An Education

Unfortunately I returned to work this week.  I had planned more time off, but for all of us, things are in a constant state of flux.  So we begin a second stage of life with an adopted child.  I had previously told my kids that even though Josie is home, life continues to move forward.  This week was an example of the perpetual movement of our world, which meant work was calling.  So I was gone.  Gone, wondering how things were at home, jealous that I had to be missing something.

In my absence, things were definitely more difficult.  Josie is adapting well, but she is adopted and there are     behaviors that you don't expect and parenting skills that you are unsure  should be applied.  Between the indecision, my other kids still have their needs.  My wife is holding up well, certainly meeting our kids needs, and loving her children dearly.  She does get tired.  Kelly loves her kids, but like every parent, kids demands can be draining.  

The greatest challenge is bed time.  Josie needs to be held to fall asleep.  Mom is the security blanket.   However, our other kids are older, so going bed with Josie nestled in like a Koala is not possible.  When I am gone in the evening the bedtime ritual becomes quite difficult.  I am so impressed with my wife for handling the adversity and challenges that come with our new family.

We are all learning.  Learning each other, learning our roles, and learning the intricate movements of each part.  We are a family.  We may have our frustrating times but we have each other.  At times we question ourselves as parents.  And then we kiss our kids goodnight. We look down at them in their sleep and realize  how empty we would be without them.  A true gift from God.