A failed experiment

It's my own fault, I should have known better.

Theory: Sam sometimes forgoes naps on his own so it may be possible to skip naps when convenient for me.

Yeah, I can hear everyone laughing from here.

Today was one of those days when I had lots of little stuff to do and wasn't motivated to do it, particularly with Sam in tow. Simple stuff, get a birthday present for a three year old, go to the grocery store, and go to the library for new books for Sam. It didn't sound particulary ambitious to me even with a somewhat late start to the day.

First off, birthday present. Local toy store. Oh how I hate bringing Sam to toystores particularly when I also need to get his feet measured for boots. We did that first and determined that we should get an 11! if we wanted them to fit the entire winter but of course they didn't have anything in stock that wasn't pink. He played boneless rodent during the measuring episode and then went to play in the play area of the store while I looked for something for Louis. Then, the inevitable altercation; Sam claimed the other kid took a train from him, the other kid looked smug but didn't say anything and I didn't particularly care one way or the other but decided it was time to get out of there.

Off to deliver the present where we actually had a peaceful hour or so. The boys, who used to fight like cats and dogs, were relatively nice to each other. It's always relative though.

Home, lunch, decided to take the chance on the nap, grocery store, and then the library. He loves going to the library so it seemed like a safe bet even if he was somewhat tired. It started out fine with us reading about eight books but then things turned ugly. The computers became a target for destruction, the toys must be dumped, the books must be tossed - fortunately no damage to anyone or anything except my patience. He seemed to be deaf to anything I had to say and after several "talks" and another boneless rodent incident I gave the books we'd picked out to the librarian and left. The librarian smiled and said "good parenting mom!" and mumbled something about me not losing my cool, good thing she couldn't see me steaming inside. I guess she's used to parents who don't take action.

And yes, he was very upset about the lack of new books but he earned it. The truth is that I'm also very disappointed not to have new books; the books are as much for us as him.

This evening was long with plenty of pestering and frustration. He's started the "watch me" and "play with me" stage now and when he's tired he's relentless.

I happily tucked him into bed a good hour before his normal bedtime and now I feel as though I should do something positive like pay bills with all this extra time but I'm not. I'm going to go relax and try to let the frustration melt away.....