How did you end up going to 2 naps? Was that on a sleep consultants suggestion?

Dropping a nap is a hard transition. Babies slowly need less sleep overtime as they get older. But it's not like it's an instant switch. Sometimes they are in a limbo of needing less than 3 naps and more than 2 naps.

If dropped too early, a baby can start to build a sleep deficit (not getting enough sleep overtime). A telltale sign of that for us is more frequent night wakings accompanied by lots of intense screaming.

Have you heard the phrase "sleep begets sleep" before? Well, this is why:

When we (adults and babies) get overtired, our bodies produce certain hormones to help keep us awake. When we need to stay awake, it's great! It helps us stay attentive to study for that college midterm or drive home after a late shift. But when we are ready to fall asleep, it leads to either trouble falling asleep or restless night. It takes time for our bodies to switch gears.

I think that is why you have those bad night wakings. The level of crying at wake ups and the long afternoon nap are signs we have seen in our kid was on the wrong nap schedule.

If I were you, I'd try going back to a 3 nap schedule for a week. Shortening those wake windows should mean less "awake" hormones are produced. After her sleep deficit is gone, things should go smoother and you can work towards that 2 nap schedule again.