Tricia, it's probably just the adjustment phase and the newness of everything combined with stress of the two procedures. I think you are better at this than you think you are! And, it's normal to be protective and stressed over your babies.

I have to confess that even as an experienced parent, there were a few times during Katya's first weeks home that I had to just go in the bathroom, shut the door and have a good cry. I wondered at times why I thought I could handle it all. But I did, and I do, and you will too. (It sounds like you're doing swimmingly fine, by the way!) And, your skin does get thicker. Or, maybe you just get more confident. Either way, I can't remember the last time I cried in a bathroom OR felt like my insides were like jamba juice. Hoping you get there too (soon)! Long distance hugs to you.

Thinking of you...

This parenting stuff - both of the child and dog-child variety - is no easy task!!

Hang in there!

p.s., if you need to control your jellybean habit, just buy a pack & send half of them my way. I'm sure I can help!! ;)

Aww. When they say it's a tough job, guess they're not kidding!! Maybe you need a little "ME" time. Heck, go get a Jamba Juice and a manicure. :) Thinking of you...

Oh Tricia! I'm so sorry! On the bright side, at least you were eating jelly beans and not chocolate. Less pounds to worry about. :-) It's so hard when both of your babies are down and out. I like Rachael's idea of a good cry in the bathroom. Just be sure to take the jelly beans with you! :-) Hang in there - it sounds like both kiddos are doing great!

It is tough all the way around. I'm so glad both your babies are home and recovering now. Don't worry too much, you'll recover too. A little me time sounds like it's in order.

Ronda

Hugs... tough time indeed, but you are doing so great

You have had so much at once. She looks absolutely beautiful! Hang in there mom!

Tricia my friend: the first x number of months being an adoptive parent are sooo hard, and you are doing a great job. Oh, my goodness, everything you've had to go through with Rita (surgeries, school, language, etc.)--that's beyond the pale for any "regular" parent.

And then to add worry over your sweet big puppy dog: it's a wonder what you crave isn't MUCH worse than jelly beans. I understand how lonely and hard it is.

Please reach out if you want--not just to me but to any of us who have "been there done that." In my experience, the first six months home are really rough--and ultimately so worth it. But I can't count the number of times, I cried myself to sleep. Hang in, it will get better, I promise.

You're finding out a lot about yourself right now--strengths you never knew you had and you do have them! Too bad jelly beans play a part in that! I love your "blended in a jamba juice blender" and "pumped back in with a garden hose full blast" phrases--ever thought of writing children's books? You have plenty of sources now. Have you ever read Erma Bombeck? Hang in there, Momma!

It's a little tough having to be nurse to both of your "kids". I'm a bit nervous with the heartworm thing we hear so much bad things about that. I know everything will be okay, but it's still scary. But I'm so happy for Rita. She is such a cutie, glad everything is going so well for her.