We have moved!

After redirecting this site to our permanenet self-hosted location at Napshappen.net for two years, we will no longer be paying for a redirect because hardly anyone comes here anymore! If you’ve been directed here by someone’s blog button, just go visit us at the new location.

One of the things we couldn’t do was move all our subscribers with us. You will no longer receive updates when I publish a new post if you don’t come over to the new site and resubscribe. I’m sorry to cause you hassle, but I hope you will come over and see us again. We’ll miss you, otherwise!

Love, Team Naps Happen

Guest Napper #97 – Dozing Daddies

Valerie sent me this adorable picture of her wee one sharing a snooze with her Daddy, and I knew it was just the right picture with which to send you off (EDIT: ONE WEEK EARLY – I HAVE LOST MY MIND FOR GOOD! OH WELL – WHY NOT CELEBRATE FOR A WEEK?)  for the Father’s Day weekend.

So angelic when they’re napping. Both of them.

It reminded me of this picture of my own Dad having a nap with me – I think this is late 1972 and it was taken while he had a position teaching at the Air Force Academy. Being a teacher, I understand this type of end-of-day exhaustion!

Love a dad in uniform!

Happy Father’s Day (IN ONE WEEK) to all the great dads out there and may you get to sleep in on Sunday. Or maybe have a nap.

Love, Naps Happen

Traveler and Tile

Apologies to all for the long absence of Team Naps Happen. We’ve been enjoying a blissful vacation on the coast of Maine, where I was far too busy constantly washing sand out of the clothing of small boys to actually post a darn thing.

Of course you know that there’s no way an entire week on vacation will go by without an unorthodox NAP. People, people. Do you know us at all?

This is what happened last year. click.

That one is pretty hard to top, especially now that Cormac is a little older and more discerning. However, I found it funny that he got his blankie, came inside, and then laid himself down on the cold, hard tile floor for his very long snooze.

Roughing it in the great room.

I especially like his energetic backdrop, compliments of our friends’ LIGHTNING MCQUEEN TENT! (that feels like it should be in all caps – sorry).

As proof that he was there for quite a spell, his grandpa took a picture showing the sun passing over him, later. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and we were all enjoying the sea view on the deck while he recharged his little battery.

It’s a lazy afternoon.

Hey – vacation is about relaxation. If  a man can relax, even on a cold tile floor, and wake refreshed? More power to you, little buddy.

Vroom vroom. ZZZZzzzzzzz.

He looks much more peaceful than his brother was in the night, later that week. William sat up in his sleep and yelled “I left my scone at the lighthouse! Don’t eat it, Cormac!”

To each his own special dreams.

Peace out.

 

Guest Nappers #95 and #96 – Tussling Twins

This photo Laura sent of ADORABLE twins Connor and Nora is perfect for today.

Just like the back seat battle.

It beautifully exemplifies the fate of millions of siblings as they crawl into the backs of their parents cars and prepare for a verrrry long drive. When I was a kid, we traipsed all over Northern Europe and the U.S. in the back of our 1979 VW Rabbit. My brother and I even used to flip a coin to decide who was going to get the slightly roomier spot behind my mother.

Because, you know, you take what you can get when the car is that small.

Sometimes James and I would be slumped in our respective corners, listening to our walkmans (walkMEN?) and doing Mad Libs. Most other times, however, one of us was taking an elbow to the temple and screaming “(S)he’s ON MY SIIIIIIDE!” My folks reminisce that, once, they said “Let’s just let them go at it and see when they stop,” but they had to bail on this plan because we were heading for certain physical injury.

Ahhhh…good times.

As you all head out on your trips, envision this peaceful photo of sibling harmony and do some chanting. Ommmmmm.

Thanks to Laura and may you all arrive at your destination safe and without a black eye from your sibling!

Guest Napper #94 – Cuddly Companion

There’s a lot of buzz out there right now on Facebook and Twitter, with moms discussing the imminent end of school and the looming summer break.

(insert nervously hysterical cackle)

You folks have LOTS of togetherness ahead. We all do.  But it looks like Rose may have a little more togetherness ahead than some of us.

Experiencing lower back pain upon waking?

Okay, come on. It’s adorable!

If only all summer moments could be this peaceful. Stay strong, parents…

 

Guest Nappers #92 and #93: Dreaming While Delayed

Memorial Day is almost here. Are you gearing up for a delightfully relaxing family vacation?

