With a title like that I’m tempted to put up a picture of me face-down on the couch snoozing. The busy body that Hailey has been lately certainly justifies a nap as being the best use of time. Though I’ve surely spent one of Hailey’s nap times napping myself, most days it’s my only 2 hours to get things done. I try to squeeze as much in as I can, and here’s what it looks like…
12:05 pm – Kisses, blanket, night night.
I feel my energy rev up; it’s go time! First up, throw a load of laundry in.
I’ve been focusing on doing 1-2 load of laundry a day. It’s not enough to annoy me and it keeps it from piling out of control.
12:10 pm- Once that is washing, I head to the kitchen.
I work on a recipe for my next WCCB Charlotte News Rising segment this Thursday and prep dinner at the same time. The kitchen turns into a disaster zone.
Over half of my precious two hours is spent in here, but to have the recipe done, dinner ready to go and the kitchen cleaned is good for my sanity.
1:15 pm – To the computer.
Here I have to really control myself. I reply to a few prioritized emails and do a little social media work for the company I work for. It’s tempting to check in with twitter or catch up on blogs, but I have to resist.
1:35 pm – All the important computer stuff is taken care of. I know I have a little bit of time left to take care of some little tasks that make a big difference. First up, the living room.
It’s amazing that a 5 minute pick-up can make me feel so much more relaxed in my own home.
On that same note, I head to the car.
We are still in the rental (after the accident), so it hasn’t gotten too messy, but there are some random water cups, deflated balloons, receipts and such that need cleaning out. Again, this helps me feel more pulled together.
Back inside I put up 2 loads of clean laundry (LOVE the towel load- so easy 
), then head to the kitchen to sneak in a quick photo session with Thursday’s recipe.
2:00 pm – I know my time is limited. Occasionally Hailey will nap longer, but for the most part I can only count on those 2 hours. I return to the computer room and get off 1 email before I hear her.
2:05 pm- Hugs, diaper and snack time… let the afternoon begin!
Moms, how do you decide what to do during nap time?
Karen says
I am happy to see your nap time looks a lot like mine. Nap from 12-2 for all three kids, and 45 minute workout first, top priority, then dinner prep, clean up house, and get snack ready, check emails and answer a few if possible. My laundry is usually started by 4:30 am and done before or right after my kids arrive at 6am.
The life of mom’s, but it’s worth it.
Hanna says
Wow, it’s amazing how much you accomplished in just two hours! I’ve learned that by doing one or two loads of laundry a day it makes my Saturday more relaxing. Since I work full time out side the home during the week, I use Saturday naps to relax and catch up on my favorite shows. Sunday naps I dedicate to meal prep.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
You are buuuusssssy!!! I know that I would definitely be tempted to take a nap myself on most of these days ;).
Verna says
I definitely take full advantage of nap times! While the baby is sleeping, I start snacks, meals, refill cups, empty the dishwasher and any other important stuff. While the big two are napping, I try to relax a little and enjoy the peace and quiet. 😉
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers says
You really power through it! 🙂 It’s amazing how much better a picked-up house makes me feel. Clutter = stress (at least for me)
Danica @ It's Progression says
Efficient, momma! Good work 🙂
p.s. your kitchen is absolutely beautiful.
Christina says
It’s amazing what a difference 10 minutes can make! Hubby and I both work full-time, so weekend naptimes are essential in order for us to keep up with daily life….but I confess that we occasionally both nap (or catch up on the DVR!) while our daughter is napping 🙂 I try to wake up about an hour before my daughter during the week, just so I can get a jump on things!
Kari says
My girls are 21 months and 4 months. I hardly ever get a nap at the same time. On the rare occasions that I do, I take a break! Haha!
Erin @ Sugar Magnolia says
Most days it goes something like this: get on the computer for about 30 min, do a quick 30 min workout (while watching Dawson’s Creek), shower and than he’s up! Never seems like enough time!
Gcroft says
You are amazingly organised. I am still blessed with three 1-hour naps a day. Some I spend on myself, and the remainder is on getting things done around the house. I can’t complain, really.
