"O, How much I must love you..."

My Sweet Clara~

"O, How much I must love you...."

These are the words that came to mind last night,

yes, last night, or rather in the wee hours of the morning

when I was awakened from my slumber

by the sound of your pitiful cry

you were in need and your mama was there.

"O, How much I must love you..."

As I entered your room and beheld such a sight

a sight no mother wants to encounter

but most likely all do at some time or another

you see, you were sitting up in your bed 

surrounded by blankets and your 4 most favorite friends

but something else had been added to the mix

a most unwelcome guest

I am still puzzled as to how it came to visit us

but nevertheless its presence was surely made known

"O, How much I must love you..."

I thought as I brought a wet rag 

to bathe your face and clean your hands, your hair,

your sheets, blankets, rug, and even lamby pie 

had suffered temporary damage as well.

So, with your dad beside me

we cleaned up the mess

including a trip to the tub for you 

and a ride in the wash machine for everything else.

"O, How much I must love you..."

I thought as I knelt by the tub

and gently removed the gunk and grime from your hair

while whispering soothing words of comfort

and making sure that your tummy was feeling better.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I wrap you in a towel all snug and warm

as I search for and put you in clean jammies

and daddy and I make up your bed

with fresh sheets and soft blankets.

And of course, a replacement for lamby, 

fat bear, was located as well,

to help you through what remains of this strange night.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I assure you that everything is alright now

and tuck you up safe in your newly made, fresh and sweet smelling bed.

Daddy and I pause to pray, 

to pray that you will be okay, 

that you will rest easy for the night

with no more episodes or problems in sight.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I was interrupted right in the middle of writing this note

to take care of round #2 

at the breakfast table this morning. 

I guess crackers and gatorade are on the menu for you today.

"O, How much I do love you!"

My sweet little girl with an upset tummy

in spite of the messes 

in spite of the piled up laundry

in spite of all the work and lack of sleep

I LOVE YOU!

"True love is...abandoning a cozy, warm bed to clean up puke in the middle of the night."

Yes, THAT is how much I love you!!!

My Clara's smile--more beautiful than any rose!

P.S. (I would do it again in a heartbeat, too. Anything for you! Love U!)