(insert evil laugh)

Amanda sent me these pics of her kids asleep in the most comfortable and hygienic of places, all thanks to family travel.

Likes a firm pillow.

I especially like how this one seems to be praying for the imminent end to this vacation.

Now I lay me down to sleep…

Now I sit me down to wait

I fear I’ll never leave this gate

If this plane more delayed shall be

I pray you all should pity me

Um…over and out.

Nearly the unofficial start of summer travel, folks! Stock up on the juice boxes and the DVDs…

Guest Napper #91- Kamikaze Cushion

Shop ’til you drop just took on a whole new dimension. And why not? It’s Friday, after all.

Future Olympic sport?

Cori Anne sent me this awesome picture of her son, who has scored just about the most comfortable cart a store can offer. When I saw it, the super dork in me thought how much Cori Anne reminds me of Joss Whedon’s version of Buffy – improvising handsomely with any tool at hand.

This kid is slaying me, really.

Happy Friday, folks. Try to stay upright in your carts.

Disclaimer: An adult was present at all times with this snoozing child and no nappers were harmed in any way during the execution of this cart nap, which the judges have given a 91 out of 100 possible points. 

 

Behind Bars

Friday is such a special time of the week, right? You’re dragging your sorry backside across the finish line, but it feels good.

Cormac didn’t make it, though.

Behind baby bars.

I came back from my workout to find that Cormac had decided to have an early nap on the floor of the childcare room at the gym.

Underneath the crib.

Thank goodness the wonderful woman there is a friend of mine. She took some GREAT photos! Thanks, Dianna!

Rockin’ the Jailhouse

He didn’t even take his coat off before crawling under here to zonk out. But, hey, any mom knows that when you get a chance to take a nap, you go to sleep almost with panicked speed. Why shouldn’t kids do the same? I think I’d sleep in my coat, too, if I knew I could squeeze in some shut eye.

In the words of the immortal Elvis, You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see…

Happy Friday, sleepyheads! Wishing naps to everybody in the whole cell block.

Guest Napper #90 – Flexible Flop

You know when you wake up and you just feel like you slept at a strange angle?

Ow.

Or perhaps that you were trying to do a “bboy” style shoulder spin in your sleep? Nah, me neither.

Bethany saw her daughter sleeping like this and had to decide if she should wake her or let her lie. Guided by the predominant parental wisdom never to wake a sleeping baby, she risked the neck crick.

Apparently, the child woke fresh as a daisy.

Doubters – 0. Sleep Lovers – 1.

May your Monday be free of muscle relaxants. If…that’s what you want.

Sidewalk Snooze

I don’t often get a nap quite this good.

In March we had some unseasonably warm days very early on. There was a cool wind, but warm sun. William would come home from school and happily spend an hour or more puttering around in the driveway, chatting with his Blue Puppy. On this particular day, I watched in amazement as he cheerfully settled himself on the warm pavement, rocking lightly back and forth, and drifted off to sleep.

The view from my stoop.

I love that he brought his scooter over there with him and then just conked out.

Scootin' and Snoozin'

Of course I sat outside with him, and it was a pretty long wait – even when the neighbor came home with her two girls.

You snooze, you loose your scooter.

We were all totally amazed, and stood around him chuckling.

Here’s to Friday, fun, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. A modern version of sittin’ on the stoop with great neighbors.

 

Guest Napper #89 – Snoozin’ and Skatin’

…and sun.

We haven’t had any sun for a few days, so this picture from Susan (a.k.a. Wubboo Mummy) looked so inviting. I mean, I also enjoy sleeping on a skateboard from time to time.

 

Is she levitating?

Apparently, Susan was busy kicking a ball nearby with her son, when she turned to find that Briannah had eschewed their tedious sport and decided to spend her time more wisely.

I’m with Briannah.

I mean, soccer can only be played up to a certain age, but sleeping is a sport for life.

This could be a new sport, in fact.

She does look like she was thinking about throwing that ball when she was overcome by drowsiness. Perhaps she’ll toss it when she awakens. Next up: halfpipe while blindfolded.

But we’ll need to have Susan sign a release form for that one. Happy Monday!

 

Guest Napper #88 – Footies for Friday

What parent doesn’t spend the latter half of Friday yearning for bedtime? I actually know one mom who likes to fold her kids’ pajamas in the afternoon and put them neatly in the bathroom, next to the toothbrushes. You know, just to be organized.

