Better Today

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words of support on yesterday’s post. I’m feeling a lot better about things today. Physically, I’m exhausted and hurting, but as I was packing teeny tiny newborn outfits in pink and blue in my hospital bag today, I regained the perspective that this is all for a good cause. Because after all, I am having a baby. Another child that I will love as much as I love Grayson? Wow, that’s going to be amazing. And that certainly overshadows any stress, fear, or pain I’m feeling.

And, as my bloggy friend Stef pointed out in her comment, what I’m really stressed about is the unknown. I have no idea how the next few months (or years, whatever) are going to play out, but they will. When people say “I don’t know how you do it” when referring to Grayson, I always say that I don’t have a choice. Sure, I don’t do it perfectly, but I’ve learned a ton over the past 2 years about a lot of things I never would have dreamed I would be dealing with. And it will be the same with having 2 kids- I’m smart, I’ll figure it out.

And as several other friends pointed out, the guilt I will feel is probably unavoidable, but the good news is for this new baby, our crazy life will he his/her normal. Doctors appointments, therapies, vomit, seizures, tubes…it won’t be anything s/he will bat an eye at. And I’ve heard so many times that siblings of special needs kids develop incredibly soft hearts and amazing empathy. I hope that is true for Baby C.

Grayson had a good day today. It was his first day back at school and he was obviously excited to see his teachers (and must have been soaking up all that learning because he didn’t take a nap- oy). When we got home we spent some time rocking, singing and giggling; I’m soaking up every second I can with my sweet boy, while it’s just us for a few more weeks.

7 Comments

  1. Erin on January 8, 2013 at 3:45 am

    So glad to hear that today was a calmer and better day. For sure school and a routine help, glad that G had a great day!

  2. Kristin on January 8, 2013 at 4:07 am

    Hi Elizabeth, I'm Hannah and Dave's friend and they told me about your blog. Just wanted to let you know that I am one of those younger siblings and grew up with all of the things you mentioned – Doctors appointments, therapies, vomit, seizures, tubes, and more. My older sister Julie is one of the biggest blessings in my life and the best big sister I could have ever asked for. My younger sister and I did grow up with a different experience than most kids, but we learned about serving others and also learned a lot about unconditional love. I'm so grateful for my family, and I am sure your new little one will be just as blessed by their special family too! Thanks for sharing your heart here on your blog!

  3. Stefanie Blakely on January 8, 2013 at 4:11 am

    Not only will you figure this out, you're going to ROCK it!!You make such an AMAZING point about siblings of special needs kids– being empathetic and kind, also being exposed to so many things as part of their normal life.I love, love, love you, friend, and I just know that this is going to be an amazing time in your life, PACKED with blessings.

  4. allthesunforyou on January 8, 2013 at 4:41 am

    I'm so glad things are better!Being your child, I have no doubts that Baby C will have a very soft heart and tremendous empathy 🙂

  5. Esperanza on January 8, 2013 at 5:08 am

    "When people say "I don't know how you do it" when referring to Grayson, I always say that I don't have a choice. … And it will be the same with having 2 kids- I'm smart, I'll figure it out."Yes and yes! And such wonderful point about the siblings of kids with specials needs. They really do develop an empathy and understanding that most kids never have.You can do this. You will do this. And you're going to be amazing. Truly.

  6. Emma G on January 9, 2013 at 1:12 am

    Glad you had a better day, always thinking about you and your sweet, sweet family.

  7. Kyla on January 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    Hoping for lots of "better" days as you guys make all these big transitions!

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