Our house got hit with the flu. I guess I can't complain, because it's a short 24 hour one, and I didn't get it. But I would MUCH rather be sick than have Brooklyn be sick! Having a sick kid is the worst. Craig got sick on Saturday (luckily, so he didn't have to miss work), and Brooklyn on Monday. I have to say, since this was my first experience with the flu I was impressed with my innate ability to clean up puke without puking myself. In fact, Brooklyn threw up all over me and I didn't even say "Ew!!" At least not out loud. I just smiled and held her while she vomited all over the carpet, tile, clothes, towels, and in the bathtub. Poor baby. She slept a good deal of the day, and today is feeling much better. According to the pattern, I'll be getting it tomorrow. :)
Here are some pictures - I can't help but share how happy Brooklyn makes me! We watched my sister-in-law's dog Gunner, and Brooklyn was in heaven. She just followed him everywhere and laughed all day. It was hilarious. He's a French Bulldog, so he's smallish, but he's sturdy as a brick. Bucket and Brooklyn loved his visit :) I'm still getting used to being the "adult" in my life. When I turned my back, I found Brooklyn here. In Gunner's crate.
You know, as a mother and adult I am often struck by how beautiful and perfect children are. They are the purest souls, and embody what we should be like as adults. They are so quick to forgive, eager to seek comfort, and (at least at Brooklyn's age) accept help from others. They aren't smug, and love without fear. I can see why they say that in a parent-child relationship, the child is often the teacher and the parent the student. I learn so much from Brooklyn! Her little smile and laugh bring me so much true joy, and to know we will be together forever takes my happiness to a whole new level.
When listening to General Conference this weekend, someone said something that really caught me off guard. He said that our children are not ours - they are Heavenly Father's children, and He is showing us how to be more like Him by teaching us what pure, unconditional love is. Something only children can teach us. I hugged Brooklyn a little tighter that day, feeling so grateful for what a gift she is to me! I was blessed with a perfect, sweet, loving little angel so I can feel what love is. I would do anything for her, just like our Heavenly Father would do anything for us. Just like the Savior gave his life for us. I know I would give my life for Brooklyn without a second thought, and so would Craig. And our parents would do the same for us. It's an amazing thing, the relationship parents have with their children, and I never want to take it for granted! I was a little chagrined to think that I often think of Brooklyn as mine. I want to take care of the precious soul that was entrusted to me - it's a huge responsibility! I want to be sure I am showing by example the things I teach her as well, because children learn from watching what their parents do more so than what they say.
