- It’s a miracle that I’m here today. There was a wild animal in my bed last night. At least, that’s what it sounded like. First off; no, I’m not talking about Ben. Not yet, anyway. I’m speaking of the little grunting, growling critter who woke every one up with her loud slurping and gulping last night. Bailey is 3 weeks old today. Overnight she woke at least every 1-2 hours and ate like she had never been fed before. That girl was hungry and she enjoyed her meals. It must be the first of many growth spurts. As I look at her, I’m amazed at how she is growing so quickly. She will likely only be in a newborn size for a few more days. Bittersweet. So fast how time goes.
- It seems that Santa’s bag of toys vomited its contents into my house. It’s like a Benny Hill sketch. I hurriedly pick up the toys out of the living room floor while the baby is asleep and put them in Chloe and Marlie’s room. Baby wakes up and starts to cry. I go and get her out of bassinet. I return to living room and floor is magically covered with all the same toys I just put away. Chloe is sitting on the sofa peeking over the top of her Dora novel, all inconspicuous, no doubt amused at my antics. During a baby nap, I cleaned her room. It looked awesome! Her same age cousin came over and it looks like a tsunami hit the coast off the toy box. But, it is so fun to watch them play. I will continue to pick the toys up over and over and she’ll continue to pull them out over and over. It’s our individual callings in life.
- My baby sister came over today. She is nearing the end of her third trimester with her first child. I tried to break her in real good. She held Bailey while I showered. I let her change Bailey’s clothes. She didn’t want any part of diaper duty (doody). Soon she won’t have a choice in that one! It’s funny how fragile babies seem when you’re not use to them. You’re afraid you may break them. I remember being afraid to lift Chloe’s arms too high when bathing her. One day I did, and was shocked to see “cheese” in her armpit. My kid had fungus under her pits cause I had been afraid to raise her arms too high! This time around I know better. So funny. Trial and error. You hold your 2nd child a little less firmly; as you have to use your other arm to corral the first child from running across the parking lot at Walmart. You don’t watch the clock as you feed them or keep a record of wet diapers. You just know what’s right. That’s good that it gets easier since some aspects are more difficult. When I got back from the store earlier, Bailey was asleep and Chloe was falling apart because she needed to be asleep. I put sleeping baby in carrier down and carried sleepy toddler to rocking chair. Just as she was falling asleep, Bailey began to cry from hunger. I managed to feed one and get the other down for a nap simultaneously. Challenging. Yes. Impossible. No. Humorous and wish I had a video of myself in action. Definitely. Bailey is asleep in my lap and I hear Chloe calling me as she wakes from her nap. So…
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I knew when I woke up this morning (for good that is) that it was gonna be a good day. Bailey woke up first. Then Ben got up. Finally Chloe woke. Bailey was nestled under my right arm. Chloe saddled up to my left side and tucked herself under that arm. I was wishing for my own personal photographer at that point. The photo would need some censoring I suppose since my right breast was in my infants mouth and my left one had a toddler’s hand around it! That may be intrusive to some. It’s a normal day for me. Chloe commented, “that one is for Bailey and this one is for me.” No, I’m not tandem nursing. She hasn’t breastfed in 10 months or more. She just treats it like some kids do with a blankie or favorite stuffed animal (she can’t seem to let it go). In this morning moment of nostalgia, I didn’t correct her from loving on it. Instead I jokingly commented how nice it was for her to share with her sister. Then I asked her if we could share with Daddy. She replied, “No. He’s got his own.” Poor Ben. I did make a point to tell him how much I love him as he left for work. I know how busy things have been around here lately. I know he knows I love him, but I think it’s important to look the one you love in the eye and tell them in earnest just how much they mean to you.
