Friday, January 23, 2009

Heartstrings

Last night our poor little Emily started up with the super fun RSV. She never screamed for us to come get her, but she just moaned and coughed throughout the night. At 2:40am I went in and got her out of bed. For some reason, everything seemed to move in slow motion. I don't really know why it seemed like that. Maybe it was because I was trying to keep everything quiet and low key for her.


Her wheezing was loud and pained but she was happy to see me. I took her into my bathroom and began to wash her snotty and drooly face. As I did this, she looked up at me sleepily, smiled and said something unclear. I remember thinking, at that very moment, that even with the grimy face and hair stuck to her cheeks and nose, that she was still the most beautiful person in the world to me.

We went back into her room, changed her diaper, smeared Vicks Vaporub on her feet (don't ask, it didn't work anyway), fixed up the humidifier, and then I rocked and sang to her. She snuggled in tight and let me.
As un-fun as it probably was for her, last night was magical for me.

10 comments:

Erika said...

Aww, poor thing. I know just how you feel though. Mariska getting the flu had the same effect on me. It's helped remind me that even though she's 3, she's still a "baby" and needs Mommy just as much as our infant. I hope Emily gets better soon!

Suzie said...

These are the moments that are near sacred for us as mothers.

I remember specific nights being up with a sick child. I remember 2 year old Hannah's serious flu bug and the jammies she wore and how Lindsay looked sick sick sick with strep at age 3 after she had cut her own hair that week.
Precious. Thanks for sharing that and helping remember.
Hope she is well soon. :)

Shelley Eggett said...

Wow, I'm impressed that you were thinking it was magical in the middle of the night. Although I do agree those few and far between moments when they WILL actually cuddle is a moment to savor. I'm sorry she is sick. The awful air probably isn't helping, hopefully with the storm coming in and the bad air leaving she will get feeling better.

Shelley Eggett said...

P.S. I'm bummed the vix didn't work on the feet. I was going to try that next time someone got a cough

Rachel said...

sometimes those moments are the ones you cherish most. poor thing. vick's on the feet? i want to ask, but i won't.

nevermind. that's one i've never heard of before, and that is saying a lot considering the family i married into. vick's on the feet?

Laurie Meredith said...

The only thing I like about a kid being sick is the snuggling and comforting. I know the Vicks trick and it works every time for me.

Heath and Jessica said...

Poor little girl. This brought tears to my eyes! She will remember these times that you made her more comfortable.

Anonymous said...

Howdy! I was in Zach's mission back in the day. I'm glad you are blogging LOL I'll add you to my RSS feed. beautiful family!

Tricia said...

I hate it when they are sick--except I LOVE the snuggle part.

Jess said...

awwwww. Poor little cold suffering Emily. You're such a sweet Mommy!