Wide awake and dreaming

I realize I'm pushing this nap thing. For heaven's sake, Abby's four and a half. What four and a half year old takes a 2-3 hour nap every afternoon?

Mine does.

And the fact is, she still needs it, no matter what she says.

Case in point: today, after a successful morning of coloring, puzzle assembly and doll house decorating, she insisted she was not sleepy. Her tired eyes belied her words. But I was willing to play along.

Okay, I conceded, but we're still going to have quiet time, just like we do every day, because your brothers and I are tired. Pick out some books to read, I told her, and stay awake as long as you like.

"I'm going to pick out lots of books, Mommy," she informed me, yawning, "because I do not need a nap today."

And with that, I tucked her in and let her be.

About an hour later, I decided to check in on her, to see how that no-nap thing was working out. And this is what I found. She didn't just fall asleep. She fell asleep mid-frog book.

Now that's tired.