My baby is sick and it's like I just realized how fast children really grow. 

We say it all the time as parents - make every moment last, it goes by so fast. I know this. I live this and think this all the time. But until certain examples are set in front of us, it's really hard to realize.

I am a part of a mom's book club right now. It's a lot about finding balance, finding "me" time and being ok asking for help, etc. I feel a bit out of place in this group because I have the oldest children in the group. Several have very young babies. And even during these conversations about the beginning stages with a baby - I've simply forgotten most of the hazy days. My days are way different than their days.

My girls are so grown up now. Sure, they need me - a bit. I'm still their food slave and lullaby provider. But a lot of my caring and nurturing days are long behind me. That is until they become sick...

My Cheekers has had a cold pretty much all week. And she has really felt and acted rotten. With this, I didn't realize how many things were behind me now that my girls are more independent versus the steps that are needed to keep a baby healthy and happy. So having a sick child this week - it's definitely been refresher course.  

My days have been filled with extra snuggles and more carrying around the house and dressing assistance and wiping this and that and cutting food and giving medicine and a lot of extra clean up....oh and dealing with a lot of whining!

Yep, just like when they were babies, there are beautiful moments mixed in with pure and total frustration. I love, love, love to baby my kids. I miss those itty-bitty days more than anything. But this week I realized how I don't miss the crying and whining and trying to figure out how to make it better right away.

So it's been an interesting learning week for me, I guess. As much as I have been sad here and there that my girls aren't as needy as they used to be, I really don't have to solve their tear problems as much as I used to either. They fight with each other. We argue over what is acceptable to wear. I urge them to brush their teeth faster. I bribe them to finish their dinner. I reward them for manners. I do a lot of different things now. But when my baby is just fussing and whining in my arms because they don't feel well and that's only the thing to do..... well I feel awful about that.....but I sure don't miss it.

Meanwhile - my baby is napping now. And we're crossing our fingers she is in party spirit for her birthday party tomorrow. Because this girl has too much spunk to cry at her own party. 

Even though the Daddio isn't really that much into birthdays.....you can't have a birthday, and a big milestone like this one, and not have a cupcake! We've had a lot of fanfare leading up to Hubby's big day (and it's today), but having a birthday on a Monday takes some spark out of it. But the girls always make birthday celebrations extra, extra special!  We hope it was a great birthday Hubby/Daddio!