The ups and downs of Monday

Monday came too fast. I wasn't ready for it. I savored each moment of the weekend, knowing that it wouldn't last and that I would be heading back to work this morning. But, I was still incredibly sad last night. Mark tries to understand, but he's a guy. And as much as I love him, he is not a particularly emotional guy at that. So the fact that I was in tears about wanting to be home with Maia just did not make sense to him. I didn't sleep well last night and was up early this morning.

Work itself kept me busy. I was glad to see my patients and didn't lack for issues to deal with. It pretty much felt like I had left work on Friday afternoon and came back the following Monday. One of my co-workers dropped me an email welcoming me back and offering her support which was nice. The day passed quickly and I was able to wrap up the essential stuff before heading home.

Arriving home was really the hardest. Seven weeks ago, my precious kiddos were watching for me at the window when I pulled in the driveway. I would hear them squealing with excitement when I got out of the car. And by the time I walked through the front door, they would be at the top of the stairs waiting for me. Today, I walked in the house and Mathew said "hi" but he wasn't too interested in seeing me. Maia was sitting on the floor and didn't show much recognition or emotion. When I picked her up, she didn't enjoy that at all and just wanted to be away. It's hard. My heart hurt so... missing those daily moments with the kids that I treasure. 

On the positive side, Maia had an appointment with the dietician this afternoon. She has not lost any weight since coming home from the hospital. We haven't been using the nutritional supplements and her appetite is improving. Tonight, she ate meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and carrots. Last night, orange chicken, carrots, and fruit. It's wonderful to see her enjoying food a bit more! 

After dinner, she and I were sitting at the table. She knocked over a glass and was so proud of herself. So, we spent about 10 minutes with me stacking things up and Maia VERY purposefully knocking them over. Her movements are still very large and non-specific, but still...That's progress!! 

Matthew is healing well which is good and bad. I'm so happy that he is feeling better, but it makes keeping him quiet that much more difficult. Trying to get creative with activities that burn off a little energy without contradicting the surgeon's recommendations. 

He gave me one of those "Awww" moments tonight. Our bedtime story was about Daniel in the lions' den. As I was reading about the lions, Matthew looked so worried when we got to the page about the king putting Daniel in the den. This got a little better when we finished the story and he saw the lions with their mouths closed and Daniel out of the den and ok. When we were saying prayers, Matthew said "Thank you God and Jesus for stopping the lions." Oh, that boy! He can frustrate me so much one minute and melt my heart the next. Yep, God blessed me by answering my prayers to bring him home.

Tomorrow, Maia has therapy (PT and OT) and Matthew has speech therapy. Busy morning and I think we will try to have a quiet afternoon, being lazy at home.

Thank you for your prayers for my day - I felt them and they made such a difference! You are wonderful and a true blessing to us!