I Salute You
Oh Beegeez … Single Moms/Dads … those that have partners that travel all the time or work insane hours … I Salute YOU!
This parenting gig by yourself is HARD. I am so tired. Yet I have had a total BLAST with the kids while J was away. I refused to get cranky (helps that I feel less like crud and more like normal). J is back in town but has visiting professors to entertain (aka take out to yummy meals and drinks, sounds great eh? Yeah well typically they talk about chemistry .. soooo yeah I will take a pass! hehe). I even took some time to organize our bedroom a little. Being that it is always last to be settled when we move there were still pockets of chaos. Truly there still are pockets of chaos, but manageable ones.
I have woken up to Becca in my bed, sleeping peacefully, we have gone for winter walks to buy ice cream, played hours and hours with Playmobile, nursed, napped (not me of course) and have enjoyed each other. Being their mom never ceases to amaze me.
I am sure that I could not be an attached parent solo. I am going to need some sleep soon. Ethan has popped out his seventh tooth, finally adding one to the six he has had (his last tooth emerged while we were still in New Mexico). Becca has not stopped talking, I am not even sure how she breaths. Yet we get in public and she is this cute, shy, coy child. At home … Banshee, a beautiful spirit, WAILING THROUGH THE HOUSE (minus all the death references). Honestly, I quite enjoy she spirit and I am not complaining … however I am thankful for a little quiet time.
I am very much looking forward to the gallent return of my partner in crime, so I can slip away to get some sleep and a little time to myself.
Thanks! Rob travelled 50% of the time this past winter and yeah! It was hard! Now that the weather is getting nice they’ve decided to only send him to Ireland for 1 week every 6 weeks - figures. I’m glad J’ll be home soon!
I wonder sometimes how my mom did it when my dad was deployed. Although sometimes when my hubby is gone it’s a little easier in some ways because I can set our own schedule and not have to think about what time he’ll be home from work. But that’s only for a week or so. After that I’m sure I’d go nuts.
Chemistry talk sounds exciting. Or not. Don’t blame you there.
No kidding. Whether one or two of us is working, I can hardly wait until the next weekend or vacation when we’re doing it together.
Maybe four was easier than two? Okay, maybe not when they were 2, 4, 6, and 8. Then there was the spring of 1987 when one by one they fell to chicken pox like dominoes. And DH was in Italy no less for three weeks.
But overall, once I was settled at a new neighborhood, I adapted fairly quickly because it was one less variable in the mix.
Also, I used to love to rearrange the furniture and it was easier when he was away. Although late night arrivals home were interesting. I would wake to sounds downstairs like “bang” and “oof, **** she moved the coffee table again.”
If he was to be away a whole week or longer (sometimes 6 months for schools) the kids and I had some special routines depending on season of course. We had art days, and museum days, and visit a park in another part of town days, and friend in for dinner and movie days. These really broke up toxic patterns in relationships and gave something to look forward to as well. There were some others but I’m blank at the moment.
I don’t know how single moms do it either. My sister is one, and she is tired all the time. My nephew is 5.5 years now and that means that it’s literally been about 6 years since she slept through the night!
Amen. I have never been more afeard than when I’ve been on solo-parenting duty for a few days. I quickly realize the quality of life and character we would all sacrifice. We’d eat less well. I’d rely on the tv for the kids more. And so on. Yay for you!
It’s hard when hubby is away for a long time. I salute all moms or dads who have to go it alone.
BTW - I’m trying to resolve the issue with my blog. It’s work in progress.
Awww I love sleeping kiddie pictures! I have tons of my girls.
Kamryn is a talker too, she doesn’t stop. Ever. My oldest will attest to that. However the one place that doesn’t come out is at school, phew on that one LOL.
I totally agree - single parents have it hard! I find it hard to find time for everything even with a husband who does more than his share - so how do those brave parents cope without the extra support? My hat is off to them too!!!!
I think alot of it depends on what you are used to and how helpful your partner is normally! ;-). I thought it was going to be really hard moving into my own place with Joey and having to do everything on my own without my parents help but actually, it has been pretty good. I think having my parents nearby is the key though because I get plenty of rest/ time to clean up when they take Joey for the day/evening. I actually have things alot better now than I did when I was in Japan with my useless H.
Look how beautiful Becca is…
Geez she is growing up so quick…
And I hear ya sister…My husband had to go away a great deal ‘across the pond’ so to speak…
I know how difficult it can be…
Will you come by for a visit and let me know if you have any issues loading. I think I have it fixed. My other mac user friend said it finally worked for her. I’m checking with all the mac users I know. Thank you for making aware of the problem.
Don’t sell yourself short sister.
You do a rockin’ job either way.
I love those pictures….and sleeping baby girl…Gotta love it.
Cute pics of your little sweethearts. I hope you get some rest soon.
Look how pretty Becca is while she’s sleeping - aw!
Solo parenting is HARD. Hang in there!
You must be having it tough. I’ve been offline for what, a week, and you’;ve posted once? I hope things are settling in. I hate being on my own myself. James gets really crabby. And then there’s the dogs to deal with.
There should be a rule against entertainment after travel.
They are the cutest! I do the single mom think every week (with hubby out of town) and it IS hard. Get some rest, babe!
When Joe was deployed I felt the same way about single mothers - I don’t know how I would manage doing it all the time; I admire those that do. Hope you’re able to rest and catch up on some “me” time when J gets back!
I have been a single mother for 5 years (technically the last 3 dating the most awesome guy on earth) but still a single parent. I’m so used to being by myself with my son that it really doesn’t bother me, I like having the one on one time with my son, he’s forever my partner in crime. My better half has deployed and has had several last minute trips but that’s the way the military is. I have two of the greatest guys in my life and it’s the best thing because they always take care of me knowing how hard I work.
I hope you get some rest soon =)
I could not do the single parent thing on a regular basis. Not to long ago G was out of town and Bubbie and I were able to get out the door for school and work on time. I really thought I wouldn’t be able to get it all done, but I did. I was still glad though when he made it home.
wow i can’t believe how much ethan is starting to look like becca