I don’t have to put Wilson down for her nap every day now that “summer” has started “early” (more on that in some other post) but there are still many days that I do and the process itself is so drawn out and ridiculous, and also sweet and cute, that I wanted to record it here. Please note, none of this takes into consideration all the steps that take place downstairs prior to Nap Time.

But for real, it is remarkable how true she is to this format each and every time:

Two books limit. Unless she insists on three. Or changes her mind five times mid-story as to which two are THE two. Try to commit titles to memory so you can later write them on 1,000 Books before Kindergarten sheet for Library.

Turn on noise machine and pick her up so she can turn off the light. Often this involves her identifying the hanging animals on the wall and/or the various baby cross stitches for three of the kids that live on the walls in her room. Confirmation must be given for each item identified.

Sing the “Family Goodnight Song” but only the versus for the girls and Mama and Daddy.

Sing one round of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

Sing one round of “You Are My Sunshine.”

Place her in crib. Make sure she already has Margaret Tiger AND Margaret’s blanket (this step must be done before you go upstairs in the first place, but then must be double checked at this point in the dark).

Cover her with blanket.

Pause when she pops up to insist on giving you a kiss. “I kiss you, Mama!”

Cover her with blanket.

Pause when she pops up to insist on giving you a hug. “I hug you, Mama!!”

Cover her with blanket.

Tell her “night-night” and “I love you” 20ish times, back and forth as you attempt to cover her for good.

Walk out continuing to say, “Good night, Wilson. I love you!” until you are finally in the clear.

And that’s it! Just thirty-odd simple steps and you’ve put the toddler down for her nap! Also, this is not her in her bed, but in mine yesterday where she kept crashing my mother’s day reading party by bringing books to throw in my face to be read to her instead. Cutest little book monster I’ve ever seen.