Anyway....learning to adjust to our new normal seems to be an everyday challenge. I'll take it though. It sure beats the alternative. I'm sure there is an art or a science that we will create for our family. For instance, when Mommy wants to go to dinner for a girls night out we just have to start the bedtime routine about an hour early. Since Lucy can't be left alone for any period of time, its imperative that all baths and bedtime activities are complete before one person is left alone with all three kiddos. No big deal, unless girls night out starts 30 minutes before bedtime even begins. Oh, well. Being 45 minutes late is no big deal. Right?
We've been busy since we came home at the end of last week. Visiting friends, visiting family and trying to remember what normal life is like. Last night we ate dinner with our friends Cissy and Cliff and their precious children. We had so much fun and the kids played well together. Well, everyone except Lucy. But that's a work in process I hope. Tonight, as I mentioned, we ate dinner with Leigh and Chad and celebrated Benjamin's 7th birthday. It was fun, even amidst the personal chaos.
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| Eating chocolate cake with Maddie |
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| Birthday boy Benjamin, Lucy and Leigh |
I might not be able to learn old tricks again, but this little one sure seems eager...
I love this little boy. He makes my heart smile. He has been amazing since we've been home. He has changed a lot over the past 6 weeks. He's calmed down a lot, he listens, he plays by himself. God really knew that I needed a break. And Ella hasn't disappeared. She's just on vacation with her cousins this week. I can't wait to get her back home. I miss her like crazy and Lucy has been very lonely. Jack misses her too. He walks around the house yelling "YaYa" all day long. We will be together soon and I can't wait!
Keeping Lucy and your family in my prayers...(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post<3
Praying for your sweet family! I know when I had a brain tumor removed the Dr told us that somethings may bother me that never did before and things that used to bother me wouldn't. That could be the reason behind Lucy's anxiety. I'm sure the Drs can help with that though :-) good luck
ReplyDeleteContinuing prayers!! I am so thankful for Lucy's healing.. And or your family to get back to normal! It is amazing to see God perform miracles!!
ReplyDeleteJack is just adorable! I am praying for Lucy and the adjustments that she is having to make. I can't imagine what that sweet girl has been through and the enemy is just rearing his ugly head trying to make trouble where there isn't any. i am praying that God will continue to show Himself mighty and that Ella, Jack and Lucy will soon settle into their new routine spelled out by God's new mercies!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update and pictures. We have fallen in love with your family and love to see how you are all doing. Keeping you all in our prayers and.....enjoy the chaos....it will be what we miss the most when they are grown :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you were able to go out for girls night out!
ReplyDeleteAfter a year and half of what little Lucy and your family has gone through, I think it is 100% understandable and expected that normal life activities sometimes are overwhelming. Especially for Lucy. You should be proud you are taking a proactive approach and seeking out the help of a child Psychologist, for Lucy and your family. I can not imagine what toll all this has taken on Lucy, but she is now starting a new chapter and we all wish her and you and the whole family only the very best. Please know Lucy and all of you remain in our prayers...
ReplyDeleteHa - we all know that normal is just a setting on the dryer. Praying that Lucy will overcome her social anxitety and that God will show you the "normal" just for you.
ReplyDeleteIt will all come back to a new normal soon!
ReplyDeleteWe still keep you in our prayers and we are glad to see God working his miracles every day.
ReplyDeleteThe earnest look on Jack's little face says it all - look, Mama, I'm helping you! So sweet! Praying for all of you to figure things out in your own time, whatever that time may be. No rush, no hurry, no pressure. Take time. Breath.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be so different for Lucy as well as you all to go from one extreme to another in a blink of an eye but I am so glad to hear that you are taking a few minutes for yourself ( you deserve it). I always feel that if you take even a half hour to yourself you have more patience to deal with everyday issues. The picture of Jack is so adorable, glad he is such a big helper.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are home. I love that you are having girls night out. I love that Lucy is smiling. You certainly sound like you're on the right track with Lucy and the plans you have to help her. I'm so thankful you are all at home (well almost all). My prayers remain constant.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers to you all...hugs to Lucy...she is gonna soar now you are home.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers to you all...hugs to Lucy...she is gonna soar now you are home.
ReplyDeleteIt tickles my heart to hear all the great news at your end. Whatever you do is your normal and the good think about having your own normal is that it cannot be compared to anyone else's normal. I am sure that working with a child psychologist will help turn the corner for you.
ReplyDeleteIt must be very hard to get back to 'normal' again and I am sure it is going to take a while. I hope that the psychologist can help Lucy feel more relaxed. Love to you all. Lily. xxx
ReplyDeleteI have been following your family for a few weeks with your posts. Lucy and the family have been on our prayer list, thats how I became familar with your story, for lack of a better word. Im thrilled that you are home and trying to tackle, so called, normal life. No one but you and God knows what Lucy has been through during this war. I am glad to see you seeking out help and I am sure you wont let anyone blow smoke your way!!
ReplyDeleteTake care and one day or moment at a time!!
God loves you all,
Kathy H.
Praying for you all as you maneuver this "new normal". Praying that God lifts this anxiety from Lucy. Tell Ella that I'm a YaYa too!! My nephew who is now 16 started calling me that when he was a baby and it stuck. Hope she has a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteOh Sweet Lucy :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a thought I had regarding the social anxiety. Little Lucy's brain has been tramatized many, many times. So could it be something like (TBI) Tramatic Brain Injury. Also PTSD for all her little body and mind have been through and continue to go through.
Continued prayers for Lucy and all of you and the ongoing adjustments to normal. I agree with an earlier post. Normal is just a setting on the dryer.
God Bless You All!!!
Kristi
WA STATE
Your C.S Lewis quote on your last posting is so true, now this challenge to you "new" normal...praying for Lucy, that she will find strategies to deal with what must be an amazingly challenging time for her. Hugs to all of you, hoping you can continue to find many blessed times with family and friends, and for understanding babysitters:)
ReplyDeleteI think the most amazing, and important thing is that you are out there doing, even when it is hard, and the little things become impossible. Many people would just hang their hats and not even put forth the effort. I think the trying part is the half the battle, and you're already there!
ReplyDeleteLucy having these issues is totally understandable. That poor baby's brain has been through so much the last year and a half. I think the psychologist will be able to help with these issues. Still praying for all of you daily!
ReplyDeleteso happy that you are all home together. Also, that you are taking time out for you as you try to all get back into your new normal. all 3 kids look so happy these days. we continue to pray for your entire family.. Becky
ReplyDeleteEveryone looks so happy! Praying that adjusting to your new normal goes smoothly! And thanking Him for the miracles he has given Lucy! I will never stop praying for her health and happiness. She's a beautiful and strong little girl. Thank you for sharing this journey and allowing all of us to pray with and for you and your girl! Praying always.
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