Quiet Time with Laela

Believe it or not, Laela napped in the afternoons until just recently! There was a time where she didn’t, when she was maybe two or three, and she just didn’t need it. But when age four hit, she had a HARD time. I put her down for naps experimentally, and it helped tremendously. So Laela was back on the books for napping.

We tried maybe once or twice a month to keep her up at nap time. She would be SO excited, but be a total disaster by maybe 4:00pm. And I don’t mean she was hangry. I mean she picked fights and cried and struggled hard for the rest of the day. She so clearly needed that extra sleep.

If you’ve been around us recently, you may have noticed a marked change in Laela. Maybe in the last month or so, she’s grown up quite a bit! She’s so loving to her siblings, helpful to those around her, and she’s learning to handle disappointment with grace. She’s always been an amazing girl, but everything is just amped up these days. She’s more capable, and her judgement is better. Bottom line – she’s awesome.

That road rash is healing nicely, too!

In the last week or two, we’ve kept Laela up during nap time, and she’s thriving and loving it!! Its working! And I’m SO happy!! I’ve been wanting to hang out with her sweet little self!

Yesterday was a good one 💕

It started with Laela snuggling Wavy before I put her down for a nap.

Wavy wasn’t so much having it, but Laela was quite determined, and offered her toy after toy, talked sweetly to her, and didn’t rattle when her sister didn’t immediately recover. It was SO great!

From there, Laela wanted to play outside. It was SO windy, but again, she was pretty determined to play on our swings. Did I tell you guys someone GAVE us a swing set?? Its beefy and strong, and our kids LOVE it!

She didn’t last too too long, though, before she came up to the deck and hung out with me.

That wind was cold, though. We were outside for maybe a half hour before we headed in. I had some crafty projects on the go, and she inquired. So, I taught her something new!

😍

Seriously, a girl after my own heart!! Can she forever think everything I do is awesome?? I would LOVE to teach her, or any of my kids, to crochet or knit or somehow find joy in the things I love. But I really want them to love what they love! It just excites me when we can relate on these things 🙂 And WHEN did she grow up enough to learn how to loom knit?!?! She is so bright and intelligent, and she loves to learn! Its amazing to watch. I hope I can foster her love for learning properly.

Laela, I am LOVING hanging out with you during nap times. I’m SO proud of you!