New Croup Patient and My Heart Fills Up with Even More LOVE

Now my little girl, Miss W, has come down with croup and despite my quest to get her well on my own she had to visit her Pediatrician yesterday. She prescribed some steroids and now Miss W is on the mend. I love my pediatrician. I've got to say, she's the best one in town. She's always quick to commend the way I raise my children. She appreciates my efforts and I always walk away feeling like the mother of the year. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have MUCH to work on but our Doc probably deals with so many mothers who frankly don't care as much as they should. She's also wonderful with the kids which is HUGE to me.We matched on accident that day but we had to get a picture!

Yesterday while we headed back to house after dropping Mr. E off at afternoon kindergarten, I reached back and took my little girl's hand and made sure she was doing all right. She wasn't breathing as well as I would've liked and I was worried. Then in her raspy voice she said, "Mommy, why do you wuv me?" What a question!!!! I then told her that she grew in my tummy and I was so excited for her to come out so I could hold her and take care of her. I told her she's always been my baby since that day and I've spent a lot of time taking care of her, all that time I've spent taking care of her makes my heart fill with love.
I wouldn't tell her this but I definitely have struggled being the mom that she needs. She has definitely tested my childhood assumptions that motherhood was going to be a cake walk. After all MY kids were going to be such in such and I would never do THAT. Well, I was sorely mistaken. My first two were boys and I think that toddler boys are much easier to deal with emotionally. My boys were fairly easy going and didn't even get into much mischief. They've always been pretty good about entertaining themselves. Miss W is an emotional roller coaster and does need her mommy to play with her. They all do, really. So I guess what I'm saying is motherhood has definitely not been a walk in the park, BUT I think it would be much easier if I would give my children a little more attention and give everything else (that are very worthy causes) a little less.

Croup and my Beautiful Boys

The last few days Mr. E has been very sick with a nasty croup sickness. I just about took him to the ER Thursday night but fortunately I was able to open up is airway on my own. I was so concerned about him and I always feel very motherly when my children are sick. It tends to bring out the best in me. I think it allows me to see into my children's soul a little easier and really see to their needs while I put my own aside.
Even though he was feeling pretty awful I could tell he was enjoying the attention he was getting from both of his parents. Especially the attention he was soaking up from his Dad. Jeff was so loving and gentle with him. He set up a little bed for him and snuggled him while he asked if there was anything else he needed or wanted. I am sooooooo thankful for a LOVING HUSBAND that cares so much about his children and expresses that love to them nearly every day. He truly understands his role in their lives and is a WONDERFUL PARENTING COMPANION. Jeff has changed my life in so many ways. Since the day I met him I've become a better person. He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful girl in the world. Yesterday I purposely went out of my way to find him and give him a kiss. He looked up at me, and with sincerity in his eyes and love in his voice he said, "You're Pretty". It was totally unexpected and I started to cry. I hope with all my heart that my boys take after their dad and that his BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE will fortify them in times of trial or temptation. This morning I truly feel the Hand of the Lord in my life. I have 3 beautiful boys in my life and its making all the difference in the world.