Owen and I are engaged in a difference of opinion.
In Owen's view, naps are to be strictly avoided. The only permissible exception is a a leisurely cuddle on the sofa which leads to a brief period of shut-eye. However, when put in one's room for an afternoon siesta, it is imperative to climb out of bed, head immediately for the baby gate at the threshold of the room, and pass the appointed hour by shaking the gate bars like a crazed weekend jailbird and alternately screaming, crying and plaintively saying "mom-eeee". Should sleep be absolutely unavoidable, the proper procedure is to drag one's entire stuffed animal collection to the gate, make a pile, and take a short respite (see Exhibit A below).
Equally important is the appropriate bedtime for a 2 year old. If a nap has been successfully avoided all day, it is correct to fall asleep at 8 pm. However - and this is nonnegotiable - if a nap is taken during the day, the only reasonable bed time is 11 pm. Equally important is the nightly ritual of waking approximately 5 hours after first being down, making your way to the baby gate and again calling - with much emotion - for "mom-eeee". Once she appears, allow her to lead you back to bed and hold you until drifting off again. Repeat as necessary.
My opinion is that Mama really needs a break during the day and a full night's sleep, so after Christmas Owen will be getting a new routine "Supernanny-strict" style. Shh - don't tell him yet - I don't want him to have time to formulate a response.