Anita sent me this picture of her niece, who seems to have needed no trouble hopping into those jammies and heading for bed. Only I don’t think she quite made it.

I'm so tired I could sleep standing up...

Apparently, this little girl (who shows excellent potential to pick up yoga) stayed like this much longer than expected. Like more than a few minutes. A true master of the standing sleep.

My advice to you all is to get those jammies on your tots and get them to bed. After all, who wants them standing around while you enjoy your Friday evening?

Happy upcoming weekend to all!

Guest Napper #87 – Maxed Out

You know, on reflection, this is a new one. We’ve had naps under the table. Next to the table.  On the counter. But we’re not quite done…

Likes a really, really firm bed.

Luckily, there are still a few napping locations left on the table for us.

Tee hee.

Apparently Becky left Max to finish up his dinner and when she returned, moments later, he was like this. I guess finishing those veggies is an activity we’ll have to table for later.

OKAY, I’m stopping.

Happy Tuesday to all. May your meals be wakeful.

Guest Napper #86 – Dreams with Daddy

No hijinks this Friday – just a sweet little nap for all the kids whose parents are serving far away.

Nap Buddy

Thanks to Vanessa and Zach for this reminder that the best dreams are of the ones you love.

Guest Napper #85 – Weary Wednesday

By Wednesday, the week is just too much sometimes. Erika sent me this picture of Tristan, which pretty much represents how I feel by 5 p.m. on hump day.

My bed is too soft.

Mind you, I’ve wanted to hide under my desk more often. I mean, I don’t have a drawer under my bed. I have an underbed storage box, though.

Snug in there?

Just keep swimming, little man. Just keep swimming.

We all will.

Guest Napper #84 – Going to the Dogs

I laughed out loud (no, REALLY, like a Gen X’er – for real) when Michael sent me this picture of his son, who fell asleep at the table while his Dad was fetching him a clean shirt.

May the odds be ever in your favor, hounds.

It’s a good thing these dogs are friendly, because I think they are really anxious to lick up the rest of the mess the little guy made when he spilled on his shirt…and then collapsed from exhaustion. In fact, his Dad tells me that, unseen by the camera, his son is holding an uneaten sandwich in his hand under the table.

Drool.

Come to think of it, I almost ended up looking like this after Easter dinner. Everyone is grateful I kept my clothes on, though.

Just keep it together and get through Monday, people.

 

Guest Napper #83 – Feet for Friday

Lots of people participate in Wordless Wednesday. Since we like to be different around here, I’m going to plaster this picture of Solomon up and have Wordless Friday.

I agree. Not as catchy. I’ll have to work on that. And now I’m no longer wordless.

Inversions are good yoga.

But, seriously, what is there to say? This picture is worth a thousand snores. Happy Fantastic Friday, then!

That is all.

Guest Napper #81 – Rainy Day Rest

Kathy has given me the perfect guest napper for a slightly damp spring day!

It is, after all, that season when you’re neither here nor there. Neither hot nor cold. Neither dry nor wet. Neither barefoot nor panted.

Wait. Neither barefoot nor panted? 

Ready for any weather. As long as it's not too cold.

Joey, here, was so excited about his little wellies that he couldn’t be parted from them…neither from the wellies nor from his nap, apparently. He’s a full-on Christopher Robin, just waiting to conquer the Hundred Acre Wood.

In his dreams, anyway.

He looks very serious about it.

Is that Pooh’s honey pot to Joey’s right? Oh, I do hope so. I am rather grumbly in my tummy.

Oh bother. Somebody’s been napping…

Perhaps, when he wakes, Kanga and Roo can convince Joey he should become one with the panted people. For now, the boots will have to do.

 

Guest Napper #80 – Super Snoozer

I love a man in uniform.

Who better to save me from the tedium of this interminable Spring Break than the man with the BIG S on his chest?

Nap time is my kryptonite.

He’s dreamy, isn’t he? His Mom swears his name is Cole, but he looks like a Clark to me. Look at him – all unassuming – as he watches over his plastic playdom.

Naptropolis

Rest easy, citizens of the world. The sleepy city is in good hands.

Guest Napper #79 – Scintillating Spring Break

I know this isn’t true for everyone, but today is the first day of what promises to be a very loooooong Spring Break for me.

