1. The kids miss their Daddy.
I saw a difference in the kids' behavior almost immediately after Daddy left and it became more crystal clear to me than ever that they absolutely adore him. That's not to say that they don't love me as much, but there is just something special about the relationship my sons have with their father. I can't replace that. I can try to wrestle around with them, but it's just not the same. I can't toss them around like Daddy does (my boys are HEAVY!) and my Kiss Monster just isn't quite as intense. There's just something about Daddy and you can see it in their faces and hear it in their squeals of delight when he comes in the door every day. When he's not there for an extended period of time, the whole dynamic of the house changes.
2. It's ok to accept help when it is offered.
I've never been very good at taking help when people offer and I'm even worse at asking for it. I never want to put anyone out or feel like I'm adding a burden to anyone. It wasn't until I recently that it finally clicked in my head that there are some wonderful people out there who find sincere joy in reaching out a helping hand to others. My parents, my in-laws, my friend Jodi, and a number of the girlfriends I have from church are these people. They played with my kids so I could go catch up with a friend from high school. They took care of the baby so I could take a shower. They brought me supper so I wouldn't have to cook and spoiled me with an incredible pampering gift basket. In short, these wonderful people blessed me over the last ten days, making this whole thing so much easier.
3. It is perfectly acceptable to just survive.
You might think this really wouldn't have been too much of a struggle. I mean, I spend most of my time being a stay at home mom anyway, what's a few more hours/days? It becomes difficult because Evan being gone throws off the whole balance we have and I find myself getting further and further behind on things like cleaning, laundry, cooking, and the other day-to-day things that I usually have help with. These struggles are compounded when you add in two boys who are suddenly getting up at 5:30 every morning, a two year old who still has major sleep issues, and an infant. Surviving is just fine.
4. I can totally do this.
I am perfectly capable of taking care of my three sons. It may not be easy, it may not be pretty, and it certainly isn't perfect, but I'm the one God chose to be their mama. And I can totally do this.....when I have to.
That being said, hurry home honey!!
