Day 2.

Chloe with her new bunny. 

A special dress from Grandma Locklin.

Simple lazy days at home.  That is how we started out our time with Grandma and Grandpa.  After only a couple days we are feeling recuperated with some much needed rest.  It's amazing how much more I can get done and still rest with extra hands around.  Chloe is loving the time with Grandma and Grandpa, even though we've had some challenging days.  Let's just say it seems like the Two's have arrived since Chloe turned a year and a half.  We hear "No!" most of the day.  And that is a word I try to avoid, by instead telling her what she can do.  Or giving age appropriate options.  My patience is tested daily.  I guess it's another place for me to grow.  Argh! 

Yesterday however, she was a doll the whole day.  She even took a 2 hour nap.  We played for hours in a friends backyard and our bloom collected grapefruit from the citrus trees that filled their yard.  It was a magical evening.  You could feel spring in the air.

While everyone enjoyed dinner, I snuck away to attend my first grief support group.  I was so nervous but the time was well spent with other women working through the loss of their mothers.  It's amazing the bond you feel with strangers who connect so deeply with a similar loss.  It was nice to hear how others were coping and learning from them.  I think it will be a nice place to collect strength.  I sure need it these days.  My energy seems to be dragging. 

How I long for the wisdom of my mom during these learning years as a mother.  I pray daily for guidance and assurance that I am giving my best effort.  Sometimes even when you don't have all the answers, you just need a pat on the back.  Giving it your all is what we are called to do as parents, right?