Mommy's Little Helper

In so many ways Sierra is growing up and becoming so independent! She wants to help prepare the food, water the grass, hang up the phone, help brush her teeth, along with all the things we've been helping her prepare to do on her own as my belly grows! Just yesterday she buttered my toast for me all by herself... and did a great job! It makes my heart ache a bit to see that she's no longer my little girl and also helps be realize the beauty of the timing of her little brother.

She is going to be my little helper. I'm sure I will have help with diapers, baths, calming him when he's fussy... and perhaps making him fussy just so she has something to help with. I also know that there will be jealousy to come as whenever a friends little ones want to come sit with us in church she is quick now to jump on my lap and lay claim while he/she can sit with Cole or next to me.

Her little world is getting ready to change so drastically and she does not yet know. She doesn't understand days and weeks in time just yet so we haven't discussed just how quickly the deployment is coming upon us. Her beloved daddy is going to "take his turn" for a long while at work and then in only a few months she will have to share mommy with little brother. But in the meantime she has served as one of the greatest little helpers yet and doesn't even know it. In great effort to help keep her from anxiety, fear, concern and allow her to enjoy our family time we have kept the flood gates drawn and Cole and I have been able to enjoy the time with her too. I think I'm mostly just living in denial at the moment as there is so much still to be done in a short period. However, the reality is setting in and I am grateful to be enjoying some of these last nights together and not be quite the emotional basket case as I was while pregnant before the last deployment! My little helper and blessing so many ways... and she doesn't even know it!