I’m supposed to keep an ice pack behind my knee on and off throughout the day. Seeing as I’m stuck on the second floor of my house — and the freezer is on the first floor — I am reliant on someone else to cycle the ice packs up and down the stairs throughout the day.
A few days ago, I asked Ari to place my uncool ice pack back in the freezer. I heard him walk down 16 stairs, run through the foyer, and into the kitchen where I heard my mom inquire, “Why are you opening the freezer?” He didn’t give her a response, but I heard the thud of the ice pack a second later on the shelf so I knew he deposited in the right place.
HOWEVER, if one asks Ari to bring an ice pack upstairs he’s not as good at following the direction. He’s brought me all sorts of ice packs, most of which are good for keeping food cold in a lunch bag or a cooler. Therefore, his help isn’t exactly helpful since someone else has to follow behind him with a soft ice pack for my leg.
This afternoon, I made a request for an ice pack. “See if Ari would like to bring it up to me.” I figured it would be a good way to visit with my little helper.
True to form, Ari agreed to help as soon as he was asked. I heard the freezer open, but then there was a commotion.
“Not that one, Ari!”
“That’s not the right ice pack!”
“Take this one!”
But he was already gone. His little legs created footfalls as he ran over the foyer floor, up 16 stairs, down the hallway, and into my bedroom. He appeared with a huge grin on his face with a declaration. “I got ice, Mommy!”
Isabelle came in right behind him, laughing, and declaring, “Silly boy! That’s not the right ice pack.”
And moments behind Isabelle was an adult… carrying the correct ice pack.
“Oh, Ari!” we said in unison.
Raising Literate Humans 
At least you get a visit! This is a reminder to me how confusing the English language can be!
He is a good little helper though–even if he can’t quite figure out the right ice pack!
I really do love your kids- which is a testament to you and how you write about them. So glad you are being well looked after (and impressed at all the places you are finding slices this month).
It is a challenge within a challenge seeing as I spend nearly every day in bed!
Such a helper! Glad you get visitors while you’re laid up in the bed. This reminded me of when I was in a bad accident in Thailand while teaching preschool. The kids would bring me my ice packs from the class refrigerator when I needed one. Kids love to be helpers!
Children are amazing!
I love the description of him going up and down the stairs. I can just imagine his little proud smile helping mom and Isabelle’s wise big sister smile right behind him.
Such distinct smiles.
I love the images of him running down those 16 stairs and back up again. He’s obviously had some very good examples of what it means to care for another.
Aw, I hope so.
Oh my goodness, how cute is Ari! (I love that name by the way)
I bet he loves being a helper…even if he doesn’t usually bring the right kind of ice pack… I bet he thinks he is helping!
He definitely believes he’s helping… and he is.
There is such sweetness in this post…an enthusiastic little helper he is! I can just hear him bounding up and down the stairs, doing his best to help mom. Hope your recovery is on track!
I had a setback and had to go in to get my dressing changed today. I’m hurting now and hope to feel better soon.
Such an adorable and helpful boy! I hope each day you are feeling better!
I actually started feeling worse on Friday afternoon so I went in to be seen today. I’ll spare you the gory details, but I should be on the upswing again soon.
Such a character, no wonder he keeps you amused during these tedious days of being confined to your bed… goodness fancy having to have an ice pack under your knee during most of the day! Thanks for another humorous moment!
Yeah, it’s a bit miserable, but I’m trying to look forward rather than dwelling on my present situation.
Aw. This is a sweet moment you captured Stacey, albeit a challenging time for you as you rest and recover from surgery.
He’s a sweet little guy. 😊
I think points for thoughtfulness and cuteness! I have to look at my boys, and even at times my husband, for the effort hey are making to help and not evaluate on how I would do it. Done kind of is better than not at all for this stage of our life!
Everyone helps in their own special way. 😊
I think inconsistent help is better than no help. What a little sweetie. I’m glad you have little helpers while you’re stuck upstairs. It doesn’t sound like much fun after the first day.
Couldn’t help but smile! Children mean well even if not exactly the way you planned!
So cute like “Oh David” It’s great that your kids are helping you. I always think that about my kids and my husband. Is any help better than no help? That requires me to give up control about how I like things done. I am learning. Get better!