- We had plans today to attend a family gathering. Things seemed to go a lot smoother today with the baby. It always seems to go like that. If I have a bad day; the next one is usually good. Thank you Lord. Bailey was her usual sweet self; resting soundly unless hungry or wet diaper or just needing a little loving. I’ve also become so proud of my little Chloe! She finally seems to be adjusting to the baby. She still wants cuddles from me. She still says “Mommy, I’m cold”, when she wants my attention (no doubt so she can be swaddled like the baby). But she is no longer pushing my limits with bad behavior just to get attention. She plays with her toys and allows me to care for the baby. Sure, she still runs in the room right when I get the baby asleep and loudly tells me what’s going on in the other room, but that’s just regular toddler behavior, not intentional bad behavior. She’s such a big girl and Mommy is so proud. I made a point to tell her today how much I loved her and how proud I was of her. She responded, “I want some Sponge Bob candy.” Well, I tried.
- We went to the family gathering, only an hour and a half late. It was fun. There were a lot of kids there, and I was once again reminded what a tyrant my child can be. She has no desire to share with other kids, despite my encouragement and good example. There was this blue plastic chair that she carried around half the day so no one else could sit in it! When I told her once to share, she boldly said “No Momma. I don’t want to share.” She actually tried to push a crawling baby because she thought the poor thing was coming to take her toy. I think her cavalier attitude did serve her well as she played unsupervised with 800 other, older children. I couldn’t help but peek in on her every 90 seconds or so. During one such spy mission I caught her jumping off furniture onto a pile of couch cushions. I said “be careful” to which she replied, “Momma, we’re just playing weehaw.” Then she jumped into the cushions and screamed “Weehaw!!” It did look fun, so I walked away for 120 seconds. She cried when we had to leave. There had been no chance for a nap today, which equals disaster at 5:30 pm. Our jeep had been acting funny and as I put the bags in the vehicle with the cold, wet rain, I felt the need to quickly pray “Lord please let it start!” It cranked right away. To calm Chloe’s crying, I held her hand in the back seat as I drove. So even though my arm was twisted to the point of discomfort, it made my heart feel good to know that just the touch of my hand made her feel better. The plan was to do some more visiting, but I stopped by our house to give Chloe a dose of cough medicine. When I came back out to the Jeep, it wouldn’t crank. It’s funny how I wasn’t that upset about it not cranking then because I was just grateful that it cranked when I prayed it would (when it was cold, wet, and far from home). Now I lay in a warm bed with Bailey sleeping on my left and Chloe on my right (a mirror image of how my day started). Now all we need is Daddy to come home from work and join us. Yes. It was a good day.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I often will speak of small things that give me joy. Read my blog for an extended period of time, and you’ll likely see this theme repeated. That’s because I think it’s important to find happiness everywhere around you. I had an occasion to do just that early this morning. Bailey required a little bouncing. She wasn’t exceptionally fussy. She just needed to work some gas out, so to speak. As I rocked her, I looked around my bedroom. I saw that my jewelry box was taken over by little pink hair bows. At the foot of my bed was a tiny pair of puppy house shoes. My laundry basket was overflowing with small pants and itty bitty socks. Every few feet of the floor was covered by a doll or stuffed animal. I looked into the hall and saw how I had covered the wall with a crowded collage of family photos. Finally, I looked over to our bed and saw Ben and Chloe both snoring with their mouths open. Then I looked down at Bailey and she was doing the same. I got up to put us both back to bed and thought, “I love how my life has changed. I love that my room is no longer my own. I love how we pack a tiny house full of happiness. I even love the messes.” This is the good life!
- When Chloe first woke up, she surprised me. Instead of asking to watch her favorite cartoon in bed, she wanted to go play with her doll house she got for Christmas. I’m glad she likes it so much, but I also really enjoy watching her play. She is really learning to use her imagination and I just find it fascinating to watch. I think it’s so important. I grew up an only child in my early years. I didn’t get siblings until I was 10. We also didn’t live around family or in a neighborhood, so I had to play by myself. There were no video games, iPhones, or iPads. I love dolls and Barbie and could play in an imaginary world for hours on end. I like to see my child doing the same. She drove around her little family in their mini van today, grocery shopping and they even went to a parade. Then they accompanied Dora to the salon for a haircut and pedicure. I love to hear her little voice talking for the little people. All her puppy stuffed animals joined the fun. Then she got out her Dr kit and gave everyone a physical.