Beth Sheridan @sugarcoatedsheridans says
Um yes!! When I’m home with my 2 1/2 year old, it’s like the race against time!! He’s getting to where he won’t nap at home with me anymore though, so he helps me do a lot more now 🙂
Bethany says
I think I need to take a note from you and become more productive during nap time! Do you have any tips/tricks for keeping your home clean, like do you have a schedule for cleaning it during naps (like mop floors this day, etc)? In the 8 months since my daughter was born I still haven’t figured out how to not drive myself crazy trying to keep things clean, maybe I need a schedule for it! 🙂
Karen says
You are a busy bee!! I try and get some cleaning done, prep the dinner and do some work on the computer. On the weekends, I’ll usually spend relaxing in front of the TV or outside reading a book.
Sarah says
This is great! I’m not a naturally organized person, so I really enjoy this peek into how you keep your car and house looking nice even with an active toddler at home. Of course it’s nothing new — pick up after yourself, do a little bit at a time (like your laundry), etc. — but it’s still good to know I’m on the right track.
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Good for you for getting so much done! I feel like I would just take a nap alongside her ;). That dinner looks delicious by the way! Do you cook it in foil packets?
char eats greens says
Naps vary for me right now!! Sometimes I get stuff done (like cleaning and cooking/baking), and other times I read blogs (like I’m doing right now during nap time). But luckily, Nia’s still on 2 naps a day, so normally the morning one, I just relax and the second one I try and prep food and organize the house!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I’m still lucky in that Hunter is taking four naps per day (we are definitely on our way to going down to three though), so I have more free time now than I will be getting in a few months. The first nap I usually just have for myself to drink my coffee, do devotions, and work on blog stuff. The second nap I typically will work out, shower, and get ready. The third nap is a toss up – sometimes I clean, sometimes I do laundry, sometimes I run errands, sometimes I nap. The fourth nap is getting shorter and shorter these days, so I usually have just enough time to make and eat dinner for Cody and me. I’ll have to get more creative with my time as Hunter cuts down on his naps though.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
My naptimes are quite similar- laundry, cleaning, cooking, blogging, and maybe even showering if I’m lucky! 🙂
Sherry says
You are so busy, organized, and productive. Made me tired just reading what you do!
christina says
TEACH ME!!!! I am so disorganized. Except in my kitchen I’m anal!
Holly says
Interesting post! I love to see what others do during nap time. My 22 month old has never been a long napper and I am really lucky if I get more than 45 mins. Some days, if its been a trying morning, I sit (more like flop) on the couch and watch some dvr. Others, I clean up the kitchen and tidy up the living room from the morning mess. We don’t have a playroom so it often feels like a losing battle to keep our living area from looking like Toys R Us.
Most days I try to get up about an hour before my son does so I can get some chores done, but lately, he has been up and at ’em by 5:30!! I keep telling him this is not conducive for mommy to get things done, but he doesn’t seem to listen. I think the early wake ups are from the chirping birds that seem to have moved into the tree near his window, so there’s really not much I can do about it.
Chantal says
I’m the worst at naptime. I grab my computer, park on the couch and DON’T MOVE.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Oh man, I’m going to be the mom who naps during their naps. 😉 At least for a little while! I think I’d probably do a mix of relaxing and working around the house to make myself feel good about being productive.
Dawn says
I take a nap during my daughter’s naptime whenever possible! Usually for 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, I am cleaning, folding laundry, prepping food, writing, etc. I do get things done, but you sound way more productive than I am. 🙂
Crystal @ Alan and Crystal says
I’m 14 weeks pregnant so here lately I’ve been playing a lot of Candy crush or catching up on tv with a little chores in between. I can’t be too loud because her room is right down the hall and our house echoes bad. That’s my excuse for not doing chores 🙂
blackhuff says
You sure did a lot during her nap time. Wow!
I usually just tackle what need attention, if I have to decide which get priority or not, then I am wasting precious nap time.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Addie still naps 4 times during the day, which seems like a lot … yet it never seems to be enough time! I usually pump for 20 minutes/nap, in addition to trying to cook, clean, blog, etc. Time always flies!
Erica says
I think that Tiffany Blue paint would totally work if you had white furniture like the one you posted from Ikea! Blue paint + brown/cherry furniture is a hard combo.
Jen says
This looks familiar! Though I’m kicking myself right now for reading blogs during nap time instead of getting work done 😉
Kimberly says
Hi Brittany. Just wanted to say I love your blog. Every time I google some question regarding mommyhood, your site pops up and is always helpful. This post popped up when I was trying to search ideas on making the most of nap time. Currently my 5 month old is only sleeping about 20-30 minutes at a time. Just do what you can do, I guess. 🙂 I’ve been reading awhile now but never commented and just wanted you to know that I appreciate the time you take to write posts.