Resting...is there such a thing with a toddler?

What do you do when you just need some rest?

Just the other day, I was tired, really tired, from walking outside in the sun with my son (and I mean HEAT), keeping him (oh, that was me) sane while we ate lunch in a restaurant, and by the time I got home, I was exhausted. As my husband and I have been saying lately, I felt 90 years old. I got my son down for a nap, but had numerous errands still left to do and chores to tackle. My hubby suggested I take some time to lay down (don't only 90-year-olds do that? I do remember my mom needing one every weekend afternoon...though maybe it was just to get a break from all of us). I laid down and my body just sunk into the mattress. My mind was awake, but my body was throbbing, and sinking further into the bed. I don't think I slept, but I had 45 minutes of solid, no-moving, rest. Boy, did I need that.

I knew my world couldn't stop like it could pre-children (child in my case), and that was the toughest part. My hubby and I miss those relaxing weekends. Now I feel like I have to cram so much in and think of activities for my son so that he doesn't say, "Watch show?" With only one child, he tends to want me to be his playmate. I love that, and do that, but I need some downtime too.

Should I just give in and realize that I will feel tired like this until my son is 7? That's my joke, that we'll be able to do so much once he's 7, that maybe, just maybe that's when I'll feel rested? I have also gotten less exercise since becoming a mom than I've ever had in my adult life, and I wonder, could it be that? I can't afford a club membership anymore, it is simply too hot outside, and I already have such little time with him, working full-time. (Excuses, aren't they?)

Do you remember the days of your toddler, or do you have a toddler now? Do you feel this way too? It always makes me feel better to feel others feel what I do, don't you?