By the way,
At this point, the family Christmas picture would be just as belated, so I think I'll wait to change that photo header when we add our new member to the family...
So now, here's what I really have to say:
After three days and nights of nursing a feverish little boy, I found relief when the doctor made her diagnosis and supplied us with a cure. To celebrate, I took the most blessed nap after lunch- since I've been on sick duty and haven't slept that soundly in a while. With a mixture of both joy and disappointment I awoke- I could've slept for hours. Refreshed, I resumed my parenting duties: homeschooling, laundry, disinfecting germs.
When dad arrived, he took his turn meeting the sick patient's needs. So my daughter and I shared the couch to watch A Little Princess (her reward for reading the book). We laughed at each other, because we're both movie criers. Then, we baked a cake together. I couldn't have asked for a better evening to take off the edge of the past few days.
To top it off, as I put her to bed, I was able to be vulnerable with Bella. We've been trying to read devotions with the kids at bedtime, which is what led to tonight's conversation with my daughter. The subject was about how God wants us to talk with him about everything- the big and little things. I shared with Bella about how there were many times in my adolescence when I only had God to go to- when I was sad, lonely, frustrated. It gave me the opportunity to reveal how different our lives are- how I was always missing my mom, how I didn't have very many friends to play with, or how I couldn't go to many parties or sleepovers growing up. She was surprised and empathized with me and listened and told me that she loved me- "the best mom [she] ever had."
Once again, I'm amazed at the grace our children give us- even when we snap at them in impatience or push them away for other distractions. They just want to love us. It's so humbling to know that my kids will seek my attention and affection for most of their lives, and I hope I'm always available to meet those needs. It's so rewarding when they give it back.
I'm so glad I didn't let my exhaustion steal that moment away. I'm so thankful that I didn't rush through bedtime so that I could have time to myself.
I'd do these past 3 days over again if I knew they would end exactly like this.
Of course, I am looking forward to getting out of the house again, socializing without fear of spreading germs, and not having to check on a sick child all night long.
That's good too:-)
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