Night Shift Mom

As a wife and mom, who has an extremely supportive and helpful husband, when I found out Jacobs new job would require swing shift I felt like hurling. To those who know Elizabeth's episodes of sickness know they have clearly never happened during normal business hours. I have never been in an "episode" without Jay. Up until recently (while sleeping off nights later to happen again on night shift) I have never had to replace a deflated/yanked out Mic-key. I like to call him my steady hand. Yeah.. I'm totally the mom who takes a vomiting, fever blistering, upset stomach baby to the ER in her diaper because I cannot think straight. Guilty. 

Where was I? Oh yeah, night shift... As I have warmed up to this new job I am realizing how adapted I have became as a mom. Fever? Vomiting? Reflux? Ear infection? I got this! I am truly learning the value of those night shifts. There are very few nights in Elizabeth's life that it's been just us. I have to admit, as she's aged and became more durable, I am truly relishing these moments. (Disclaimer: I adore the nights my husband is here and sways my daughter side to side while praying over her before bed. I adore when my husband starts her night feeds and gives her nightly vitamins and reflux medications. Don't misconstrue this paragraph.) 

Tonight at dinner, in the little silence possible with a two year old, my mind began to wonder. I thought back on these last 22 months. I remembered being told she's never drink and may never eat. While sitting at the table feeding my daughter steak kabobs and broccoli with Alfredo I had to laugh. You see I realized I was eating left over Lima beans... Something seemed wrong here. But in a wonderfully fantastic miraculous way! I am learning that in these moments of silence I feel God wrap me in his arms. I see his miraculous works. It's in Elizabeth's giggle. It's in her crawl that is so totally different than anything you've seen. It's on her smile as she says "more more more" while banging the high chair for more food. I am learning to appreciate Elizabeth. I am learning that nothing beats a quit house, a baby rubbed in lotion, and the beautiful rhythm of a child book. So tonight if your a mommy whose hubby is working the dreaded night shift maybe this will give you a new perspective. It's exhausting but it's ever so gratifying! So rub them with a little extra lotion, who doesn't love the smell, and find there favorite, dreamiest, rhymenest (yes I am aware that's not correct grammar but go with me here) book and explore your baby.. Learn your baby.. Most importantly love your baby! 

Gotta go its bath time! Then you know what's next?! A lotioned baby! 

P.S. If your looking for an extra sweet lotion for these special night splurge on Noodles and Boo (can be found at Tiny Town or online)  You'll thank me I promise!