Mind you, there was a time when Spring Break meant flirting with cute guys and cruising in borrowed convertibles. I wore a few outfits that scandalized my mother. I may have even taken a few naps…after being up until late at night annoying the regular residents of Palm Springs along with my thousands of spring breaking pals. I think we broke their spring, for sure. Anyhoo…

This picture from Dainelle, however, shows more accurately what I have to look forward to this week. I would say “let’s take the kids to an art museum” but Devon isn’t finding art very stimulating. Her drawing does appear to be soothing, however.

Sometimes art is boring.

I have to say that if Devon (a girl) is finding this coloring boring, you can bet the boys will last about 60 seconds at this activity, after which they will go out into the backyard and spend the next hour covering themselves in potting soil.

I so look forward to cleaning that up.

Devon looks like the coloring wore her out, though.

I'm just closing my eyes for a second, Mom.

Yep. I am looking forward to this week. Mmmhhhmmmm.

Yes, indeedy.

 

Guest Napper #78 – Facedown Friday

I’d be shocked if there’s a parent out there who can’t relate to this image on a Friday. Heck, I’d be surprised if any adult out there doesn’t feel like this by the end of today. In fact, I feel like this now, having been awakened at 6am to do some surprise tick removal on one of my boys. All this outdoor spring play not only causes exhaustion (see below) but it also causes infestation, apparently.

Um. Ew. (Please send Deep Woods Off)

Anyway, Oliver, here, is demonstrating the kid craziness that can happen when spring has sprung.

Flop.

Ironically, he won’t be doing much springing for the next hour or two.

I see some crumbs...a lego...your engagement ring...

Unless, that is, he’s really awake and spelunking for a half-eaten graham cracker. I could understand that. Playing outside can make a guy hungry!

Elmo likes graham crackers!

Happy Friday, good friends! May your weather be fine and your naps be lengthy. Over and OUT.

Guest Napper #77 – All Cooped Up

What the heck, Mother Nature? Just when we had come to terms with having, like, NO WINTER, and gotten the water table out and planted the basil…well…this is basically unacceptable.

Paige shared this photo of her son and her husband. I’m not sure what her husband thinks about being banished indoors back to the couch, but her son seems to be, like, TOTALLY OVER IT.

So over the cold weather.

You might say this guy is down on his knees, begging the warm weather please to come home. 

Okay, well he’s on someone’s knees, anyway.

Wake me when the temperatures get back into the sixties, m’kay?

 

Guest Napper #76 – PiZZZa Party

As parents, we are appalled by what has happened to our Friday nights.

Sure, we’re glad it’s the weekend, finally. However, any mom or dad will tell you it can sometimes be lights out by 9:30pm, even for the adults. For others, perhaps, a little earlier than that…

Friday nights are hard.

Esther’s daughter didn’t make it through dinner.

The worst part is, I know if this were my kid, I’d actually be tempted to eat the rest of that pizza. You know, like the toast bones of the grilled cheese.

Yummy.

May you party like rock stars tonight, friends.

Guest Napper #75 – Sunny Snoozin’

I’m a tad bit afraid that Mel‘s little girl is having dreams about global warming,  because this is some seriously nutty weather we’re getting. Unlike William, who likes to spend these days napping under the grill cover, this lazy lass has managed to plant herself in a place of proper appreciation of (and protection from) the sun.

That "75" is for 75 degrees, fool.

My advice is, soak up the sun now, because we could just as well be getting snowstorms in June this year.

Mother Nature has gone rogue.

This is the last day to vote Naps Happen as one of the funniest Mom blogs! Do us a favor and spend five seconds to click through to your right. Thanks!

Hibernaption

I’m a little frustrated. I mean, I should have another month to use up these cozy, wintry, baby bear naps. Instead, the Cherry Blossom Festival is on fast-forward and everyone is begging to play at the water table.

What kind of weather is this, people????

Hibernation is ending.

Well, no day appears sunny enough to bring this cub out of his den. My recollection of the sequence of events on the day I took this photo is as follows:

Mom returns home with cranky boy and he climbs on the couch and refuses to remove his coat (see above).

Mom goes to put in a load of laundry and returns to find him sitting on the floor, dazed. Instead of waking up, however, he cuddles up with the nubbly rug and the hardwood floor and commences Nap 2.0.

What? It’s the latest napplication. You know, all the rage.

Those rugs from the big box stores are so...soft?

So that’s how the nap happened.

Spring is coming.

I’m getting sweaty just watching this nap. Did the A/C just come on?

Now excuse me while I go take some allergy pills.