This weekend seemed a bust.
The preschooler was sick.
Runny nose, watery eyes.
Fever.
The baby was worse.
She is recovering from the same virus
And she has a horrific diaper rash.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
She woke up every hour and a half.
Day and night.
She was alternatively diaper-less or slathered in prescription cream and dye-free diapers.
My husband and I worked all weekend, cleaning and laundering, tending and hugging.
Taking care of them both.
It was exhausting.
Draining.
Physically and emotionally demanding.
I am more tired going into next week than I was coming out of last.
Each morning, I rocked the baby in the glider, as dawn broke and she arched and cried in pain.
I struggled through fatigue and frustration and fear that she would wake her brother.
We cancelled plans and hunkered down.
No meals out, no explorations.
None of the special times that make weekends so fun.
But, nevertheless, there were moments of happiness.
Holding hands with a little boy.
The softness of the baby’s skin.
Extra cuddles at bedtime.
Each asked, in his or her own way, to be cared for.
A brother, who got his sister a blanket when he thought she needed one.
The weight of each while I carried them from their rooms.
And their shared laughter.
Sometimes, as a parent, I find joy in unexpected places.
Even the ones that are miserable.
Sick kids are no fun, that’s for sure. But I do love the cuddles, and it’s one thing that really does make me feel like a mom.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..The Envelope Please
Sorry to hear about the sickies. Good on you for seeing the beauty amidst the craziness.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..The Things He Says
I hope everyone feels better soon. How wonderful that you found joy in tough times!
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Royal Jubilee Snack- A Crown Pizza
Beautiful. I agree. Just last night my daughter woke in a crying fit and as my husband and I lay next to her on her bed trying to sooth her, I was overcome with how wonderful it all really is, even the tough parts.
Hope everyone is feeling better soon.
Mel recently posted..Raise Your Voice
Diaper rash that terrible is the bane of my existence!
Hope everyone’s tushes are clean and pain free soon! Han in there.
Oh those times are so tough, when we can’t gather strength for the week to come. Hoping things are better today.
Jessica recently posted..Superhero in my house
Finding a bright side always makes the tough times better. I hope everyone gets well soon and you can get some rest.
Jessica recently posted..When Pretzels Attack
I feel the same way sometimes, In the worse moments I tend to see some small moment that just makes it ok. I hope everyone is feeling better.
Julia recently posted..In Transition
“Sometimes, as a parent, I find joy in unexpected places.
Even the ones that are miserable.”
That, I think, is the key to happiness. Or at least to sanity.
Hope they’re all feeling better
Lisha recently posted..A study of cause and effect: If you give a boy a paintbrush
Lovely words about finding that beauty.
(So sorry to hear about the sicks!)
Galit Breen recently posted..Stretch