XYZ is here, and it looks like I'm staying...

[XYZ]

Tonight......normal Tuesday "family" dinner after D's karate class. It was this dinner 2 weeks ago that marked the beginning of piecing. I wasn't thrilled at how it started out, but I do have to say that it was success and I saw another baby step.

First, when W got home she was in a mood. This is why I say it didn't start great. She was quiet and not cheerful at all. I tried hard to stay upbeat but knew it would be a tall order with her in that mood. I think I succeeded, but certainly not to the degree that I would have liked. After a bit it came out that our S didn't sleep well last night and she was up a bunch. I commented that it seemed like she was really tired. She agreed and things started to improve from there. Over dinner I mentioned that if she ever needed me to take the kids an extra night so she could get some rest, I'd be happy to. She said that wasn't necessary. I replied, "ok, no problem but standing offer if you ever need". A bit later, she said "well, if you don't mind, it would be nice to get some rest". No problem at all. Conversation got better from there.

Later, she called to tell the kids goodnight. After speaking with kids, I got on the phone. We chatted just a moment (we'd just seen each other 45 min earlier). As we started to hang up....she said "ILY" FIRST! Now, in the last 2 weeks, we've had bunches of ILYs, but until tonight I was first and she followed. Baby step!

Nice TM conversation a bit later where she mentioned how much D5 thrives on validation. I agreed and commented that "we all do to some degree or another" Her, "yes we do. You're a great father. ily"

I'd have to call that a success....