Last night was a long one. You are still trying to kick this cold. It seems to have moved into your lungs and is planning a long stay. Maybe some mamas can sleep through their baby's coughing but I can't. So, even when I held you and you continued to cough every minute or so, trying so desperately to get whatever nasty gunk is camping out in your lungs out of your chest, I wasn't tired. I thought about it while we were rocking, walking, standing by the teapot as it poured steam out into the kitchen, wiping noses, and sipping water... that I would rather be doing this "all-nighter" with you than be anywhere else.
I guess that's what makes a mama a mama, huh? Where else or with whom else would you willingly, even joyfully, be coughed on, snotted on and a host of other lovely "sick kid" perks. Selfishly, I liked snuggling you- you are so busy now that snuggles come sporadically and I can't get enough of your warm little head on my shoulder, your soft cheeks, and your little hands burrowing for a warm spot on my chest. Someday, I keep reminding myself, you'll sleep sounder, deal with sickness more easily, and most certainly NOT be wanting your mamas arms wrapped tightly around you while you sleep. So, I'll soak this time up, thankyouverymuch. Every long late night hour of it.
Last night while we were working through "sick time", the house was so quiet. So dark. I left Daddy in our room but I know he wasn't sleeping. He wakes when you make noise too. Even though he trusts me to take care of your immediate needs, his ears are tuned in to baby too. Still, the house was still... except for you.
At 2 am last night, you looked like this:
So, this photo was taken during the day but that wild, can't stop movin', must play face was large and in charge last night around 2am. Love you, but can we go back to the snuggling? :)
Anyway, I would love to figure out how to keep you healthy. I don't know what I can do. AND to top it all off, I know I am guilty of snuggling you, smooching your soft amazing cheeks, and practicing blowing kisses with you even when I'm not feeling 100%. I CAN'T HELP IT!
So, I hope that you are enjoying daycare today, my love. I'm watching the snow fall and wishing I could go back to last night around 230am when you finally dozed off for a bit. You breathing was rattly but predictable, your arms were tucked in front of you while you rested on your belly on my chest. My arms feel empty without you sometimes, sweetheart. Like I've just dropped a package or bag that I'd been so used to carrying that I can't adjust to being without it.
Today, I'd love to watch the snow fall with you and drink hot chocolate, or cider and listen to Christmas carols by the tree. This time of year makes me hungry for quality time with you. And, if history has taught us anything by these last two months of "sick baby time", I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to snuggle you in these upcoming cold months. And, just so you know- I'm up for an all-nighter with you anytime, baby girl.
I love you, beautiful.
Mama
Alright Mamas, any tricks to keeping your kids healthy over the winter months? During daycare? I've heard something about saline in the nose... humidifiers- etc. What's your best trick! I think I'm going to need it and I'm sure that there are other mamas out there who could benefit from your wisdom!
Love!
I’d love to know how to keep my almost 14 month old healthy this winter! He threw up for the first time on Friday. Scary for him and I. Last night, we were up at midnight until 1:00 trying to soothe our son not knowing why he had awaken and cried and cried. I too held a sleepy, uncomfortable little body and felt his breath on my neck. I was his means of calm and I rocked him while humming Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star...for whatever reason it helps to ease him back to sleep.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve been to Children’s ER, made several calls to the on call Dr with our Peds office, paid 3 copays in one week, missed out on Halloween due to being too ill, I have a stool collection kit “on the ready” in case his repeated loose stools continue, etc, etc!. Baby #2 is 22 weeks in utero now (which doesn’t make caring for my little man any easier). I’m hoping to quit working after he/she is born and perhaps we won’t have to go through this again! Although I’m told having my baby go through this now means he won’t be so ill when he starts going to school. My thought is that it’d be easier when he’s older because then he can talk and tell me what’s wrong!
Is this typical? Will he grow out of this? Is he a sickly child? I’ve wondered and worried....