Our usual routine during naps (and night time) includes singing a couple of songs before tucking Seb into bed. And because he’s a 3-year-old, the songs has to be in specific order and they have to be certain ones that HE choose. If I stray from said pattern, then be prepared to suffer the wrath and tantrum to follow. For a long while, this has worked pretty well. He gets his naps in, and I get some time off to breath and maybe go to the bathroom in peace. But lately I have to go into his room several times AFTER I obey stringent orders (to sing) before he will actually go to sleep. And even then, there are times when I have to use threats to get him to take a nap.

I think the inevitable is near. He is almost done with afternoon naps. Crap.

Thing is, I’m fine with it if he doesn’t nap. What I’m NOT fine with is, if he DOESN’T nap, then by dinnertime he’s usually a total mess (he rises for the day around 5 or 6a.m. - NOT kidding - and therefore he really should take a nap). Whining and bursting into tears every few minutes, at nothing and no one in particular — typical 3yr old behavior but amplified 1000x. Anything and everything I do / say can trigger it. It is downright annoying and difficult not to lose my patience.

If you have any insights as to what to do during these transitional weeks/months, I would greatly appreciate it. Even if you don’t, I don’t mind if you whine along with me and share your experiences about toddler and nap time.

Halloween is here! Have you bought/ made all your costumes yet? The pumpkins all carved and decorated? Loads of candies to give out?

For as long as I can remember since we moved here nearly 18 years ago, the weather on Halloween is always crappy and not good for going Trick or Treat at all (my brother and I never went — a story in and of itself). It’s usually very cold, and often times wet as well (rain kind of wet, not snow). Just look at this year, for instance. Yesterday it was a nice balmy 60F! I was wearing a short sleeved sweater top and we were playing at the park. Not kidding! Today the temperature is hovering around 35F and the wind is so strong it can blow my 105 lb self away any minute. WTF is up with that?!

Never mind. All the children still dress up and go happily door to door Trick or Treating, because candy is still to be had. Anything for candy. And chocalate! All the college parties are still on and weird and wild costumes to be seen everywhere on campus. Do college students need excuses for partying? I think not.

Happy Halloween everyone. Eat as much candy as you wish - there is no better excuse than “well we had so much leftover and I didn’t want them to go to waste.” Be sure to stay warm.

***Updated*** When I took the kids out to Trick or Treat, the temperature was 27F and the weather site says “feels like 22F” Yikes.