The Wisdom of Sisters

Little sisters get a bad wrap.

First, they are younger and by many people's definition that means they automatically aren't as smart as their older siblings (for the record, I said "many people's" not mine).

Second, little sisters tend to be considered to be annoying and, for many years, they are. I still remember Auntie Ten Ten standing at the door to my bedroom and telling me she wouldn't leave until I gave her a stuffed animal or something else. She would sing or talk when I was trying to read and bug the heck out of me. She and Aunt Bec would count my freckles in the car. It drove me insane!

As we grew up, I started seeing them as women instead of as little sisters. They are both, Aunt Bec and Auntie Ten Ten, amazing women, both working hard for their families and being fantastic mommies. While I'm sure they both doubt themselves on a daily basis, they are the women I know I can turn to when I need help. For in this, they are definitely experts. They were both mommies before I was. Their advise has always been spot on and I've learned to listen to their wisdom.

When Gracie and Luke became sick on Friday, I thought I was going to die. One sick toddler is intimidating, but two. Wow. I did not know how I was going to do it. I called Aunt Bec and told her what was happening and she gave me this advice: Let them eat crackers and apple sauce. Keep them eating if they will. Whatever is in their stomach needs to get out. Yes, they will throw up, but if you keep the dairy from them and keep the food going in as plain as possible, it will be controllable.

So, I did.

Gracie and Luke had crackers, apple sauce, Kix cereal, and lots of water. They continued to be sick several times on Saturday, and yesterday was really challenging. They were hungry, but threw up 30 minutes after they ate or drank anything. But, it was managable. The plain food kept the stuff they regurgitated unoffensive, if vomit can be unoffensive. When Lukie woke up while I was making my lunch, I found myself in the position of having to share some of the meat with him. That was a serious mistake and it reminded me of Aunt Bec's advice.

She's really smart, that Aunt Bec. She's given me some great Mommy Advice, as has Auntie Ten Ten. This morning, Gracie and Luke woke up with smiles on their faces (after 3 days of crying and throwing up) and drank 6 ounces of Pedialyte without stopping! This sickie-poo advice was awesome and I wanted to make sure to tell her "Thank you!"

So, let me be the first big sister in the world to say it: "Thank you, my little sisters! You are super smart and I'm so glad you are mine!"