a short reality break

My poor little parker is sick with the stomach flu.

As silly as it sounds i'm actually a little relieved. He needs me and i need him to need me. I'm still stinging from his anger at me for being less than perfect lately.

I knew as soon as i crawled into bed with him last night that he wasn't well. Aside from his fever i could smell the ketones on his breath. After he was sick i held him and rocked him. He would wake up every few minutes or so and ask me to sing him the "dumptruck song." A song that i change a little every time, but usually is sung to the tune of "itsy bitsy spider" and involves a construction site theme.

And so, i am actually feeling a little better.

Posted by Jess at 09:15 AM Permalink

Comments (11)

wordgirl

That's one sick little boy you've got there. The expression on the face is obvious. Sick or not...he's still gorgeous.

Posted by wordgirl | August 24, 2006 12:52 PM

jennifer

It probably goes against the Mom creed or some such thing, but I used to love when Adrienne - now age 15 - was sick because it was the only time she wanted to cuddle. Her sweet, warm little toddler body would climb up into my lap where she just wanted to be held and rocked.

Now, when she's sick she goes into her room and prefers to be left alone, dahling.

Posted by jennifer | August 24, 2006 01:11 PM

JustLinda

Aw... hope your little guy feels better.

My youngest recently started preschool. I was all ready for her to cry and beg me not to leave her. But? She was FINE with being left for the first time ever with total strangers (but? the strangers had GOOD TOYS!) and she didn't cry at all.

My ego was a little bruised. I wanted her to need me for something more than reaching high shelves. She's still my baby but she's growing up...

Posted by JustLinda | August 24, 2006 01:47 PM

Irene

again, I can so relate. it seems that every time my boys get sick, I get back on track, I know exactly what I'm supposed to do, and I feel good about being a mommy. hugs to your little one. hope he feels better soon.

Posted by Irene | August 24, 2006 02:00 PM

mamatulip

It's nice to be needed...I know what you mean.

I hope he's feeling better soon.

Posted by mamatulip | August 24, 2006 05:06 PM

Chair

Crummy but awesome. As much as I would like T to not be so dependent on me, I'm (not so) secretly glowing that she needs me so much.

Posted by Chair | August 24, 2006 07:29 PM

blackbird

I just left a comment at Kirala saying that I do my best mothering work when one of mine sick - my skills get honed and it is satisfying.
I know that can be misunderstood by many - but it feels good to be wanted and needed...

Posted by blackbird | August 25, 2006 02:13 AM

sweetney

so glad to hear you're feeling even a little better. keep on movin forward...

Posted by sweetney | August 25, 2006 06:32 AM

marian

We seem to be on the same wavelength right now. Although I hate for my son to feel unwell, suddenly who I am and what my life is for becomes so simple, so utterly unambiguous. I think that's what the feeling is. Lack of doubt.

Hope Parker's better soon. Sounds like you're on the upswing.

Posted by marian | August 25, 2006 07:15 AM

Maggie

There's nothing more sad for a mom than a sick child, and yet nothing so comforting as being needed. I'm so happy that you have that comfort even though your little guy is sick. Hope he feels better soon.

Posted by Maggie | August 25, 2006 04:25 PM

Dana

Poor Parker! My Dawson had it last week and it sucked! I hope your little one feels better.

And I hope you are well, too.

I'm here for you!

-hugs-

Posted by Dana | August 26, 2006 10:49 AM