I rely on my parents as experts in all fields. 

• What flowers can I plant in the direct sun?
• How do I know if my chicken is done?
• What’s the best way to paint furniture?
• How do you repair drywall?

Since my Dad’s been retired he has a lot more time to sit and ponder.  He likes to quote.  He’ll say, “As the old saying goes…” but then he can never really remember the old saying.  He gives great advice about money — mostly about saving money.  Actually, always about saving money.  Funny, because then he’ll say in the next breath, “but you can’t take it with you when you go!” 

When I called my parents yesterday, I confessed that our household is a circus in the middle of the night thanks to one small adorable child.  My dad answered the phone and his advice went something like this…

“Well, when you girls were little…  well, come to think of it…  I never got up in the middle of the night with you girls.  Your mother did.  But what you need to do is keep her up really late and only let her nap for say… an hour.  She’ll be so tired, that she’ll sleep through the night.” 

Directly after this advice was given, my mom got on the line. 

“Naps are good.  We need naps.  You need a break.” 

Agreed.

By mistake, we actually heeded my dad’s advice.  Babycakes took a 1 hour “morning” nap & a LOUSY THIRTY MINUTE afternoon nap.  By 8:00 she was a toddling disaster. 

but…

there was no circus at 3 am.

Just sleeping. 

Shhhhhhhhhhhh….. 

Dad, you were right. 

(but I’m not about to give up naptime)