I love, who I love.
This, this is a hug.
This is a hug for my Mary Berry,
This is a hug for my curly girly,
Who I love, who I love.
This, this is a kiss.
This is a kiss for my Mary Berry,
This is a kiss for my curly girly,
Who I love, who I love.
This, this is a prayer.
This is a prayer for my Mary Berry,
This is a prayer for my curly girly,
Who I love, who I love.
This, this is a nap.
This is a nap for my Mary Berry,
This is a nap for my curly girly,
Who I love, who I love – love – love.
As soon as the last syllable leaves my mouth, Mary Virginia begins her part — a refrain of, “One more time, Mommy! One more time!”
Your kid probably knows that part, too.
I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years, lured in by your teething biscuit post. I’m rarely a commenter, but wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated seeing how you love your children! My transition to parenthood has been difficult in a way that I don’t often see others talk about, so I’ve felt a little isolated. However, every time I read one of your posts, the love and humor I see for your little ones make my heart overflow with love for my little one and helps me to cherish these times a little more! Thank you so much!
this is such a kind comment! thank you so much! one of my favorite parts about blogging — and one of the reasons i continue — is because of the community it’s created. motherhood is so hard! and you aren’t alone!
I just read the comment above (from another Meredith!) and I must completely agree. Amanda, I don’t know you, but a friend once shared one of your posts about two years ago and I’ve been a reader ever since. I continue to visit because I love the way you raise and love your kids! Specifically, how you appreciate each of them as individuals. I have three sweet littles of my own at very similar ages to yours and I always feel inspired and peaceful about my own mothering after reading here. Just felt I should share that. Thank you!!
man! two of the nicest comments i’ve EVER received in the same week.
THANK YOU so much! it means so much! and thank you for the specific kind things you said. As you know, being a mom is hard work and full of a lot of doubts, comparison, exhaustion, etc. thanks for buoying me 🙂