Well when we announced this sweet addition to our children, almost a year ago now, it was received with many mixed feelings. Shock, disbelief, excitement, happiness and denial. But our youngest was the one who had to slowly work through what this was going to mean. She wasn't sure she was done with the title of being the "baby". She wasn't sure she wanted the attention to go else where. She wasn't sure about many things. But deep down her excitement for what was upcoming slowly took over. By the time our 3rd little girl arrived she was beaming with excitement and the challenge of being the big sister was welcomed.
Because she was now the big sister there was much she felt like she needed to do in helping out. This "help" wasn't always easy for a mom to take. From a mother's perspective she didn't always hold her right or burp her properly. Sometimes when she would change the diaper it wasn't snug enough or maybe it was too tight at times. Through a series of what I thought were "teaching moments" one day I told her how great she was with her little sister. At this she let out a deep breath of relief; then with complete sincerity in her eyes she looked at me and said, "Thanks mom. It's been a really long time since you complimented me". Wow! I was cracked over the head with a little humble pie. She didn't mean it rude, I knew that. She was saying it with so much gratitude.
Sometimes it is easy to be caught up in "teaching moments" we forget the "loving moments". It is a work in progress, but I want so badly for those around me to feel the love I have for them and not the "teaching moments" that I feel they need. With much love much more can be accomplished.
