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**POST ALERT**
Suffering from a "bug" of my own,
I cannot guarantee that my thoughts are clear.
Hopefully this post will make sense. If not,
pray for me -- or laugh at me -- whichever.
Have a fantastic day!
My dear friend texted yesterday. Her sweet "Bug" who just turned one is sick. You know the sick that little ones get -- so clogged up they breathe loud, so achy that nothing really makes them feel better. Yeah, that. The problem with sick little ones is they can't really explain how they feel or what would help them feel better. Cuddle or no cuddle? Hot or cold? Hungry, thirsty or none of the above? It's a constant guessing game.
So, the texts came... My friend thinks I'm a genius "Dr. Mom." I keep telling her it's just my 38+ years of linear parenting (17 + 14 + 7 = 38 years... No wonder 19 and Counting is such a popular show -- they have more than a century of parenting under their belts! Maybe two centuries!).
Question #1: "Bug's not doing well. Is it normal to get worse before you get better?" I answered with the "look for these signs... otherwise hang in there."
Question #2: "She hates the breathing treatments... Any tricks?" My answer here, "Grin and bear it my friend." (I'm not very helpful am I?)
Question #3: "A friend suggested chicken broth and warm apple juice. Any other ideas?" Here's where the replies start to take on a theme... "Just like you, her appetite drops when she doesn't feel well."
Question #4: "What should I do with her when she's not sleeping? Cuddle? Play? Rock her? Cry it out?" Ohhh, great question... really. My answer, whatever makes her most comfortable. And... crying is unavoidable.
Since I happen to be sick now, too, with Bug's bug.... I shared my symptoms and suggested that she bundle her in winter jammies so she stays warm at night. Mom was surprised at that, until I asked, "Do you feel colder when you're sick?" "Of course," she said, "Common sense."
There's a cool God message in here!
Bug couldn't tell her mommy how she felt, but I could. If I have to be sick, it's nice to know that it helped someone else... even if all I did was cheer and encourage a new, young mom. I'm glad that I was able to help a friend, even from my sick bed. God can use our little things to make a difference for others, if we're willing.
Taking a little time to text back and forth, Bug's mom grew in parenting confidence. Bug's mom is an already amazing mommy, now equipped with a new arsenal of parenting wisdom: Common sense!
This morning, I got a text picture of a happy, smiling Bug...
Sweet Bug, I'm so glad you're feeling better today!
So, the texts came... My friend thinks I'm a genius "Dr. Mom." I keep telling her it's just my 38+ years of linear parenting (17 + 14 + 7 = 38 years... No wonder 19 and Counting is such a popular show -- they have more than a century of parenting under their belts! Maybe two centuries!).
Question #1: "Bug's not doing well. Is it normal to get worse before you get better?" I answered with the "look for these signs... otherwise hang in there."
Question #2: "She hates the breathing treatments... Any tricks?" My answer here, "Grin and bear it my friend." (I'm not very helpful am I?)
Question #3: "A friend suggested chicken broth and warm apple juice. Any other ideas?" Here's where the replies start to take on a theme... "Just like you, her appetite drops when she doesn't feel well."
Question #4: "What should I do with her when she's not sleeping? Cuddle? Play? Rock her? Cry it out?" Ohhh, great question... really. My answer, whatever makes her most comfortable. And... crying is unavoidable.
Since I happen to be sick now, too, with Bug's bug.... I shared my symptoms and suggested that she bundle her in winter jammies so she stays warm at night. Mom was surprised at that, until I asked, "Do you feel colder when you're sick?" "Of course," she said, "Common sense."
There's a cool God message in here!
Bug couldn't tell her mommy how she felt, but I could. If I have to be sick, it's nice to know that it helped someone else... even if all I did was cheer and encourage a new, young mom. I'm glad that I was able to help a friend, even from my sick bed. God can use our little things to make a difference for others, if we're willing.
Taking a little time to text back and forth, Bug's mom grew in parenting confidence. Bug's mom is an already amazing mommy, now equipped with a new arsenal of parenting wisdom: Common sense!
This morning, I got a text picture of a happy, smiling Bug...
Sweet Bug, I'm so glad you're feeling better today!
8 comments:
Don't you just get the warm fuzzies when you can help someone else? Love it!
Feel better soon. :-)
Mentoring moms: so important and a precious gift! It's generous; it's biblical. Great post! But, um, when you put it like that, I have nearly 78 years of linear parenting ... gadzooks!!
Barb,
Why do you think I come to you when I have parenting questions??? I appreciate each and every one of your 78 years of wisdom!!!!
Love,
Me
Weep with those who weep; but being sick with the sick it taking it a little far! :) She is so blessed to have a friend in you!
Esther,
Just about everyone at Bug's birthday party ended up sick this week. :-/ I enjoyed the "bug" birthday cake -- the "souvenir" not so much!
Texting really doesn't require much energy -- it was the least I could do.
Love you!
you are obviously an AWESOME friend! poor you and poor bug :( it sucks to be sick. just plain suckity. you gave her great advice. with babies that little, they just need to be cuddled, loved and given whatever the heck they want:) trouble is, like you said, you don't know what they want most of the time. its so hard when they are so little! and i love how you calculated linear parenting...that would give me 22 years. wow, i'm getting close to my phd:)
Holly,
22 years qualifies you as parenting coach!!!! Your new mommy friends must be blessed :D
Love,
Karen
PS -- still sniffly, but clearer in the head. YAY!
As a new mom that has been facing a month of sickness, I can appreciate how much Bug's mom appreciated you. Thank goodness I had someone more experienced to turn to...
Hope you feel better soon!
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