Part 1 Kissie Monster and Bathtime Part 2 an observation on suffering

Wow, so on with the learning curb of parenting. Note to new moms and dads, don't top your baby off when bottle feeding just because there is a little left in the bottle. Trying to give that little bit means a lot in your lap, shirt, her shirt, and every where else for that matter. Poor Baby Girl got such a tummy ache because Mommy wanted to give her the last little bit. Mmmm, don't think I'll be doing that again...hopefully.

So far having Grammie here means sleep filled nights for Mommy and Daddy. I think I will be quite sad when Grammie and Papa (who flies in today for a few days) will be going back home next week. :( I am thankful though I have had my mom here for this long amount of time and she has helped me a whole lot getting accustumed to my wee babe. She is now well aquainted with the Kissie Monster, "You are my Sunshine" and "Jesus Loves You". She hates her baths and much prefers being clothed. Her daddy thinks that is just fine and hopes that will last well into her teenage years. :) I love her smiles, but I'm not fooled. I know it means its time to reach for the burp cloth.

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On a different note. Just someting I've observed outside the realm of babies, is the process of grieving, struggling, and recovery from come what may. I was just reading an article in my Ladies Home Journal, "Can This Marriage be Saved?" In it, the husband shares about his struggles with cancer. The wife is trying to be the cheerleader, encouraging him to see the silver lining, the not be afraid, to be postive. The counselor in the article has a very good point. We live in a culture that constantly encourages people to see the silver lining. Recently I watched a video from another blogger, Angie. She shared what she learned through her experience losing her daughter Aubrey. Many people when seeing others suffering see they are down and want to bring them up to their happiness or optimistic level because no one wants to be sad. It is easier to try and cheer up a sad or struggling person than it is to role up your sleeves and get down in to their level. A friend of mine has had some major struggles lately and part of her realization through her experience is that sometimes the strong thing to do is just be weak, be vulnerable. Getting to that patch of sun on the horizon simply takes walking through the storm in a manner of speaking and sometimes it is much needed for a friend to come walk that path with you. I recall once years ago walking into church after a very bad week. A greeter asked me how I was doing and so I told her my week was terrible. Her response was to enjoy the church service as if she hadn't heard my words. That was an experience that has taught me about when to encourage and when to cry along side basically. As I have read in the Bible says, and I paraphrase, when a friend weeps, weep with them and when they laugh, laugh with them.