Good days, bad days

There are many things that are different between having an adopted child and a biological child.  There are far more things the same.  And having a good day vs a bad day is just one of those “same” things.

I’ve been working on what I’ve affectionately called “project nap” for Desta.  I liken it to potty training.  Am I training me or the baby?  This is something we both needed. I realized how much I needed the break in the day to just do a few things by myself and she needs the sleep to keep growing healthy and strong.

But like any training plan, there are good days and bad days.  Today was a good day.  Yep, even though she blessed me with a wonderfully scented diaper at 4:30 am and never went back to sleep, it was a good day. 

I’m trying to figure out why.  A few things came to mind. 

1.  I made a pot of coffee and promptly consumed the entire pot prior to 6 am. 

2.  I made a point of telling both of my older children that I was up very early (to which my daughter pointed out that she knew because she saw the lines on my eyes.  oh really huh?)

3.  I stay committed to “the plan” and Desta had two naps today. 

4.  I realized that a good day vs a bad day is a choice.  Yes, I had to choose what it would be. 

See, so often I feel entitled to behave a certain way.  I am “allowed” to be grumpy because the dog, dang it!, had to pee at 4 am and the baby, well, she couldn’t help her bodily functions but still!  Entitlement is so easy to feel. 

Today, for once, instead of being entitled to a certain feeling, I extended myself and all those around me grace.  And you know what?  It was a good day.