“Rest when the baby rests,” they advise. “The baby will surely nap,” they proclaim. This well-known counsel that every new parent hears—”Sleep when the baby sleeps!”—sounds fantastic, logical, and ideal. Yet, it’s also utterly UNREALISTIC.
If, against all odds, my little one does drift off, I find it impossible to A) fall asleep immediately after months of caffeine-fueled chaos, or B) overlook the looming piles of laundry, neglected pets, unanswered emails, and countless other chores vying for my attention. So, what do I actually end up doing during these elusive nap times?
- I find myself on the floor, gazing at the ceiling and appreciating the serene silence enveloping the room.
- I contemplate taking a shower…only to realize it’s been ages since my last one. I then get sidetracked by the shocking amount of pet hair on the floor and ultimately return to step #1.
- I hurriedly grab my phone to pay bills, scroll through social media, catch up on the news, and respond to text messages, desperately trying to reconnect with reality.
- I weigh the options of preparing dinner, tidying up, collecting the mail, or being productive in general, but I usually end up fluffing the clothes that have been sitting in the dryer for a week and peeling off my nail polish instead.
- I spend several moments marveling at my baby, ensuring her breathing is steady. I tear up at the miracle of life I’ve brought into the world, only to panic when she stirs, exhaling in relief when I realize she merely had gas and is still peacefully asleep.
- I wrestle with guilt for not accomplishing anything while lying on the floor. I mentally shove these feelings aside (actual sweeping is not an option) and try to crack my back—all while still on the floor.
- I wander to the refrigerator, sighing deeply at the realization that a chocolate cake has not suddenly appeared since my last check. I pick up a piece of string cheese, then toss it back, close the fridge, sigh again, and make my way back to the nursery to gaze lovingly at my baby once more.
- I call my partner to share the exciting news that our baby is napping—proof that I am indeed awake and functioning.
- I think about doing some yoga. I manage to execute a pose or two, feeling surprisingly fit and confident.
- I scroll through the thousands of baby photos on my phone and silently pledge to be a more engaged and productive parent tomorrow than I was today.
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Summary:
During the brief moments when my baby sleeps, I find myself engaged in a variety of activities, from marveling at the peace around me to tackling chores and even contemplating yoga. Amid the chaos, I cherish the little moments while also wrestling with the guilt of not “doing enough.” It’s a unique blend of appreciation and the challenges of new parenthood.