Normalcy, Phew!

I think we are FINALLY back to normal around here after a most disappointing return from a great adults only weekend. When I went into Madeline's room this morning to get her, she was all smiles, the Madeline that we are used to seeing each morning! What a great way to start our weekend! It only took 4 days, many tears, some choice words, and LOTS of patience. Our typically happy-go-lucky household was just not fun, and that just isn't good for anyone.

Eric and I were/are just disappointed -- hence the rant. For us, I guess it's the larger picture that's impacted, and this one specific event is just one boundary overstepped. In our minds, it's just not acceptable to change routines, schedules, or house rules when nothing particularly special was happening. It seemed to just be a normal, low key weekend. We realize special occasions call for bending routines, changed schedules, etc. because those specific times are indeed special. Eric and I always try to do what is in the best interest of our daughter, and if that means she has to cry it out at naptime, then so be it. In the long run, she benefits from the nap (we all do actually)! As she gets older, she will experience more tough love from us, and it's called tough love for a reason...we love her dearly and only want what is best for her well-being. Not everyone believes in tough love & that is fine, but our household happens to believe that a little tough love never hurt anyone. Therefore, we expect her caretakers in our absence to abide by our guidelines and/or rules whether the belief systems are the same or not. We certainly don't expect anyone to do anything extreme or to do exactly as we do, but we expect certain things to be consistent. We were just irritated to return to such an unhappy, sleepy baby after such a nice getaway that we in turn had to spend the week "making her right again".

I hate ranting and being such a downer on the blog. I've been "venting" to my husband for the last 4 days as I've tried to get our household back to normalcy, so for his sake & sanity, I "vented" on the blog. We have some fun family stuff planned, and I, for one, cannot wait to enjoy our family time whether it be just us or with our friends! The blog has been a little wordy over the last few days, so I hope to post some "good times" pictures soon!