Sadly, our closest family members live about three and a half hours away from us. We try very hard not to be "that" couple, who relies on their family for help. We decided to move away and start a family on our own- and that's how we know we have to raise them. Without the constant help or crutch of family. But in the event we need them, all we have to do is ask, and they will hop in the car and head South. This held true while we left to travel to China to bring our sweet Daughter home and the same is true now, as we are recouping from her palate surgery.
Thank goodness for the blessing of loved ones. They will come and cook, clean, shuttle kids to and from school and activities, do laundry, and simply sit with you when you need some company. We are so lucky to have this family that CARES...that WANTS to help, that LOVES us, and wants to help make things easier for us. Not only have they been a lifesaver to my husband and I, but the Boys have SO enjoyed having them all here..to play with them, help them with homework, snuggle with them. It has been great-all around....
While we were in the hospital with Mia..our middle son received his Orange striped belt from karate and our oldest Son lost his 2nd tooth!! Big things for a Momma to miss..ya know?? I had alot of time invested in that tooth! Lots of wiggling..lots of brushing it..hoping it would come out on MY watch. Oh well...regardless..the Tooth Fairy came..and that's all that mattered to him. I also really missed seeing Alex's belt ceremony, but was lucky enough to have it videoed, so that I could see it later.
While my Dad was here, Alex enjoyed helping him cook dinner each night. As we would sit down to eat, he would announce.."This is the best meal EVER...beacuse I helped cook it!!". I can't begin to tell you how nice it was to get warm, home cooked meals every night by someone ELSE!!! Thanks, Dad!!! I LOVE your cooking!!!
We are so proud of our Boys. We realize that by adding to our family, especially a little one with some immediate needs, has been a little tough for them. Less of our time, less of our attention...but they are AMAZING. They just go with the flow and let us know when they are lacking .something...we are truly blessed to have such amazing kids...
Although..I AM a little partial.......;-))))
Well, as the last little bit of family leaves, I realize it is time to find our way back to our routine. Now that Mia is feeling a little better, I think we are going to do just fine. Although I have to admit, it gets a little lonely without them here. I hate so much that we live apart from our loved ones. We love being here and "doing it on our own", but I hate that the kids are apart from their sweet family. While we didn't particularly enjoy the "reason" (surgery) for their visits, we are SO thankful to have had this time to spend with them. There is nothing more special than a supportive family...
Blessings,
Angie
