Sometimes changes seems to come so slowly and other times things can change in an instant. Five days ago, Benson stopped napping. Just stopped. Until about two weeks ago he was taking two or three hour naps every day. He seemed to enjoy them. Then he had a few days of crying at nap time, saying he didn't want to nap but would still sleep for a couple of hours. Then on Sunday, he kept shouting throughout his nap time. I would try and settle him down only to hear him shouting a few minutes later. That was his last nap this week and he hasn't looked back.
I dreaded this stage because with McKay it was a misery. He was usually exhausted but didn't want to nap. He would be onry all afternoon and usually would throw at least one gigantic fit each day. (Oh wait, this is still going on...) So I assumed that it was be the same frustrating situation with Benson. Nope. He has been so cheerful all week. He can handle himself without the nap with little to no fussing. It's pretty amazing actually.
Swearing off naps has had other consiquences too. It's as if both McKay and Benson now view Benson as a "big boy". Somehow getting rid of the nap has turned Benson into a "friend" in McKay's eyes. It has been a wonderful development. It's like the baby is gone and the little boy version of Benson has taken his place overnight. It is both strange and sweet. Mostly I'm so grateful that after years of big brother, little brother these two sweethearts are genuinely friends. McKay now seeks out Benson to play and Benson seems thrilled to be in the big boy club. I don't think there is anything sweeter than seeing your children love each other. Hooray!!
1 comment:
Aww that's wonderful! My kids know that if they are playing nicely together we will pretty much overlook ANYTHING because we're just so thrilled they aren't fighting. The big brother/baby sister thing is disolving sloooowly but it's looking up now that Maggie is 4 she doesn't wreck legos (as much) and loves to play games with Gman.
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