- Today has been an interesting day, to say the least. I had a main goal today of ordering my little sister a baby shower gift on the Internet. I had secondary goals to include a shower, dishes, and putting some Christmas presents away that currently reside on my sofa. From 10 am until 4 pm, I worked in getting that gift ordered. For some reason, Bailey would not sleep today unless in my arms. It is so hard to surf eBay with a crying baby! And I couldn’t do it on my phone, because the pics were too small to see properly. I feared I would never get it ordered and the date of the shower is too close to wait any longer. I found myself getting a littler perturbed at the baby. “Why can’t you sleep?!” Just when I thought I might snap, I look down at her sweet face, with her tiny button nose and mouth just like my own. I thought of the parents who recently lost their children. I thought of couples trying and trying to have their own children. I thought of poor parents who can only hold their newborn for a short time on this earth. I thought of these things and felt very foolish for being upset that I couldn’t shop online uninterrupted. God forgive me. Some days you just need to remember to put things in perspective. I am blessed. I will never forget.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- My day started on a negative note. Nothing bad really happened; I just felt a poor attitude surrounding me. I hate that. Bailey had trouble sleeping early this morning and awoke at least hourly. At one point, during her waking, I found myself thinking about work and when I would have to go back. It’s good to plan ahead, but it really bothered me that I was already dreading my return to work and found myself worrying about the logistics. Who will watch the baby and Chloe? Should I have two different sitters? Would Bailey take a bottle? Should I start pumping and introducing the bottle now? Would Ben have trouble getting all the girls ready for church? I began mentally making a to-do list. I was so exhausted that I was able to fall back asleep, but my thoughts had succeeded in polluting my mood.
- When we got up, Bailey was fussy and I couldn’t even seem to fix a cup of coffee without her crying. Chloe was following our lead and was falling to pieces at the drop of a hat. She cried because she didn’t want to shower with me; she wanted a bath. She cried because her nose was running. She cried because her chocolate milk was in the wrong cup. I suffered through getting her ready; as she cried because she didn’t want her hair brushed. As I was combing her hair and attempting a red bow, I heard Bailey start to cry again; awake after too short of a nap. Ben was trying to calm her with little result. He called to me “I’ll take care of Chloe if you’ll come get the baby!” For some reason it made me so mad and I switched with him, but not without saying in an angry voice, “Maybe I wanna do stuff for Chloe cause I miss her!” I share with you all honestly so perhaps we can relate to how everyday issues affect us all. Of course, I felt bad afterwards for my anger at Ben. I couldn’t just focus on how much I do for the baby. I had to also look at what all Ben does to help me be able to care for the baby! He is so good. I apologized honestly to him and he did to me. I think it’s so important to say you’re sorry, appreciate all your spouse does, and never allow the sun to set on your wrath.
