Before I brag on Karis, I have to set the stage.
Since Makena has been born, life has been quite busy and hectic as one might assume. Add to it an office move, a new pastor, a trip to the hospital for Lena's back, 4 celebrations in 9 days (Lena's birthday, Father's Day, our anniversary, and then my birthday), one bigger than usual birthday party for my 40th, extra consulting hours for Lena, co-workers on vacation, and holidays (Mother's Day, Memorial and Fourth of July) to name a few things.
I am fighting a pretty gnarly sinus and now chest infection at the moment. I haven't had good sleep in a week (and Lena even longer... like 4 months). I have all kinds of stress from a few once-a-month meetings this weekend, and being part of the wedding party for a friend getting married all day Saturday.
So today, I prayed for strength and peace while I cared for the girls all day. I knew, absolutely knew that I could not make it through today on my own. Normally, I begin thinking I can do it all by myself. One day of being wise is a good start. After I prayed I looked Karis in the eyes and told her I was sick and wanted her to do her best to be good today for daddy. She was that and then some.
She proactively played by herself. She didn't hang onto me nor constantly want me to hold her. She didn't get jealous while I held and cared for Makena. She even put away many of her toys after playing with them. I enjoyed watching her make her similar figurines play together. I was surprised that she could even find them amongst all the other varieties.
My highlight was shortly after Makena fell asleep this afternoon. Karis went to the mattress on the floor in Makena's room and patted the pillow - that indicates I was to lay my head down with her. But she stopped me and motioned for me to help pull down the blanket cover first. She has never used a blanket, only watched us. Then she motioned for me to pull it back up onto both of us. She pointed at me and said "da." Then she pointed to a small, unoccupied space on the pillow and said "ma." I said "Mommy is at work" and she quickly replied "yah." The she put the side of her head on the pillow so she could face me. And she smiled at me.
Karis is always on the go. She doesn't ever walk anywhere... she is always running from point to point even in the house. For her to slow down and relax is amazing. I am thankful for the precious moment that I was able to share with her today. I will cherish that moment for a looooong time.
