Beck was sick this weekend and it has amazed me how much that impacted our schedule and routine.
He had a cold last month, too, but this one seems to be a doozy.
He spent the weekend sleeping, barely being up for long, crying, wanting to be held 24/7, and waking up any time he wasn’t touching a human.
Basically, he needed rest and comfort.
Like all of us do sometimes - whether we’re sick or otherwise.
We took turns holding him most of the weekend, or wearing him in the baby carrier, taking walks outside. We put other tasks on hold, spent more time than usual being quiet in the main living area of the house as he slept in someone’s arms on the couch. We let him cuddle in bed with us. My mom came over Saturday night and sat with him in the dark living room while he slept and we went out with a dear friend who was in from out of town. (I know, bless her heart.)
As I took him out for the second walk of the day this afternoon (fourth in two days), I was reflecting on how walking outside almost always makes things feel better.
When I’m stuck on a project at work, feeling down, or having low energy, it always amazes me how even a 15 minute walk can turn things around.
It seems to be the same for him. B almost never gets upset when he’s in the carrier, looking around, breathing the fresh air, feeling the rhythm of our steps. This, somehow, remained true this weekend - even when he was obviously miserable many other times throughout the weekend, he was content on the walks.
It’s like we humans are built to need fresh air, to be in the natural world. Imagine that!
I was also reminded, as I often am by him, of the importance of the basic needs we humans have. His being sick and needing us to slow down and go at his speed reminded me of how we all need a little extra loving sometimes - whether that takes the form of a more gentle yoga class, a mug of hot tea, conversation with an old friend, massage, whatever. We all need moments of being gentle with ourselves, of our loved ones offering us grace and acts of caring.
Being around a baby who can’t/won’t/doesn’t need to be shy about his emotions or needs has actually been a refreshing reminder for me about the humanness in all of us. I could certainly use a little more honesty with myself and others in my life when it comes to my needs and desires. Could you?
PS - No class at Cornell next Sunday (12/1) - as it is Thanksgiving Break. Only two more classes this semester before Winter break (12/8 and 12/15) - hope to see you there!