September blues.

Well, my blues don't have anything to do with September. They are mostly rooted in the fact that Charley has completely stopped napping since we returned from the cottage. This wouldn't be such a big deal if, over the last few months, he had shown signs of needing less sleep. But instead, we're dealing with a boy who went from 90 minutes of nap (or more) a day, to nothing in one week. He will not nap, even if he's crying and tired and reeeeally needing it. I've tried putting down for his nap a bit later, changing up the routine, etc. Nothing is working. He is sooo miserable by about 6 p.m. that he cries "Mommy, Charley sleeeeepy" and begs to go to bed. The other night he tucked himself into bed before bath, story, pyjamas... He was just done.

I know kids give up naps, but 2 1/2 seems quite young. He's a real crab-meister from about 4 p.m. on everyday and is testing everyone's patience.

I'm so torn about whether to continue putting him down for a nap or just abandon it entirely. Any suggestions? This is bad enough now, but with Hannah back in school and Chris leaving for some long trips, I'm dreading the upcoming weeks with Charley/Hyde.

Sam is also being a bit of a pain. He's been sick, on and off, for about 8 weeks. He's up at night like crazy and must be teething.

I'm just plain worn out. I'm sure I will feel better in a few months, but it sure is hard to be so sleep deprived for such a long time. I know I'll make it. I was certainly this tired when Charley was little and millions of women have been through the same and made it. Just a big, ol' challenge when you're in the middle of it.

Chris is off on Tuesday for a few days, so I think I'll go to Ptbo. and visit the gang down there. Haven't been there since the end of June, so I'm due for a trip. Maybe Granny, who has always had remarkable reasoning power with Charley, will talk some sense into his wee brain. He's already talking about Poppa taking him to see the fire trucks again.

Sorry for the bummer post. Here are a few pictures from today.


A rainy morning project.
Sam, somehow, is strangely colour coordinated. This was a complete accident, because if you think I have time to plan baby wardrobe, you be craaa-zy.
This is Charley being Igglepiggle. Most of you won't know who he is (luckies!) so click here and here if you care. (And I don't blame you it you don't....)
Or maybe he's just been reading Bella's blog secretly
That's the news from here. How are YOU doing?