My Favorite Part Of Being A Mom

I usually spend most of my time helping my children to be independent. I pick out their clothes but tell them to dress themselves, I give them chores to do, I let them find ways to entertain themselves and I let them face natural consequences.

This week I was reminded of how vulnerable they really are. For a day and a half Garrett faced a high fever and an upset stomach. 24 hours after Garrett recovered Robyn came down with an even higher fever, upset stomach and sore throat. I spent most of my week catering to sick children.

I realized how much I love taking care of my sick kids. There is nothing more rewarding than cuddling with a child that just wants to be with you. They get so weak they need you to help them with everything. Most of the time I worry about the housework but not when the kids are sick. I have an excuse to forget it and just lay around with my kids. I love it!

Doug is amazed by my ability to race to a sick child. Before I knew Garrett was sick I checked on him after he went to bed. He was stirring a little and moving his tongue around a lot. I thought this was a little strange and out of the ordinary for him so I got a bowl ready and put it on my nightstand. An hour after I went to bed I heard a noise in his room and raced to him (with a sprained ankle) with the bowl and caught IT just in time. I love the closeness you have with your children that helps you see when something isn't right. I am the only one that would have caught that with him.

I love the bond I have with my children and now that they are growing older and more independent I need these times to remind me that they still need me.