Rising to the Occasion

Today we started with another of Molly's fever episodes. We dropped Ava off at school and then went to Target to pick up the steroid prescription to stop the fever. We came home, and I went to measure out the dosage... only to discover that instead of the 5mL dosage we were supposed to have the pharmacist had only given us 3mL. I called Molly's specialist to find out if this would be sufficient or if I had to make another trip to the pharmacy. A few minutes of discussion later, it was determined that I should give Molly what I had and see what happens - it SHOULD be enough (and it turns out it was) to kick the fever.

I tell this story because the last minute or so of my phone conversation I hear Molly yelling for me from the other room. "Mommy, come here quick! Mommy, do you hear me?? I talking to you!!!" When I had finally hung up, I walked from the kitchen to the living room while slightly scolding Molly for not being more patient. I then entered the living room to find Molly sitting on her potty chair. Pants and pull up pulled down all on her own, she says, "Mommy, I pooped in the potty! And I did not have an accident!!" Sure enough, my child who has made potty training a special form of torture managed to independently get herself to the potty, fever and all. I gave her a big high five and told her how proud I was and what a big girl she is.  It was a small achievement that at that moment felt like a big victory.

Then this evening our friend Katy once again came to watch the girls while Ben and I went out. I was a little nervous that we were leaving Katy with less than stellar kids tonight - Molly was super moody as a side effect of her medication, and Ava had a scrapbook page to create for school. When I came home I asked how the girls had been. Katy, who I know will be completely honest with me, said that all three girls were terrific. Each had a minor issue or moment of unhappiness, but overall they were respectful and kind. Having been gone all summer, Katy commented on Ava particularly and how much she has matured since the end of the spring. It's always interesting to hear other people's perspectives of my kids, who I see every day and therefore don't notice changes in as easily. It makes me smile to know that my kids are growing up in a way that makes Ben and I proud.