ouch

Isabelle has an owie. It's a big one. And I'm not sure how to help it heal. She was the baby for seven years, and now we have a new baby. I thought she was adjusting so well. She takes such good care of her baby sister. She is so eager to help and nurture her. But over the last several weeks she has come undone. She is acting out in a major way. Seeking negative attention.  This is one of those moments when I am lost as a mother. I don't know what to do to help her cope. I thought we were doing all of the right things. We've had mommy-isabelle date nights. I've tried to give her one-on-one time. Kyle and I have found ourselves getting so frustrated with her. I feel like she's always in trouble. Because, honestly, most of the time she is. I feel like we are just feeding her fire, but we don't know what else to do.

You have to know this about Isabelle. She is a free spirit. She always has a smile on her face and her energy is infectious. But she has always pushed the boundaries, and this is beyond anything I know how to handle. I've been on my knees a lot. Seeking Divine inspiration. For I know we can receive it if we ask. But I haven't had any epiphanies yet. I just feel lost. Maybe the answer will come in a way that I don't expect, but I'm grateful I know it will come. For now, I'm trying to just love her and ignore the behavior that I can. Because that's all I know how to do.

*check out THIS sweet storybook