New Kind of Normal

My little ones headed out the door this morning in weather-appropriate clothes with their hair done and little bowls of cereal to munch on during the drive to school. This is a much different picture than life a couple of weeks ago. Instead of jeans and sweatshirts, Kate headed out the door one day in too-small capri pants and a T-shirt that nearly showed her belly. Anna sported a clashing pink ensemble another day complete with bunchy capris and snow boots. (I won’t even try to put words to describe the state of that child’s hair.) For the ride to school, they were given a mix of Oreos, Nilla Wafers, and Froot Loops. Solid. I have been grateful our daycare center knows our current situation so that CPS hasn’t been called. Daddy’s in charge, everyone!

But in reality, my little family is doing quite well with this new kind of normal. Once they come home from school, my girls make a giggling bee-line to me so I can kiss their heads from my position on the couch. Anna usually lingers for a little while to tell me stories, and Kate wanders to the kitchen and starts pleading for something to eat, “Meese!” (Her version of “please.”) We sit down to food that has been graciously prepared for us by family and friends. Brian washes dishes while the girls play, and then he sets about washing the girls. Kate finds me on the couch after her bath for one more round of kisses before she’s down for the night, and Anna snuggles close to me for an episode of Wonder Pets and a popcorn treat.

So much to be grateful for!

Admittedly, while I’m here by myself, it can be hard to stay in the lounging position. I can see an inch of dust on furniture and an unidentifiable sticky film covering the kitchen floor, particularly under Kate’s high chair. There’s a random pink vase sitting on an end table in the living room and a counter full of odds and ends in the kitchen. The carpet hasn’t seen a vacuum in over two weeks now, and the living room furniture is showing handprints and other odd marks that let me know it’s long overdue for a good steam cleaning. Sinks need scrubbing. Toilets need bleached. The list goes on and on and on and on.

It’s okay, though. In the end, it all boils down to “stuff” that hasn’t been taken care of. The people in this house are well cared for, and that’s what’s important. I have to repeat this to myself multiple times a day sometimes, but still…

Earlier this week, I had an appointment that revealed a strong, healthy little heartbeat in spite of all the bleeding from the week before. I could have listened to that quick little whooshing sound for hours.

I go back to the doctor Monday afternoon for another sonogram and further instruction as to whether I can return to work or should remain on bed rest. Based on how things have gone, I look for him to keep me on bed rest another week or so. He told me I need to have no bleeding of any sort—regardless of amount or color—for several days before I can work again. My longest streak meeting that requirement so far is something like 12-24 hours.

Perspective, Lace. God is good all the time and walks beside me all the time. Even when life is crazy, there is sanity in that.