A Hard Days Week

We had a rough week in the Reilly home. Sean was away from the home most all of the week, including every evening and night- that's never easy. All of us depend on him for so much, just practical things like fixing things but much more for stability and emotional support. Ambree was noticeably upset by his absence, which meant more fits, pretending to be a baby, being contrary and breaking down in tears for Sean. Some days were easier than others.

But on top of that, Monday night by back went out. I was laying Jack in his crib and suddenly I felt my disc bulge out and to the side. I couldn't stand up straight. It didn't hurt as much as I was functionally limited. I tried to get it to go back, but no dice. I put Ambree to bed. Then, of all the nights, Jack woke up and had spit up on his sheets- too much to just lay him back down. Changing Jack's sheets is the most physically intense thing I do as a mom- really. The sheets are super fitted, and the mattress barely fits into the bumper. It involved A LOT of bending my back and took about 5 minutes- not good for a bulging disc.

That night I booked an appointment with my friend and therapist, Tina, via her tech on FB.

By the morning, my shoulders were off to the side and I was even more bent at the waist with more pain, all indicating a disc bulge to the side. I took my friend Jeanine and her girls up on their offer to help. They came and cleaned, took care of the babies and babysat while I went to see Tina. And I am so prideful when it comes to my home being cleaned. I hate people seeing it messy. If you call to say you're coming over, I have Ambree cleaning up toys and I'm frantically throwing things in the spare bedroom. Having someone clean it for me was humbling, but grew me.

This went on all week. I couldn't bend over to pick anything up, lifting the children was painful and dangerous, and I only felt relief when laying down. I added it up, I think it took 15 people's help to get me through, and that doesn't count words of encouragement, friendly emails or texts or prayers. My mom was over every night, and my dad helped every night he was in town too. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such loving people.

I learned first hand that I'm not meant to live this life in isolation. Life is hard and filled with sin. When things are good, I need people to rejoice with me. When things are insurmountable, I need to be pointed to Christ, who has overcome all.

But the week wasn't all bad...

Ambree and Jack playing in Jack's corner,where he can often be found playing by himself.



 Sweet sibilings (its good theirs not sound on this image, or you would hear not such sweet words from a territorial sister)

 A fun visit to a friend's farm, where Ambree saw goats, pet a chicken, collected eggs, picked blackberries and rode a horse.

Jack is starting to take a couple of steps, refused shoes, and is making a name for himself in our home, as his little, but very big personality is emerging.

Thank you to everyone who helped with babysitting, cleaning, bringing over meals, praying, anything. Thank you to everyone who offered. Thank you, Mom, for being there every day and night. You are the best mom I could ask for and our family is so blessed by you.