Extremes

What a whirlwind few weeks it has been! There is a stomach bug that has hit most of us, of course, one at a time. The only ones spared so far have been our two Chinese beauties, probably because they built up crazy strong immune systems in the orphanage. At least I pray they will ultimately be spared. Most of us have just felt not right, maybe a little queasy. Josiah and Lanie had it the worst, vomiting, diarrhea, the whole nine yards. I'm the latest victim and am trudging through my day today. I am actually waiting for Josiah at swimming lessons right now and can't believe I made it here. Don't know how I'm going to do dinner prep though. I am pretty spent.

Luckily, I have a new helper this week. James is now a licensed driver, so he's been able to drive himself and his siblings to track practice, and then he drives himself home. He gets done quite a bit later than the middle schoolers, so he can't bring them home. Luckily, I have a carpool set up so I only have to pick up once a week. And just so you know how spoiled we all are, the school is all of a mile and a half from our house - and still I complaint about driving. The big deal really is having to get the little ones in and out of the car.

So I've had the excitement of seeing James drive off on his own for the first time, and in that same week Josiah learned to ride his bike! One driving off in a car, one zipping off on his bike! Little steps of letting go, each one. Each one is bittersweet.