Sick Day. . .

So, today was supposed to be the day I finally posted all of the Rivah pictures ~ unfortunately, it will have to wait. At 4:22 a.m. I was called in to Gracie's room for the 3rd time last night. I can't even recall what she needed on round 1 and 2, but on round 3 it was instantly clear. It has been 3 years, 7 months and 16 days with out the dreaded "middle of the night" stomach virus! My poor, sweet baby sat there scared and confused. She just kept saying "my throat, my throat", and of course, she had no idea what was happening. Praise God that she missed the 25 stuffed animals around her, including both Lalas! Unfortunately, yellow blanket did not fair so well. I stripped off the top covers, cleaned her up with some wipes and cuddled in for the duration. Neither one of us actually slept until 6:30a.m. We went through 2 more "close calls", but she would not give in. She actually handled the event quite well. Thankfully, Amma and Poppy were staying with us, since Daddy was out of town. They actually did not know any of this was going on, but provided some much needed moral support. At least I knew I had instant help, if needed. As I lay cuddled behind her, listening to her little finger "tink" the glass bowl, one of the first things that crossed my mind was that she would have to miss school. I know it is just preschool and that it is normally not a big deal, but not today. . .today was her turn to be the line leader and snack helper! My heart just broke. I was certain she would fall apart when she realized she could not go, but like the little trooper she is, she took it all in stride. She got to do the job on Monday and will get it again on Friday, but after 3 1/2 years, it just stunk that it had to be today. After Amma and Poppy left we slept for several hours with her head leaning up against my chest. It just felt good to feel her breathing and to know that I'd be there if anything else happened. I hate that she went through that alone. . .maybe the lesson for me was to demonstrate I can not be there to protect from all things, at all times. . .even in our own home. Lesson learned. As I think back to the wee morning hours, it was a sweet moment to have one mommy consoling another mommy over their baby's discomfort. I guess if it had to happen (which it was only a matter of time) I am glad that we both had our mommy to help us through! Thank you for always being there for me. . .physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am so grateful for your example. So what did we do after she woke up? First and foremost, we talked to Daddy. Then I made her a bed in the big chair, cuddled her, read to her, made her Chicken Noodle Soup with saltine crackers and spent the entire day focusing on making her feel better. . .just like my mom taught me to do! She seemed to be back to her old self by this afternoon and is now sleeping soundly. There were many precious moments today, but I think my favorite part was listening to her say "It's o.k., Jesus will make me better!". . .and Praise God, He did!

First Hair Cut!

After church today, Daddy said he needed a haircut. . .which, of course, meant Gracie did, too! I don't know how we've managed to go 3 3/4 years with out touching those beautiful blonde locks, but today was a blast watching her in the chair. Again, she knows that she is "big", so she must behave as such. She sat there, obviously nervous on the inside, but totally stoic on the outside. After the first few seconds she realized how wonderful it is to have someone (other than mommy) do your hair! I don't know if she said more than 3 words the entire time, but she looked like she might fall asleep a few times:) Brey mentioned later this afternoon that he was concerned that she has "Mommy's spa gene". Oh, I hope so! I think it is almost time for the first official Momma/Baby Mani/Pedi! Maybe we'll go to celebrate my birthday in November. . .what a perfect gift! One of my favorite moments today was when Brey was watching her in the chair and said "She's so big." It was the same exact sentiment that I expressed in the last blog. . .complete disbelief. . .it almost took his breath away, if not filled his loving eyes with tears. He adores her (and vice versa). I am so glad that he was there with us today! Of course, here are a few pictures. . .