- We collectively got the three girls ready and headed to Ben’s parent’s for a Christmas gathering. We agreed that we’re still adjusting. It may have been a challenging morning, but the afternoon gathering and fellowship with family has been wonderful. I love watching all the kids play. Chloe and her same age cousin, Sam, had to take a nap break, but the fun continues. We opened presents. My Mother-in-Law is a great gifter! I love seeing Chloe’s face as she receives a package and tears it open! I feel that the depressing mood has lifted from me; some thanks to the good time with family, some to the support of my hubby, and the rest thanks to God’s grace. Each day is a new one in postpartum world with the adjustment of a new newborn. I’ve got good support behind me and feel blessed as usual. Now we’re off to dinner together at Chop House. So…
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I’ll start my Christmas Day facts with Christmas Eve. We attended a 9 pm service at church last night. It is a tradition for us to go, and we’ve started our own tradition of attending in our pajamas. Chloe was proud to wear her new house shoes she has been admiring on TV and finally received; Stompeez. We almost didn’t go. Chloe was crying. Bailey was crying. Both were crying for unknown reasons 15 minutes till time to go. I left the decision on whether to go or not with Ben. I wanted to go, but I figured with them crying, he’d say forget about it. He decided we would go for it, and I’m so glad we did. Both girls settled immediately in the car. Chloe enjoyed herself there and the baby slept peacefully. We enjoyed communion, a wonderful message, and great music. Towards the end, Hallellujah Chorus played. It was so beautiful, but beyond that was how the air changed. I could feel the Holy Spirit fall. I felt God’s pleasure in our appreciation and celebration through song. It was such a wonderful feeling as the chorus sang praises and boasted to Him. I don’t believe any words in my meager vocabulary could articulate the feeling in my spirit at that moment, so I won’t try. I just know it felt so good. Sometimes I wonder how you can return to everyday tasks after having glimpsed a touch of such glory. What a time it will be to sing praises to Him directly!
- It’s kinda hard to follow that one. But we did return home and had fun things to do. I was really surprised at how agreeable Chloe was to sleep. At first she said couldn’t sleep, but I pulled up a Santa tracker and Ben pointed to lights in the sky that looked suspiciously like Santa’s sleigh. We put out milk and cookies and she drifted off. Bailey was a bit more difficult. We discovered that Bailey prefers being a home body. She did not like all the hustle and bustle and visiting. She likes being at home with just us and sleeping uninterrupted. She was so cranky and exhausted from car rides and lap hopping. Chloe cried as a baby, but when Bailey cries it sounds like she’s being tortured. It’s horrible. Thankfully it’s not often. She did fall asleep and has since rested like Rip Van Winkle.
- Chloe woke up on her own, thankfully not too early, but immediately remembering that Santa had come. We did video her walk down the hall and I’m so glad. The joy on a child’s face as they first glimpse their treasures is simply magical. Chloe got a doll house from Santa, complete with a little family of four. I loved that while she had the Mommy, daughter, and baby eating breakfast in the dining room; that the Daddy was on the toilet taking a poop. She also said the Daddy is the one that tells the kids to be quiet. Cute how reality molds imaginative play. I’ve had just as much fun playing with her. It’s been a wonderfully lazy, joyful, love filled day. I am full to the brim.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- On a special day like today, you can find many awesome, big things to get excited about. But for me, this morning, I found that I started my day finding joy in all the little things that bless me everyday. I love that my infant daughter is starting to look around and focus on her surroundings. When she looked at me and stopped crying when I scooped her up and spoke to her this morning, it made my heart smile. I love having the day off with my soul mate. I love cooking eggs for my family, and watching Chloe shovel them in her mouth at lightening speed makes me happy. I love washing Chloe’s hair with watermelon shampoo. I love that when I was in the living room feeding Bailey, I heard Chloe wake up and call out for me. It doesn’t have to take a big present or an exciting Christmas party to make you smile. You can find wonderful gifts in every tiny moment of your life, if you just open your eyes to see them.
- I know that for many people, the Holidays can be a depressing time. This is especially true in the face of loss. I understand. My Mother passed away in the month of October. I recall that Christmas being a very dark time for our family. It was hard to find joy in a time of such pain. I remember finding presents that she had bought for us, and it was only depressing to me. To be honest, for about a year I was very lost. I slept on my couch and stayed at home, except for work. I was like a turtle in my shell. I did not seek God’s healing like I should. I sought solace elsewhere. Thankfully God kept me in His frame anyway. I once saw a movie many years ago, where the main actor’s parents died. I cried at the end and thought “I could never deal with that!” But I did. Somehow I did. When you can’t, you can, with that extra measure God gives (even if you aren’t aware). I still try to call her to share good news. That may never stop. But the dark pain has gone, and hope remains. If you are feeling pain or darkness this Holiday season, please know that light is on the horizon. Healing is in your future. No eloquent prayer is required; just say “help” and He will. It may not be instantaneous, but it will come.
