We Survived Week One. And Lucy's Carwash Fixation

 

Daniel is gone for 2 consecutive weeks.  And, my friends, we have survived the first week.  That is saying something, since early in the week I was ill and really not feeling up to the job of single parenting two toddlers while 6 months pregnant. 
 

Especially with both sets of grandparents unavailable to swoop in.  Tuesday was the low point.  I was actually short of breath most of the day and seriously concerned something was wrong.  But after a very quick check at the midwife and a somewhat decent night's sleep that evening... everything was looking a little better Wednesday morning.  And we continued improving through the week, finally really finding our rhythm yesterday and today.  And so going into next week, I'm not feeling short of breath thinking about doing it again.  I'm feeling okay.  And that's a miracle.  May God smite me dead if I should ever utter a critical word about a single parent -- it is not easy, even only for a week.  Shoot--even only for a day. 



We are well into the bunk bed transition now.  The kids have been going to bed at the same time--and I'll credit their not playing till all hours together to the friendly parent/police stationed in the room while they fall asleep. 



Some day we'll give them the space to play and enjoy each other's company a little more at night time, but for now -- it takes a solid hour for them to fall asleep, even with one of us in the room the whole time.  I can't imagine leaving it all up to them to fall asleep without us in there.  Though, one day, we'll be there. 



I found this cool wagon at a resale shop.  Isn't it neat? 



I can't wait to pose a newborn boy in it -- but for now, the kids love playing in it.  And it's stout!



Lucy is completely hung up on something that happened 6 months ago.  We picked up my nephew from school one day and then proceeded to the car wash.  It was Lucy's first time, and she was understandably a little afraid of all the noises and confusing, soapy visual display on every window.  She held Jack's hand--which I told her, after the fact, was so sweet.  So now she repeats this narrative literally everyday.  To anyone who asks her a question that seems like an opening to discuss it.  Ex: Lucy--how was your day? 
It wah-pretty good.  We went a car wash, and it was LOUD.  There were red towels.  I hold Jack's hand.  It wah-sooooo sweeeeet.  
Was that today?
Ummmm no.  It wah---a WHY--ago.  
Would you like to go back to the car wash again some time?
Ummmm no thank you.



Even with Daniel gone this whole week -- she could articulate on the phone, Hi, Dada--You coming back on Friiiiiiday?  At night-night-time?
Yes, Lucy, I miss you!
But we went to a car wash.  It was LOUD.  There were red towels.  I hold Jack's hand.  It was sooooo sweeeeeeet.



It's so funny... I guess she's still processing what happened?  She definitely does not want to go back any time soon.  But she brings it up multiple times/day.  I had no idea the impact that day would have for her.  The car was just really dirty.



Makes me really curious what other random things from her childhood she will latch onto and remember with crystal clarity.