Freaking out a bit...
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| Wed, 08-24-2005 - 4:20pm |
Yikes! All these things are changing for me right now and I'm having trouble keeping up mentally and emotionally. I'm not depressed, just a little overwhelmed.
First, my husband is deploying in less than a week. He'll be gone for 4 months and I live away from family, overseas. It's the first time we've been apart for this long in over 2 years, and the first time since our last 2 kids were born. Not only will we all miss him, but I will have more responsibility and less time for things I want/need to do.
Second, I just had my 4th baby in June. I can't believe I'm the mother of four kids. How did I get here?! Wasn't I just a kid myself? I feel like my mom now. She had 4 kids.
Next, I'M TURNING 30 IN OCTOBER! I was just telling DH less than 2 years ago that 30 isn't old and not to freak out about leaving his 20's, and now here I am... I think it's turning 30 along with having 4 kids. Someone reassure me that 30 isn't really old.
Also, I have 25 pounds to lose still, but no time for the gym and since I'll be alone I can't leave the kids with DH while I walk. My best idea is a double jogging stroller, but it gets really rainy here in the fall and I'm not sure I want to walk/jog in the pouring rain. But how else do I go about it? I desperately want to be back at my prepregnancy weight before DH gets home in January. There's just not much time to fit in exercise and so far I'm doing terrible at counting calories.
The kids are starting soccer and ballet and school and youth group next week. I'm exhausted thinking about all the driving I'm going to be doing.
I hope this doesn't sound like I'm complaining. I'm blessed in my life. I love my life. I'm just feeling old, fat, tired and a little dizzy at the thought of getting older.
Reece

I feel your pain! I have 4 kids too and often wonder how I got here as well. I'm going to be honest it will probably be a bit frustrating and over whelming for a couple of years. Particularly with your husband gone.
My youngest is just turning 2 tomorrow and I'm finally feeling like I'm getting out from under all the baby stuff. Just need to get her potty trained. Still it's hard to take time away for myself with out feeling guilty or not taking time at all. However, I think I've come along way in the last year. Don't feel quite as guilty the older she gets and have begun to rely on family, sisters, brother, and
Hey there Reece, and welcome to the board! Where is Europe are you? I was born and raised in Ireland, but have been living in the Virgin Islands for the past eleven years!
Seems that there is a lot going on for you at the moment, but your goal is doable! Do you have any workout videos to use? Perhaps while the older children are at school you could fit in a 20-30 minute workout while the youngins take naps or something. Just a thought....
Another thing is to really take a good look at your diet. If you go to www.fitday.com they will calculate your calories, fat, carbs, etc...when you put in what you've had to eat. It will also workout how many calories you burned VS those you took in if you use the 'exercise' section too.
You will find the ladies here to be really supportive, and very knowledgeable!! Looking forward to posting with you-
Moderation IS Key
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Welcome to the board Reece!! It sure sounds like you have a lot to deal with right now, so I'd suggest taking things slowly.
Reece-
Welcome! Your life is very busy but I have learned that you cannot be good in other parts of your life if you aren't eating right & exercising. You need to take care of you first. I know that's a hard thing to remember to do.
I agree with the others, do as much as you can. I am certainly not working out hours each week. I'm just trying to get my butt off the couch 3x a week. My neighbor does her exercise videos with her kids & they love them! Maybe you can try that.
You will certianly find lots of help & support here. I certainly have.
Ann
Reece, first off welcome to the board!
~Kiervin~
Co-author of: MONSTER'S INK HORROR ANTHOLOGY By Cyber-Pulp Press
I live in Germany. We're hoping to get stationed in England after this because we LOVED it when we visited last year and both of us have always wanted to visit Ireland as well. We love the history, the accents, the scenery...everything.
My kids are 11, 9, almost 2, and 2 months. I had grown accustomed to having my time to myself while the older 2 were in school, then we had the last two. It's been a big adjustment for me, starting over and all. Also, since this is the first time I've had little kids and not been close to family.
I do have workout videos, but most I've never done! Shame on me! I will definitely be hunting them down and dragging them out. Thanks to all who reminded me about them. I've also been considering an exercise bike.
The military is very supportive to the spouses left behind. Each squadron has "Key Spouses" that get everyone's info before the military member deploys, then stays in contact throughout. They have a ton of activities for the family, free babysitting for one night a month to give mom a break. They have special priveledges like discounted bowling and tours and one free oil change. I already feel taken care of and he's not even gone. The Family Support Center has a big roll in making sure families are okay. The Air Force definitely has a geat program for caring for families. I have so many phone numbers for reaching people while he's gone. It's amazing to me.
We've had a six month separation before, for his schooling. Again, that was easier since we still lived in our hometown.
Thanks for all the encouragement. I'm sure I'll be fine. He's acually being deployed to the States, which is crazy. I'm actually jealous and wish I could go to! If it weren't for the kid's school, I probably would. I do wish I didn't have such a young baby whie he's gone, and I wish I wasn't still wearing maternity clothes. Fitting into my old jeans would be such an emotional boost!
Reece
this seems like a great time to establish some new routines. Get involved in activities that you can still do when he returns. Create a life out side of being a wife and mother, as great as that is you need to have an identy all your own. Learn about architecture, art, learn a local craft or sport, history and culture is all over explore your options - any time you get relocated you will have the oppertunity to learn and grow your hobby.
I have a number of family members that retired & moved to Florida. THey had no interests or hobbies out side of work their entire lives. Now that they don't work they sit around looking at each other.
Be well & be happy
Robyn