- As I write this last fact, I’m multitasking by nursing the baby too. We have a fun, but busy evening ahead. There’s a family gathering at my brother’s. It will be a blast to gather with all my siblings and I’m really looking forward to it! Our church has a service tonight which is always food for the soul and leaves me full and satisfied. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus have a lot of presents to put out. I can’t wait for Chloe to see what she’s getting. She is so easy to please and gets so excited, that I know she’s gonna flip out. Have a great day all. Merry Christmas Eve. God bless us everyone!
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- Today started early. I’m still getting used to getting an additional child ready. When my alarm went off, Bailey woke up with me and was far too curious about her surroundings to go back to sleep. Not wanting to wake the others yet, I put her in her rocking bassinet in the bathroom with me while I showered. She was content to stare at the towel rack while I got ready. It’s quite the adjustment getting used to a little baby again; stopping what you’re doing to nurse, burp, change diapers. It’s also a timing issue, trying to decide how much more time you need in the morning. Although, this is a loose schedule, considering how unexpected poops and spit-ups can throw a wrench in your plan. I realized I have become my mother. I dressed the girls up in velvet and silk Christmas dresses this morning. I’m certain they were uncomfortable, but I just loved doing it! They were so cute! I’m glad I took the time before church to get pictures since Chloe got ranch dressing on hers and Bailey pooped on hers. She also pooped on me, but luckily I wasn’t wearing a red velvet dress.
- What a blessed day! I had the pleasure of watching my angel Chloe dress up as an angel in our church’s live Nativity today. Yesterday at practice, she wanted no part of the costume, but once I put mine on, she was all in. She looked absolutely precious if I do say so myself. She wore her red leather shoes that she’s been known to call her “dancing shoes” and boy did she. While the other angels in the chorus sang along to the Christmas carols, she took her place in front of the manger and began to dance. I’m not sure where she learned her fancy foot work. Bailey played the perfect baby Jesus. As her guardian angel, so to speak, I delivered her to the manger, swaddled and sweet. She slept in perfect peace throughout the entire program. Even as the tiny angels, shepherds, and wisemen came to adore her and place their little hands upon her, she still slept in heavenly peace. It filled this Mommy’s heart with joy to see my precious children re-enacting the story of Christmas.
- This morning I was talking to God while I showered, as I usually do. I was praying for different things, asking Him for this and that. All of the sudden it hit me and I felt very humbled. As much as I know God wants to bless me and answer my prayers, I had a moment where I was like “What right do you have to keep asking for stuff?!” When I stopped and thought about it, God had already given me the greatest gift I could ever imagine and we are at a time of the year to celebrate this wonderful present. He gave His son so that I might live. Who could ask for anything more? I am surrounded by blessings in this life and am promised an eternity of such thanks to Jesus and His gift to me. I receive it.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I find it fascinating the circus acts a parent will perform to stop their baby from crying. There’s the march. Like a soldier on guard, a parent will march their infant back and forth across the room, in perfect time and cadence, literally wearing a hole in the carpet with their repetitive steps. There’s the positional hold. Where as when you first brought your infant home and you were like “watch her head” as you cradled her in the nook of your arms; that quickly changes as the crying crescendos. You become like a stunt man, safely manipulating your child into a multitude of creative positions to somehow help that ever elusive bubble of gas escape from their little body. I’m sure most yoga positions and that chair on TV for back problems that turns upside down, were all invented by the parent of a gassy baby. Some employ sound. I’ve personally tried a vacuum cleaner, a clothes dryer, humidifier, music, my own voice, an exhaust fan, running water, and a white noise app on my phone. Sometimes a car ride is the trick. My Mother swore by it, for me. A normally civilized adult can become a blubbering idiot, imitating cartoon voices to sing songs we thought were lost in our own childhood forever. Sadly, what works today, may not work tomorrow. But their is no sweeter feeling of victory, than when your baby charming technique is a success and your little one falls into dreamland (at least until it’s time to be fed, changed, and it starts all over).
