Cinder-Livvy

Cinder-Livvy

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Hats Off

Olivia's been home about 10 days now and really I've only been parenting her since she made it to the step down unit which was 2 weeks ago today.  In those 2 weeks I have never been more tired, frustrated and in love with anyone in my life.  It has not taken me long to realize how in the world to single parents make it all work?  Brian bears the brunt of her care on the weekends to give me a break and I handle the middle of the night feedings during the week, but to imagine doing 100% of all the work all the time is just overwhelming.  Even moreso I know that there are single parents out there that have heart babies or babies with other defects and that makes me so sad that they have to go through all of the appointments and procedures alone.

Hats off to involved extended families as well.  Everyone in both of our families has been keeping up with Olivia via this blog or facebook and has been more than supportive of us throughout everything since the diagnosis last year around Thanksgiving.  Their help big or small has been so helpful to us on a daily or weekly basis and just lets us know that they're out there rooting for us and Olivia's success.  My mom deserves a huge amount of appreciation and gratitude as well given that she's been by fairly often since we came home and keeps our house in an orderly fashion while I'm focusing on the little one.  She cleans the kitchen, washes/sterilizes bottles and would do anything that I asked of her without any fuss - overall just happy to be helpful.

At the end of each day I'm aware that our road would be much tougher without all these wonderful people in our lives.  I definitely have to buy a Mega Millions lotto ticket for tonight's drawing, I've got a lot of family to share it with if we hit the big one!  Not that money buys happiness as we already well know, but it couldn't hurt either!

2 comments:

  1. Extended family is the best. I agree with the single parent thoughts...I couldn't imagine doing this alone. I don't post much, but he is a HUGE help! Good luck on the lottery tonight.

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  2. Hi there....I finally had time to read your blog and find out your story (since I am stuck in the PICU with Travis). I am so excited that Olivia was able to go home from her Norwood so quickly......that is fantastic! I remember the first few weeks at home....it all felt overwhelming. Rest assured that it will all normalize soon! Good luck momma.

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