[cathvash]

I'll mirror the themes above...Adoption is wonderful, and it is the best thing I have ever done. I know I will never, ever be without love in my life!

BUT... At times it is SO hard. I am often tired, frustrated, and grumpy, and there is not an automatic "other adult" in the household to hand off to when I feel that way. So, my daughter sees me tired, frustrated, and grumpy... I hope she will understand and be forgiving of that someday.

One thing that I think is helpful is to acknowledge to your child when you know you are being a "grump". I was surprised at how much my child understood and accepted this, even when she was two or three. Once she patted my hand and said "It's OK Mommy...You need a nap."

Support - family, friends, boyfriend, other moms is very important. If you can just have a "baby break" once in a while, it may be enough to keep you sane! Do understand, however, that you may not get a break every time you need one. During those times, do the best you can minute by minute, and try not to be too hard on yourself. Guilt is a worthless emotion when you are doing the best you can.

Suddenly going from a solitary single's life to an on-all-the-time mother is a huge lifestyle change. Most people take several months to settle in (and some with great difficulty). Some new single moms have a hard time bonding initially because they are overwhelmed and exhausted from completing the process, work, motherhood, house and home responsibilities, and lack of "self" time. If you don't adjust right away, or you just don't "feel it" right away, don't despair. In time, it comes!!

Take it day by day. I also found that it gets much easier with time!