- Ben is on the mend from the flu. Chloe is a step ahead of him. She’s better, but still not 100%. I feel like I’m on the cusp of feeling better; it just continues to elude me. Bailey remains miraculously healthy. Today, Chloe and I were well enough to go to the church to practice for tomorrow’s live Nativity. Bailey came along since I’m her walking/talking food source. It was decided that Bailey will play the part of baby Jesus. A lot of actors were up for the part, but seeing that she’s the only newborn, she was a shoo-in. As a fanatically attached mother, this landed me a role as an angel to keep guard over the manger. Chloe was to be an angel, but in true Chloe fashion, decided she didn’t want to wear the costume, but still wants to stand up there with all the other kids. Insert aggravated sigh here. I brought it home and my plans for the evening are to somehow reverse psychology that costume on her. Wish me luck. Chloe was very hyper at the practice and disobeyed me approximately 87 times. This got her 86 warnings and one light swat on her diaper padded backside, to which she wailed like I had burned her with hydrochloric acid. So glad her Daddy will be there tomorrow. He’s so much better at the fear factor than me. It’s like she knows I’m a sucker.
- Once home, Chloe calmed and has been my little helper. Every time I go to change Bailey’s diaper, she appears at my side like a little sneaky ninja. She gets the diaper for me. Of course, she only wants to use the ones with Elmo on them. So the nursery floor is covered with Big Bird and Cookie Monster discards. She was quick to help me with lunch dishes. She scooted a kitchen chair over to the sink, crushing my toes in the process and spilling enough water in the floor, that we ended up mopping as well. I wrapped presents with my little elf helper. If you get a present with extra pieces of crinkled tape all across the top; know that it was secured with love. She’s also been eager to help with all aspects of Bailey’s care. She finds it helpful to grab Bailey’s head and kiss it while Bailey is trying to nurse. She also feels that when Bailey is almost asleep, that’s the best time to screech “she’s so sweet Momma!” I’m taking it all in stride, cause at least she doesn’t want me to take Bailey back. Although she did just tell me to put Bailey in her bassinet so I could hold her instead.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I knew as soon as I saw his pale face and red rimmed eyes last night, that my dear hubby was sick too. He began to run a fever shortly after arriving home. He had all of Chloe’s symptoms but could articulate them without the tears. We’re such a close family; we just have to share everything, including the flu virus. Bailey remains the healthiest of us all, and I know it’s only the grace of God that has spared her from the sickness circulating in our home. Around 5 am, I woke to feed the baby. I heard the wind whistling outside and chuckled to myself that today is supposedly the end of the world. I realized, if it was, that would be fine. I was ready. I thought, at least this cold would be over, but I would miss seeing Chloe open her Christmas presents. Funny how your mind works in the early morning hours. I also realized about that time, that I was starting to feel better! My healing culminates just in the nick of time; as my help mate begins to need me.
- Chloe continues to improve. No fever. This morning I gave her some Tamiflu as she started her breakfast. She had cereal with slices of banana. I should of waited until she ate it all, because she ended up only eating the four slices of banana and drinking water. As I was in the bathroom getting ready, she came in and I could tell she was sick. I calmly walked her over to the toilet and held her hair back as she threw up. I realized then, that my child has never vomited. She actually handled it quite well. She didn’t cry. She actually said, “I’m sorry Momma. I messed up the floor. I was just trying to watch Dora.” What a sweet girl. And what kind of tyrant must I be, that she was worried about puking on the living room floor?! It broke my heart a little. She hasn’t been nauseated or vomited since, so I’m sure it was the medicine in an empty stomach. Her Dr. told me today that she should now be noncontagious and that made me feel better for her being involved in Christmas activities. This illness has really brought out her sweet nature. I don’t want to speak too soon, but I think my pre-Bailey toddler is back. Whew.
