Bite size chunks...

...that's how we roll around here right now.

1) I had a few hours of mama mental health and broke the home/work only rules with a quiet visit to Buckeye mama. Lawd! It was so wonderful to talk (in person) with another mom who knows precisely what I am talking about with the transitions for Claire. She was so respectful of Claire's situation and did not try to engage her in any way. Claire did fabulous with that and I was glad she did not do her prior behaviors of forcing engagement herself.....like she would do in the Target runs of the past by literally reaching out for strangers.

2) Color me happy. My girl was quite subdued today while away from home. I am glad to see much less of the enormous swings in her acting role. Perhaps it doesn't sound 'nice' but I am glad she is not being 'Miss Personality Plus' the last two times we have left the house. Even if it isn't nice, it IS good. Yes, it will have its ups and downs but I am sure going to enjoy the 'ups'.

3) The K came to Buckeye mama's house too but those wires got crossed. She arrived only a short time before it was time to head home with my sleepy, fussy gal. Better luck next time. It didn't go as I planned either because I had it in the works that Claire would nap on the way up....not.

4) Claire is now up 4 lbs since we came home. Unfortunately, I won't get into how much I am up. Egad. That has GOT to stop.

5) Claire and I have our appointment for evaluation/referral with the ped on Monday. I am so looking forward to that. Things ARE looking up overall but I fully believe we can both benefit from advice from the pros. We're also getting those poor fluid-filled ears checked out again.

6) I have had so many wonderful supports step forward and I thank you so much. I owe a number of you emails or calls. Please don't think me ungrateful. It's just been a little overwhelming around here these past weeks. I expect it to continue for a number of weeks more as I resume call.

7) These last weeks have been the single-most isolating ones of my entire life. Seriously. But, it is certainly all worth it too. The support is out there and ready but, for the most part, my girl and I have to get through this part on our own. In the direct sense, that is.

8) One would think I would be getting a lot done around the house with all this 'staying close to home'. Hmmmm...not so much ;0)

9) Sorry, still no new pictures. I haven't taken any pictures of my girl since right around Easter. We'll get back to it but I don't want to engage her like that for a while longer. You are free to think I am nuts if you wish. All I know is the changes I have honed in on are making a difference that I am much more comfortable with and, apparently, so is she.

10) The weather is beautiful. I have got to look into getting a play yard for Claire. She really liked the swing today and so did I (pushing her, that is - my butt wouldn't fit ;0)

11) I am not at that point yet where I cannot remember what I did with my life before my daughter arrived. Through the best of the best and worst of the worst of these past months, however, it is certainly becoming fuzzier. As well, that uncertain and blurry future is coming into focus with more sharpness as our days together melt into our new history.

12) Off to chill....or, perhaps, go de-squeak that elliptical. That would be a worthy project as my girl snoozes.