Thank God for Nana and Pap Pap

Wow, I do not think I could have made it through this day without my parents here! Tom is TDY to Wright Patterson this week, and even though it was a mostly normal day for us, my parents have done SO much to make things easier and smoother for me at home. (Normal doesn't necessarily mean easy or carefree!)

I was able to get the kids off to school ok this morning, and Lilly, Tad, and I headed out for a run together after getting ANna to school. Lilly wasn't so keen on the jogger this morning (I wonder if it is starting to get too hot for her), and complained most of the way, then fell asleep (at 9:30am??) about 2/3 of the way through the run. Nana and Pap Pap came as I was finishing my shower, and helped get breakfast dishes taken care of and laundry underway. We played with Lilly for a little while, then my mom and I headed out to my periodontal appointment (so she could keep Lilly while the dr. examined my graft site from my surgery a few months back). Lilly was very concerned for mommy (I had assured her the visit was for MY teeth, not hers) and she stood by my side, held my hand, and watched that doctor's every move. She occasionally said "mama?" to make sure I was ok, since she couldn't see my face in the reclined position of the chair. She was very sweet.

We got home for some lunch and a nap (for Lilly), and found that pap pap had begun to vacuum the entire house. He then proceeded to mop as well, and my parents both dusted while I got Lilly down for her nap. WOW--I haven't felt so spoiled since I lived in TUrkey and had my maid 3 days a week! My mom helped to finish up the laundry I had started, and they have cleaned my kitchen after every meal. NOt to mention helping ANna with homework, taking Tad for multiple walks each day, taking Jared fishing, and entertaining Lilly. Sheesh, as I write this I am starting to wonder what *I* did all day?? I'm actually not even sure what I did, but I must have done something because I am exhausted.

Lilly still is waking several times each night, and she is still demanding a LOT of my attention...probably more so with the slight changes in the household this week. I am trying to squeeze in more reading about attachment and adoption parenting, as I increasingly feel completely ignorant and incompetent for this task! I feel as if I am not really giving Lilly all that she needs, and yet I am also not giving Jared and Anna all that they need, and--if it weren't for my folks this week--my house would also be falling apart. I am feeling desperate for just a little break from her, but I don't want to jeopardize the bonding and attachment that has begun to form. It has been nice that she is willing to play with my mom, and the evenings are usually pleasant as she is most likely to go off and play independently at that time of day. But look out if you don't give her just what she wants just when she wants it.

I know the words of wisdom my mom spoke to me when Jared and ANna were toddlers and infants will hold true again this time: "The years pass quickly. It's the days that are long."

Lord, give me strength day by day.