- Bailey and I, being the healthy ones, had a big day out. She had her 2 week check-up. Everything looked great. 75th percentile on height. 90th on weight. She’s gaining well. That breast milk does a baby good! It has certainly given her my immunities. But it’s like I told Ben; I can’t think of anyone I would rather give em too at this time. After her appt., and bringing her Daddy his own prescription for Tamiflu, Bailey and I went shopping for eggs, bread, milk, etc. I also picked up a little gift for Ben from the girls. I can’t say what, since he does occasionally read this. Bailey was a perfect angel. She slept in the sling as I wore her around the store for two hrs. I rather enjoyed all the attention she attracted. I must admit, she’s such a cutie! After our adventure, I stopped by my in-laws, who had bought us some KFC. I hugged them both and they let me know that if there was anything we needed, anything at all, to let them know. As I drove away I actually cried, as I was touched by their sincere offer of assistance. I am so blessed to have the love, prayers, and support of family. When we got home, I was so happy to see the other half of our happy, though sick, little family.
That is all π
3 Facts for the Day
- I just woke from a wonderful 30 minute nap. It was so nice, that it might as well have been a 2 hr nap. Of course, a 2 hr nap is quite the fantasy! I’m not really sure how I’m doing this at all. I’m supposed to be getting better, yet I feel worse. As if postpartum isn’t fun enough, along with the care of a newborn; then just add in some illness. I was so pleased one week after delivery, when my aches and pains ceased, but now they’re back. If you ever worked in a restaurant and had to lift up that rubber mat in front of the grill and fryers and mop under it, then looked at your shoes afterwards; that’s what I feel like. I feel like the greasy sludge on the bottom of a fast food shoe. As if your hair isn’t nappy enough with the lack of showers and addition of spit up; go ahead and multiple that with the sweat of a 100 fevers. Every time I get Bailey to sleep, I’m racked by an uncontrollable coughing fit that shakes the poor thing awake. I’m sure every parent reminisces back to when they could chug a bottle of NyQuil and call it a day. I finally got up from my meager nap a while ago when the phone rang, of course, and the voice on the answering machine let me know that the rear suspension on our family vehicle is gonna corrode and cause a horrific crash.
- My dear, sweet toddler is feeling better just enough to cause her to be extremely hyper, but is still sick enough that she can’t handle the emotional issues of everyday little people play. She can be running around, spilling chocolate milk on the rug, and rubbing string cheese on the flat screen TV one minute, then explode into wrenching sobs the next because her baby stroller is stuck on the corner of the coffee table. She still sounds terrible enough with her productive cough and congested chest, that I’m giving her that extra mile. My leniency only seems to make things worse though, since it causes her to push my buttons and test the limits to see just how far she can get. I’ve haven’t muttered so many unmentionable things under my breath since I had to face rush hour traffic on the Washington, DC beltway. I think she has cabin fever, but sadly cold weather has ushered in just when I would want to take her outside.
- In all seriousness, I’m ok. We’re ok. I gripe and complain above, more for a release and comic relief than anything. I am so happy that Bailey is still well. God’s promises are true. It makes me feel better myself to see Chloe healing. It broke my heart to hear her cry with bloodshot eyes while her fever burned inside her. I’ll take hyper, healing Chloe over lethargic, sick Chloe any day. I know I’m getting better too. My immunity is just compromised right now. At least I don’t have to go to work. I’m beyond blessed with my partner, my dear Ben, who helps me so much. He came home from work for his break and did some household chores, then took Chloe for a car ride. When he brought her back and laid her napping body on the bed, my heart swelled with love as I looked upon her angelic face. It’s worth every minute of it. I kissed my Prince Charming goodbye as he left for work, and once again my heart swelled.
That is all π