The Boys

I've decided that it is hard to be a parent.  The only easy part about parenting is loving your children.  But because you love your children, it makes the rest of it that much harder (and easier I suppose).  Because I love my boys I want the best for them.  I want them to be smart, to be honest,  to be good, to be wildly successful, and to be happy.  I don't want them to make mistakes, suffer, feel alone, feel afraid, or struggle in any way.  Unfortunately, they have to.  It's part of life.  Those things are going to be what mold them into the men that I hope that they will become.

Clark had to get a couple of stitches in his lip last week, after he fell onto a toy.  I just about passed out when I saw the blood, and the thought of dragging my son into urgent care made me sick.  He's a really bright and busy boy, but he has an iron will, and absolutely hates going to the doctor's office.  His survival instincts kick in, and there is growling, and flailing, and roaring.  It is pretty ridiculous.  My husband was at work when he split his lip, but fortunately we were at my parents' and my dad was able to accompany us.  With three adults and a sheet restraining him, we were finally able to get his stitches put in.

I was amazed at how well the doctor was able to line up the stitches.  His lip is looking great, and we were able to get the stitches out on Friday (miraculously without any restraint or roaring).  He's growing up, and he's going to get hurt, and he's going to be sad, and it breaks my heart to think that I won't always be able to cuddle him when he needs it.  But hopefully I can control myself, when he can't control himself, and somehow I'll be able to lead him by example and help him become the person that God made him to be.

Funny unrelated Clark story:

Last night we'd gotten Clark in bed, and he'd flipped his lights back on.  My husband said: "Clark, get back in bed", to which Clark immediately replied, "Sorry Dad, I'm nocturnal".

 In other news, Miles is officially seven months.  He too is a busy boy with places to go, and things to see.  He's crawling all over now,  learning to like solids, and is just about the most affectionate baby you'll ever meet.

Blessed.