[lou0728]

Everyday is brand new and a chance for brand new things..... After our WORST day ever on Saturday Essie and I turned a corner. Things are much brighter in our house! I'm not trying to say that everything is perfect now.....it's not..... BUT, things are better. I am so grateful for every step forward we make....baby steps. baby steps. baby steps. Saturday night I prayed SO hard...... I know that I may not make the best decisions all the time, but I know that God does...... HE made the decision to send Essie to us. I thanked Him again for having the confidence in Andrew and me to parent our sweet girl. I told Him I would continue to do my best to do His will. He knows that I'm not perfect. He knew that we would struggle. He KNEW that Essie would have issues. He knew all this, and He sent her to us anyway. Out of everyone on this planet He chose US to be Essie's parents. Wow. Humbling huh? I know I will have moments, and I know we are far from being back to normal. I also know that all this is in God's perfect plan for our family, and I am going to thank Him for every second whether it be happy, sad, frustrated, tired, miserable, confused, selfish, overwhelmed, lonely, or any other emotion that may hit me. I am also thanking Him for all of you. You don't know how much you helped pull me from the pit, and I love each and every one of you. Thank you for loving me, and thank you for being my friends.

[Clare'sMom]

Lou, I am so glad you had a better day! You have such a good outlook.... Please know that your in my thoughts... Ann

[Aveasmom]

GLad to see you are feeling better. I am sure there are going to be rough days to start. I am sure day after day they will get better. Your family is truly blessed. Some days it may not feel that way. But the next day it will. Even though you may have bad days. You can always look forward to a beautiful one. And soon your days will all be beautiful. Good luck to you and to your family.

[pvanabel]

Glad to hear you had a better day - maybe print out your above post and hang it on your fridge or mirror in your bathroom so when you have another 'trying' day you can read this again and pull strength from it. Hang in there.

[SKL]

I'm so glad to hear from you and know you are feeling better. You know, when I struggled, I just kept telling myself that if I can't do it, nobody can! Not because I'm perfect, but because nobody else is either, and I'm trying and loving my best.

I feel there is so much more joy in seeing my girls laugh and play now, because the challenge of getting to this point was so great. What is better than never taking everyday joys for granted? I am pretty sure you will be feeling the same way after a while.

Best wishes for things to keep getting better!

[w8ting4Thomas]

I am so glad to read this. My heart broke for you!!!
I thinking printing this and putting it somewhere you can always see is a GREAT idea. And remember God did send Essie to you and you are her MOM!!! You will do fine and don't be so hard on yourself!!!

[karen nickols]

Shew. A breather. Thank the Lord. Coming home the same day as you did with my 3 yo and 2 yo I can relate. Normal will never be the normal we used to know but we do begig to redifine our family and go forward. You know my littles had time in Gt to get used to each other and you know I wanted to run away it was so bad. As hard as it was for me to be there alone for that time I had the fortune of not having to run a house or concern myself with any other issues. You have a lot on you plate. Just know we are here for you and are your biggest cheerleaders (ok I dont want to be biggest-how bout greatest). Hang on and hold on.We love you and those babies. Love Karen

[maccafan]

I'm so glad things are looking brighter! It really does get better and better. Although there are always going to be difficult days, it gets easier to get through them. Please always feel free to come here for support when you need it. No one understands this stuff like other APs! (I know from experience that your child will look like a complete ANGEL in front of the grandparents and others...until the moment they leave the house!)

[CEB]

Glad to hear about the "corner"! Remember we are always here if you need to vent. Kisses to your sweet girls!

[DeeVee]

Lou, I'm so happy to read this post this morning. Glad you are doing better. And thank you for sharing the ups and the downs -- I know it's encouraging to me to read that I am not alone in the down times.

(((hugs)))

[JoshGuat]

good! Hope things get better and better each day. I know that is how it is for me, with a few set backs here and there. Thanks for posting the good news!!!

[praying4rlittl1]

Aww....so good to hear your confidence again...