Sick Child with Cuddle Benefits

So my daughter Vivian has been sick since Tuesday (March 3rd). And of course I hate it when she's sick. It means sleepless nights and worry for all of us. She is the most pitiful little thing when she's not feeling well, just a lifeless ragdoll instead of her easy smile and exuberant personality. She is on the mend now but still not quite herself.

Vivian has been sick for half of her life -- ear infections (thank goodness for the tubes put in), upper respiratory infections, and the latest thing -- a fever virus. She's in a daycare with at least six other kids on a daily basis so it's inevitable that she will catch something at least once per month, unfortunately.

While I don't ever want her to be sick or in pain, I do love it when she cuddles with me and that only happens usually when she's ill. You see, Viv is not a very affectionate baby at all. From the beginning, she's never wanted to be touched or hugged a lot. She doesn't mind you being right next to her, but gosh, don't touch her! But for the past three days, she has curled up in lap, fell asleep while snuggling with me, and even let me rock her for awhile. And I just love it.

It reminds me of when she was just a few weeks, months old and wanted no one but me to hold her. As soon as I'd hold her, she'd stop fussing or crying (most of the time). She would lean against my beating chest and I imagine she'd pretend to be in utero still. Those were not easy times as I was adjusting to motherhood and the lack of sleep, etc. But every once in a rare moon, I remember those early days and nights when she was tiny, helpless, and not quite as sassy as she is now. ;-)

Get well my Vivian Rose. I want you to be my healthy girl getting into everything as you are discovering to walk around more. But could you squeeze in some cuddle time every now and then? I sure do enjoy it and I sure do love you kiddo.