The Perfect Storm

I've not written in awhile. As the title suggests, I've been in the path of the Perfect Storm. Or was I the perfect storm. *shrug* Both, I suppose. The last week in this house caused some serious introspection. That's always painful for the one in the line of self-awareness. But, I'm wandering into the philosophical and this is about reality.
Carter really is a super kid. I am lucky to have him for a son and humbled to be one to nurture his personality. Not that he's perfect -not by a long shot. But neither am I.
This past week was rather tumultuous and torturous. Will was cutting his two lower 1 year molars. Of course, I didn't know this information at the time. He cried and wanted constant attention. Accomplishing tasks was stifled by his pressing need for comfort. Well, sure. Two big, sharp bone like rocks are pushing through gums. But when you don't know that, it seems like there is something seriously and mysteriously awry with your little one. I spent most of the day watching him for any signs of distress that would prompt me to call the doctor. He had no fever. He would stop crying and act just fine if his express desires were strictly followed. Marshmallows, mandarin oranges, fruit loops - anything sweet - but don't give him any food that might actually be nutritious. Oh, and ice chips. After the third time he tried to hi-jack my ice - not the drink -I had a fleeting thought that he might be finally cutting one of the seven teeth that bulged under his gums. So, my house looked like Santa's workshop threw-up and Will was miserable and I was getting nothing done and it was really cold and no one was getting sleep at night because Will was miserable. After 4 nights of severely interrupted sleep, I looked and felt like a zombie. Well, I can only hypothesize about how a zombie feels but I bet this was close.
A bucket of water was accidentally spilled and this incident was the one the tipped my scales of sanity. Marbles began pouring out my ears. I lost my temper and then I felt guilty and embarrassed about the way I'd acted, so I began to sob. That probably scared Carter more than the temper. He asked me if I was okay. I told him that I was just sad and frustrated. He said "I need to be alone" and slipped into my bathroom. I heard him in there talking. My tears subsided as I accepted my mental and emotional breakdown and resolved to move forward. Carter reappeared and he began making faces and doing funny dances. I started laughing and said "Carter, what are you doing ??" He smiled really widely and said "Mama, I'm trying to help you feel better." I smiled bigger and said "Well, it's working!" Then I asked him what he was doing in my bathroom. I knew, but I wanted to hear what he said "I was praying for God to help you." I reassured him that his prayers worked and that I was feeling better. I told him I was sorry I lost my temper and he said "Oh, it's okay. I'm not upset." I was amazed at how my child was ministering to me - and not in just the incidental way we parents usually mention but in a deliberate way. The rest of the day was mellower but not happy. Will continued his painful march into the land of the toothed.
That night it happened. Will slept all the way until 6:30, then went back to sleep until 8:30. When I opened my eyes and realized that I'd had more than 2 consecutive hours of sleep, those crazy marbles began to find their way back. Will was being so pleasant, eating what was given to him and being playful, it was dream-like. Maybe I hadn't really awakened. But I had! I took him in to change his diaper and got a glimpse of his gums. He does not allow anyone to look at his gums. He's very private that way. I try to sneak peeks all the time and he catches on immediately and fusses at me. But this time, I was not to be denied. Two new little pearls poking through. I wasn't crazy! Will was just cutting his molars! It was relieving and oddly reassuring. Our home life made a dramatic turn around. How could two little teeth cause so much chaos and damage? Damages? One Swiffer Wet Jet gave his life. He will be sorely missed.

PS I just slipped upstairs to tuck Carter in for the night. He said "I love you because you are the best mama I ever met!" I told him that was only because he was the best kid I'd ever met. And it's true.