Reality check

Sometimes I let big events take over my life. I get so focused on tackling that one, big goal, that I ignore the fact that the rest of my life is still happening. With the chaos of the move, I've skipped out on meal prep, park excursions, and leisurely walks to school. Somewhere along the line, I went into survival mode and started tuning out the whining from the kids--until today.

Last week, Dorian spent the week complaining about a tummy ache, which turned into vomiting. We did what we could to make him comfortable and soon enough, he was all better. So when Audrey started complaining two days ago of a tummy ache, I figured she had either caught what D had, or was fishing for some attention...I tuned out. (BAD PARENT ALERT)

Turns out Audrey's tummy hurt so bad that she couldn't eat any of her very favorite pancakes. She suffered through school today and was miserable when I took her to the park afterwards. When we got home, she disappeared for awhile. Where was she? She'd put herself to bed in fetal position. Something was wrong with my baby and I was too busy organizing the move to notice.

Anyway, she screamed when we touched her belly and would rock back and forth for about 5 minutes before she'd suddenly tell me that she felt much better. Not 15 minutes later, she would turn sheet white again and drop to the ground in pain. I took her to the pediatrician's office and Dr. Burke ruled out appendicitis, but is having me watch her for continued intervals of pain, which may be a sign of what I had as a child: intussusception. So far, it's continued to be a pattern of pain and relief, but I'm hoping she'll feel much better soon.

I'm sure there will be several other instances in my life when I feel like an awful mother, but I've learned my lesson and will definitely work to minimize them. No matter what important opportunities may arise, don't lose sight of the other precious things you already have.