lovemakesroom

The day started at 5:30 AM.

Not with an alarm—but with tiny footsteps and a quiet little voice beside my bed.

FS3 was trying to climb in with us. Half asleep, I gently redirected him back to his own bed and told him I’d come get him when the sun came up. He said, “Okay.” I said, “I love you.” And for a moment, it felt like we might get a little more rest.

About 15 minutes later… he was back.

This time, knowing I needed rest but also knowing he needed comfort, Wiley had him come over to his side of the bed. The two of them quietly entertained each other—whispering, playing little games, and easing into the morning together in that slow, gentle way that just felt right.

Both FS3 and FD6 still have lingering coughs. When they came to us three weeks ago, one had an ear infection and was already on antibiotics. And in true mom fashion, I managed to catch it all. I’m now about eight days into antibiotics for a double ear infection and sinus infection, still dealing with heavy congestion and a cough that just won’t quit.

At this point, I’m pretty sure all three of us will be making another trip to the clinic.

Around 6:00 AM, Wiley got up, took over with FS3, made breakfast, and brought me a breakfast burrito in bed. It’s the little things—and the teamwork—that are carrying us through this season.

From there, we were off to the races.

School drop-off and daycare drop-off went smoothly (a small win that never goes unnoticed). FS15 came to work with me because we had to leave at 8:50 for his eye exam. The appointment went well, and we had some really good, honest conversation in the car—those moments where teenagers let their guard down just enough to let you in.

In between it all, I connected with our caseworker, got therapy scheduled for FS15, and mentally tracked about a hundred moving pieces at once.

We made it back home around 10:15 and waited for our licensor, who arrived at 10:30 for a quick walkthrough. She checked out FS15’s room and officially updated our license to allow for four kids. That means if their sister needs placement, we won’t have to file for over-capacity.

It was a quick visit—but a meaningful one. A quiet step forward in something that feels really big.

By 11:04, I was back to work… and it felt like one thing after another. You know those days where no matter how hard you try to get ahead, something else pops up? That was today. Not every day is productive in the traditional sense—some days are just about showing up and doing your best to keep things moving.

I left around 2:45 to pick up FD6 from school. On the way home, I had to tell her that her visitations for the week were canceled.

She handled it better than I expected, which somehow made it both easier and harder at the same time.

FS15 had a lot of hope in his voice when we talked about it. And that’s the part that sits heavy. He’s told me before that she’s never stayed consistent for more than a couple of days. So you find yourself caught between wanting to protect that hope and quietly preparing for the reality that might follow.

That emotional balance… it’s not an easy one.

After dropping FD6 at daycare, I headed back to work until 5:00.

By the time evening rolled around, Wiley and I decided we all needed something to look forward to. So we took the kids out to dinner and told them we’re going to Seattle this Saturday for a day trip.

The older two lit up instantly—pure excitement. The youngest didn’t quite understand, but I know he’s going to have the best time.

And honestly? So are we.

Because sometimes, in the middle of all the appointments, emotions, and unknowns… you just need a moment of joy. Something simple and good.

We got home, and Wiley handled bedtime while I was in the bathroom dealing with some not-so-glamorous side effects from my Mounjaro shot. Real life doesn’t always come with a pretty filter.

After the kids were down, Wiley and I wrapped up our end-of-month paperwork together. Another small but meaningful win.

And then I crawled into bed, exhausted, grateful, and quietly hoping for a solid night’s sleep and a calm stomach.

Some moments feel like you’re barely keeping everything together.
Others catch you off guard with how sweet they are.
And most of the time, you’re living somewhere right in the middle of those two.

But in the middle of it all—there’s love. And right now, that’s more than enough.