Parenting, I mean.
For the past week, Mike and I have been blessed with the opportunity to babysit my cousin's 3 year old son while she and her husband took their older kids on a vacation to Mexico. What a busy, fun-filled week it has been! From sledding, playing piano, and dancing to Christmas carols, to cuddling on the couch watching Frosty the Snowman, this experience has truly been a highlight of our year! Ayden is such a joy to be around. Of course, he is still a typical 3 year old, and presented us with a few challenges, but the smiles we shared this past week FAR outweighed the struggles. One minor exception was last night's trip to the ER for stitches. For the record - he fell at daycare, not while he was with us, so I don't think mom and dad will hold it against us ;) But he was such a brave little guy! Although I know it was a night he'd rather forget, I am thankful that I happened to be a part of it, because it opened my eyes to two important things:
1) I think I now understand how tormenting it is for a mother to see her child scared or hurting, yet not be able to help him. This realization came to me as I was holding Ayden's hands and laying across his legs, while Uncle Mike and a nurse held down his head and upper body so the doctor could stitch him up. As if hearing his cries and screams wasn't heartbreaking enough, hearing him yell out "Somebody please help meeeeeeeee" just about killed me. But we all survived, and as soon as the stitching was done, that little smile was all I needed to mend my broken heart.
2) Witnessing Mike's response and actions throughout this incident just reaffirmed why I want to raise children with this man. He is nothing short of amazing with kids. Whereas I am usually the one more likely to take control of a situation (I'm trying to admit I can be a little bossy!), that was not the case last night. Mike was very attentive to Ayden, making sure he was happy and comfortable. He seemed to know exactly what to say and do to put him at ease. Just seeing Ayden's face light up around Uncle Mike shows me how special he is. It was a relief for me to have him there, as I don't know if I could have held it together without him. He is going to make an incredible father one day. I can't wait until he has that opportunity!
The other important reminder I got out of this past week was to always live in the moment. As I was trying to hurry through a batch of Christmas goodies one evening (baking, not eating!), Ayden was hanging out with me in the kitchen playing with his monster trucks. All of a sudden, he just started singing "10 Little Monkeys..." Now let me tell you - I am SO THANKFUL that I stopped what I was doing and took the opportunity to join in!! As we sang and danced our way through the other 9 monkeys, I realized that those are the moments that take your breath away. Those are the moments that truly matter. Those are the moments I look forward to sharing with my own children one day. I can't wait until I have that opportunity!
Mike & Krisanne,
ReplyDeleteWhen we made the choice to ask the two of you to watch Ayden we knew that it was the best place for him. We knew that he would receive the love and care that was as close to having Mommy & Daddy actually there with him. After all of the spoiling, teaching and love that you showed him especially when taking him to the hospital, I don’t think we can ever repay the two of you. That took such love and courage to hold him down and listen to his screams. I know how hard it is to hold your child down when you know someone is inflicting pain on them even if it is in their best interest, it just breaks your heart. I’m so proud of both of you and know that you have grown from this experience. Of course leave it to our child to give that to you!
I can’t think of any couple that would make better parents than the two of you!
Love you both,
Tina & Alan