The ABC's of International Adoption - Part Two

Here goes for a few more letters: 
Source: Concise Oxford English Dictionary

flail around/about (pg. 539) - flounder or struggle
I was flailing in this process until Friday morning.  I was beginning to feel a bit like a fish out of water!

guarded (pg. 632) - cautious and having possible reservations
I now have some very guarded optimism.

I am off to a meeting but wanted to throw those two words up!  Enjoy the rest of the weekend.