Mixed emotions

Ah it's so lovely to have mum and dad home. It feels like they've never been away to be honest. The girls have taken to them with no problems; I was surprised at Livia's recognition of them at the airport and think it must be because of Skype. She had a huge smile but also, what I'd call, 'confused amusement', as if to say 'what are you doing out of the computer?!' We've had a few days together staying at my grandparents which has been really special.

Through all of this, things have felt a little weird, as the day after Mum and Dad got back, we found out that some lovely friends of ours had lost their 3 month old baby boy to a brain tumour. It was all very quick and tragic. It's felt so strange carrying on with our lives as usual, knowing that they are going through he worst possible scenario. You don't want to make their tragedy about 'you' but I've felt so sad for them and have cried many tears for their loss.

Chloe has also been acting quite strange since Mum and Dad have come back. She is being very emotional and having breakdowns over the least little thing. To give an example, we went to a soft play and she couldn't climb a particular bit of it and dissolved into floods of tears and demanded that I come and get her from inside the soft play. She has also been off her food a little and being extra clingy, not wanting others, just me. Oh and quite naughty too!

I wonder whether it is to do with all the changes at the moment and feeling unsettled. Chloe has found it difficult to understand why Mum and Dad aren't back in their old house. She asks to play the games they used to have or to do the old craft/cooking activities. As Mum and Dad are staying with friends, the things they can do with her are quite different. I don't think Chloe realises they will be going back to India in a few weeks.

I'm hoping these mixed emotions will become happier as the weeks go on. I pray everyday for our friends coping with the loss of their baby and their faith has been amazing throughout. It inspires me to be more thankful and to make the most of all the blessings in my life. And to put small problems and worries in their rightful place. God is bigger!