What Have I Learned?

This series of photos was taken yesterday. Bitty Bit works so hard to be a good helper girl. She had watered the plants and spilled water on the floor. Immediately knowing what needed to be done, she trotted off to get her mop and broom and dustpan.

She rolled back the area rug and moved the plants out of her way and began mopping away. I was busy cooking at this point and had not realized quite what a mess she had created until she called for me to come and see what a good "cleaner" she was.


She has quite the moves, no? As with everything she does, really really threw herself into her work.

All this leads me to some thoughts I've been having. I read a post on my Angel Mom's blog from a woman asking if we were "better moms" having lost a child, the idea being we know how precious the time with our children is so don't we appreciate it more. The answer isn't so simple. I remember how utterly devastated I was the first time I yelled at Lil after we lost Hannah. I felt so guilty and awful and couldn't understand how I could fuss at her, knowing how limited our time with her could possibly be.

The truth is, I do appreciate my time with Lil more than I might have before. I find the humor in situations that at one time may have had me gritting my teeth in frustration and anger. On the flip side, I also recognize the fact that I am human. My sweet darling is human as well. As such, we are bound to butt heads from time to time and she's almost guaranteed to drive me bonkers once in a while. Let's face it, we don't always get along with everyone, even those we love (think parents, siblings, spouses). Additionally, because my job as a parent is to teach my child right from wrong, to teach her social skills and how to get along with others, to help her problem solve and learn conflict resolution, we are not always going to see eye-to-eye.

I adore my sweet baby. I'm so utterly enamored of her it is unbelievable. I honestly believe I appreciate her more than I would have had I not lost Han, as I do indeed know how fleeting these moments may well be. I would therefore say I'm not necessarily a better mother, but for sure far more appreciative of her than I might otherwise be.

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Lil and I spent the latter part of this afternoon at the vet's office--Lil entertaining the receptionist, Crystal, and I with Erik and Dr. B learning what Coal-bunny will need in the way of care when we bring him into our home. Sarah and Erik need to find a good home for this sweet boy and having had our Moose-bunny, and, knowing what a sweet/funny boy Coal is, I was more than willing to offer up our office as a rabbit residence. Coal is not as young and spry as he once was, but he is still a sweetie. :o)

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Today's Sparklies:

1. Lil's laugh and sense of humor which is becoming more and more sophisticated.
2. It's Girl Scout cookie time! The Lemon Chalets are quite lovely.
3. Seeing Coal for the first time in a couple years. He's still a very funny, but laid-back bunny.
4. Shari dropped by to pick up Lil this morning.
5. Jeeves and Wooster
6. The flowering trees are all thisclose to blooming. I'm anxiously awaiting it!


No milestones.
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I'm still feeling a little "off" for lack of a better word. I'm hungry, I eat and then I feel ill. :sigh: Soon, though, soon I'll feel allllllll better. :fingers crossed:

My Grammy continues to decline and any prayers and positive thoughts that could be lifted her way would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.