Thanks for all of your replies! Today for my little DD's first nap, I didn't go in when I first heard her like you all suggested. I peeked in to check on her, and she had gone back to sleep! I heard her a couple more times snorting and such, and did not go in, and she had a nap time total of 1 1/2 hrs! Now, I know that she did not sleep the whole time, but still--as someone said--it is still time in her bed resting. I never thought of it before, but that does count as "down" time, too. Now, in the past when I have waited and not gone to her when I heard her wake up, her squeaks escalated and I could tell she wanted me to come in. So, I will see if this happens again--just going back to sleep, that is. Her other naps this pm were the same 45 minutes, but I was fearful of extending those anyway due to wanting to keep her asleep tonight. Fortunately, though she fell asleep in the carseat taking my son to and fro to school and still let me take her out and put her in bed. All in all, a good sleep day...I'll keep you posted...
Patti
Mom to Gianna and Maxwell