Sweet Apologies

I'm proud of who our boys are becoming. I've seen such growth and maturity in them over the last several months and it makes my heart so proud and happy. Pierce, especially, has shown a lot of maturity- less fits, better use of words, and the ability to accept outcomes. But lately I have seen both of them really doing a great job with unprompted, sincere apologies. And I was blessed to share in one with each of them tonight.

Blaine has been really sick with a nasty virus passed from Landry. It's caused a high fever and he's had a pretty miserable 24 hours. I was feeding him some banana and PB tonight and I'd broken it into bites and he very sharply told me that he didn't want it that way and wouldn't eat anymore. I said that was fine and moved on. He got a little mopey afterwards (which he often does these days) and it's usually his way of feeling badly about his reaction or responding to discipline. It was probably the former tonight because much later before we went up for bed he randomly looked at me and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry for being mean to you about my banana." My heart melted a little and I told him that it was ok and I knew he wasn't feeling good. So sweet.

Then at bedtime I had agreed to look up a Planes character name for Pierce (his latest and current obsession). I wasn't finding the exact one he wanted and finally told him we'd look tomorrow. He proceeded to meltdown and told me I was the meanest mommy ever. Not unheard of, but I'd had such an exhausting day I looked at BJ and said I'm out as I gave both of them a quick good night. I later felt badly about leaving in such a huff so I tiptoed back in about 20 minutes later to see if Pierce was still awake. I startled him by appearing on his bed, but we hugged and said good night and I love you. I had thought about bringing it up, but just decided to let it go and appreciate the loving moment. I left and a few minutes later he came out with his pixie smile with an empty cup needing more water. I got him some and bent down to hug him. He kissed my cheek and then paused and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry I was mean to you earlier." I was so touched that he had done it completely on his own in his timing. Maybe that's the reason he'd come out all along. BJ had said that they'd discussed apologizing to me, but Pierce had said that he wasn't ready, but could tomorrow. But his little heart led him to do it in that moment. I'm so proud and incredibly touched.

Both of these were such good reminders to me of the importance and value of constant love and kindess. There's certainly a time for tough discipline, but I know if I'd been frustrated and stayed huffy in the moment that I wouldn't have gotten those sweet apologies out of their sincere hearts. I feel like God just spoke to my heart to reiterate that point and I pray it's one I won't soon forget. You catch more flies with honey...