I am sick...and I don't like it...hard day {04.2007}

We had a hard time of it... At risk of not looking perfect--wait a minute I'm not. Here's a situation in my life that happened...I have been without Mark for about a week now, visiting my family, and it has been great. But I have stayed up a couple nights way too late (partly because some of my sibs have different sleeping schedules than me and I wanted to visit with them--partly because it's my vacation time). Anyway, so yesterday I woke up feeling a bit sick (yah can you stay serious strep throat?--yuck!) and Baby R has been pretty fussy lately. Both of my kids usually get somewhat clingy when their daddy is out of the picture, but Baby R has been extra clingy I think that she must not be feeling well either. Anyway, she hasn't been sleeping through the night regularly, of course she still thinks that she needs to nurse during the night. I would just let her cry it out, but her and Baby E have been sharing a room, so that doesn't really work. Anyway, so yesterday I was trying desperately to get a nap in the middle of the day, because I was soooo tired and soooo sick. So since it was during the kids normal nap time, I put them down too (usually this scenario works, and we all sleep and it's perfect). But today, it wasn't happening (we are all staying in the same room). Baby E kept on playing with stuff, and wouldn't settle down and sleep, and Baby R kept on crying in her bed. I must have taken her out of her bed, and nursed her like 3-4 times and put her back in her bed (she wasn't having it). I don't know about you moms out there, but I don't do well, having my kids in my bed while I'm trying to sleep--I only do it if I have to (can you say being kicked in the head--anyone?). Anyway, so Baby R wouldn't go to sleep, she just kept whining and whining, and screaming and I thought about going to get one of my family members to get her, but I was sooo sick and tired (no pun intended) that I couldn't handle it anymore I just had to take her bed out into the hall, and put her in it, and shut the door, or else I would have gone crazy or something. Of course, my dad came up because he heard her crying, and got her and took her downstairs, so that was nice. I then did actually get a nap...thank goodness for caring family members that are willing to help. And don't get me wrong, I completely adore my kids, but situations like this, make me value the times when my children go down for their naps easily, without any whining...I just needed to vent--thanks :) I have to give props to my family--They are always really helpful with my children, but they have been extra helpful since I've been sick. My mom stayed home from church today to take care of my kids, so I could sleep. And she got up at 2 am last night and helped me when Baby R was screaming. Also, my dad is amazing with them--he helped feed Baby R today and helps hold my kids. My little brothers Dan, Tom and Joe are sooo good with all of their nieces and nephews (Joe also made dinner--soup and sandwich for me last night when my parents were gone). They always hold them and rock them, help babysit and they have a special bond with each of them. It is so sweet. I am very lucky. :)