[praying4rlittl1]

((((Lou)))) I totally get you on this one. I think the hardest thing is when the picture we had in our heads of how things would be, no longer matches the reality in our homes. I've been there (and some days still am).

It WILL get better. I know in your head you know this, but the day to day challenges often cloud out even thinking about the future. I have a couple of emergency suggestions for right now though.

*Wear Essie. All the time if possible. Don't put her down.

*The minute your dh comes home, take 15 minutes for yourself in the bathroom. Or if you can only squeeze in 5, take 5. Something to regroup so that you can face the constant neediness for the rest of the evening.

*Treat Essie as if she were BORN the day you picked her up. So instead of being x-months old, she is actually only 2 weeks, etc. You've got a little girl regressing and that's awesome. In essence you are mothering a baby, not a toddler.

*Let the house go, or hire in help right now.

*Read Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control. Sign up for the Yahoo group and daily email. It will help you. Promise.

And whatever else, know that we care deeply. Those of us who have been there are walking this road with you. Please don't stop reaching out.