Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Nurture and Neglect

It's been Gracie's birthday present since she turned 6.  Thankfully, with each year, the symptoms are becoming less.  This year, it was that all-too-familiar 'glassy-eyed' look that a mama knows.  {usually before anyone else in the house}  Body aches.  Headache.  Low-grade fever.  And no appetite.

The flu.

We put her to bed early last night.  But my mama heart had to check on her during the night.  With a lil' fever, she would normally sleep with us.  Who knows when it would spike?  But with hubs getting up at 5 a.m., she would rest better in her own bed.

She awoke feeling just a little better.  Sometimes, our bodies just need vitamins... and especially rest.  That's what the mama ordered today.

I told her that if this is the worst of it, we've done well.  Each year has gotten better, as her immune system has been building up, and we've learned that vitamin D supplements are a must.

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Cute.  Even when sick.

Big sister's nurturing spirit kicked in.  Nator put on her apron, {they decorated aprons 2 thanksgivings ago.  it's in the blog somewhere.  but i'm too lazy to look it up.} and announced that she was sister's nurse and servant.

She's fixed food requested.  Brought Gracie 'stuffed friends'.  Made her 'get-well' cards.  She's currently working on her 5th card.

She didn't even cry when I made the call to cancel her piano lesson.  And even announced she would miss as many lessons as she had to, in order to see her sister healthy again.  {she truly loves her lessons}

Nator.  She's just sweetness.  Pure and simple.

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School, today, was every 'educational program' recorded on the DVR.  Nator still worked through math, grammar, reading, and piano.

Mom happily gave lots of hugs and cuddles... to everyone.  Including Jasmine.  She was feeling neglected.  Poor dog doesn't get nearly enough attention.

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Or maybe she wanted to meet my friends.  Ben and Jerry.  Mama's friends, while enjoying a little down time.   Gracie is resting... in my bed.  {this is the part when you ignore all of the 'health-talk' on the ol' blog and sympathize with my current circumstances}

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{Starbucks' puppy foam is frothed milk... sometimes, it's simply whipped cream.  So when she hears the can of Reddi-Whip at home, she is instantly at my feet.}

I'm being paged... someone is requesting cuddles upstairs.  Wouldn't want to disappoint.

*mama is also drinking lots of water, and taking extra vitamins... because a mama doesn't have time to get sick*

16 comments:

  1. Poor Gracie! And what a sweet sister and mama she has! Hope she's feeling better already!

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  2. I used to get the flu & tonsillitis every year, too. I'm not sure when I stopped, but I think my body built up an immunity to it, because I haven't had it since I was in jr. high. So, hopefully she'll do the same! Hope she gets better soon, and that you & Nator don't get it.

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  3. What a sweet sister Nator was being! I sincerely hope your sickie gets better very quickly.

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  4. Poor honey. The flu swept through our house three years ago and it was awful. I couldn't imagine dealing with it year after year!

    Vitamin C is wonderful for boosting the imnmune system. It's also a natural inflammation reducer. 1000 mg a day can stop headaches, ease aches and pains, and stave off colds and yucks. We all take it every day, even the Mr.who hates taking anything.

    Feel better, Gracie! And, Nator...what a wonderful nurse you are!

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  5. Um. That's my favorite ice cream. Yum.

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  6. Mamas sure do give lots of hugs and cuddles first and worry about getting sick second...good on you for planning ahead with that vitamin C!!

    Hope she gets to be feeling well soon and that she stays the only sick one!!

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  7. Hope she's feeling better soon! No fun! What a sweet sister!
    Yep, bulk up on those vitamins! :)

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  8. Sisters are sweet...hope she's feeling better soon!

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  9. Oh poor little Gracie! I sure hope she's up and back to her old self soon! And that Nator sure does sound like the sweetest little thing! Stay healthy, mama! I'm sure the Ben & Jerry's will help with that! :)

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  10. Ug. What a birthday present. Seriously? Every year? Little Bit got the flu for her 6th birthday. Was not fun. But I shipped her sister off to Grandma's house so we wouldn't spread the love. Hope you all are up and healthy soon!

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  11. Poor Gracie. :( I hope it passes quickly and no one else gets it.

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  12. if I get sick , can I come over and have some of that ice cream??? looks delish!!! hope she feels better soon!

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  13. Awe... poor little monkey... sweet smile despite the bug!! We have learned the Vitamin D trick too... it helps a lot I think!! I find they are healthier when I remember to give them daily doses of C, D and the multi... and hot Tang... yep.. Tang.. well.. warm... but anyway... it shortens the sicky time... Hope she feels better soon!

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  14. poor girl! how awful to get sick around your bday!

    nator is such a good sister!

    i love how the girls love on each other when one is sick. the little homemade cards & such. doesn't last long enough though :D wish it would carry over to every day stuff ha!

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