The 2-year-old has regressed back to early early wake-up times. This is quite frustrating, as we were doing so much better for a while. I suspect he may be needing less during-the-day sleep, and he still takes pretty long naps. Unfortunately, it’s not such a straightforward thing to take time off the nap and hope to add it to the night. He’s a real bear when woken up before he wants to be. Someone once referred to the “half a nap” stage, and it’s no fun for anyone.
So, given the regression on that front, I’m writing this post in part to remind myself that some other things are moving forward quite well.
Off the Clock. I turned in a draft of the manuscript to my editor last month. She got back to me with feedback recently that was quite positive. So that was encouraging. I’m doing a round of edits now. I actually really like this book. Reading it, I feel like it might be my favorite so far. I am excited to share it with the world next year.
Media interviews. On Monday I did four quite lengthy recorded interviews for various podcasts. On Friday I’d done two others. When I do a lot in close succession, I hone my answers. Giving good, succinct responses is a skill like any other, and one it helps to practice.
Running. I did another sub-27 minute 5k on the treadmill the other day. I didn’t have to push particularly hard, so I can probably go faster. I also figured out a 5-mile route around my house that’s pretty easy to do, so I’m trying to do that more days when I can. I am almost to 6 months on my streak.
Reading. My tally for 2017 is now at 72 books. So I will definitely hit 100 by the end of the year (which was my goal).
The big kids. Last night while G played with the 2-year-old, I took the 3 big kids into the pool for about an hour. It was relatively relaxing. All of them can swim, so I could just hang out in the water, keeping an eye on them but not having to actively do anything. Progress!
The school year. We are almost done! All three kids who are in school had great teachers, and learned a lot. My fourth grader’s teacher made these adorable memory books for each child in her class. She had each child say what he/she likes most about each other child, and then compiled these. Of course I think my kid is awesome, but it’s just so wonderful to read two dozen other small people’s praise for him. Such as that he “always had a book in his hand” and that “he catches on to things quickly” and “he is not mean at all.” I am really glad to know my kid is not mean at all!
Photo: New bike helmet. She picked this one out herself. Their heads are growing too!
We are in a similar boat with our two year old and super early wake up times! Congratulations on all the other areas of forward progress, though. It so does help to take a step back and realize life is not as bleary as it seems at 4:30 or 5am when the 2 year old has decided the day has begun. I have been continually reminding myself that things only look bleak because I’m so tired! And…this too shall pass. Hanging in there with you. And going to make my own list of forward progress items…
@Lacy – Yep, this too shall pass, and even if the early wake-ups don’t pass, in 2 years he’ll be able to turn the TV on by himself.
Oh, Laura, I so feel for you with the sleep! I personally am NOT a believer in cutting down naps, especially at two years old. They just become over-tired. But then again, I’ve never had a kid who sleeps like your toddler (thank goodness he’s cute!), so what do I know? All I can do is send you vibes of good luck!
@Rinna – thanks for the good vibes. I just have to be disciplined about getting in my bed at 10 p.m. I can do that by making sure the 10-year-old’s light is off at 9:45. I was just hoping that by age 2.5 I’d not have to be so disciplined about the early bedtime (for me)…
Sorry to hear you are still having sleep woes! I also have a near-two-year old and I always feel like I can handle any sort of sleep schedule if only she would send me a memo of her intentions 24 hours in advance.
This was such a nice post to read. All the small things that add up to growth and progress. It’s easy to lose them in the bustle of life–or in the sleep deprived state of having a toddler waking up e-a-r-l-y.
I really enjoy reading update posts! reading this made me even more excited for your upcoming book, and I am completely impressed with your running streak and 5K PR! I follow a running blogger (eat, Pray, Run DC) and she had shared that one thing she learned about getting faster was that you need time on your feet… so it is not at all surprising that you have gotten speedier!
: )
Good reminder to the benefit of simply “showing up” or putting in the time. Over weeks/months/years you WILL have tangible improvement.
I like your “half nap” description. My 2.5 year old is at the same stage – if he gets his full nap now he is waking up between 5 and 5:30 instead of between 6:30 and 7 – but waking him from his nap after an hour is a process. Given I also have a three month old – this is not a battle to be won in the short term! Good luck!
What podcasts did you record? I’m an avid podcast listener and would enjoy hearing you on an episode. I already heard your interview on the Productivity Paradox podcast this week and enjoyed it!
@Alissa- so glad you enjoyed the Productivity Paradox! I recorded two over in Australia – one called Mojo Radio, and one called I Don’t Know How She Does It. And in the US there was one called Uphill Conversations…there have been a lot lately. It comes and goes in waves.
That’s good that you are managing very well. I just miss deadline sometime that cause a lot.