Before I had these two yumsters, I adored being home alone. My favorite thing to do was to rent a bunch of old movies, nuke some popcorn and watch them in a row. These days, I almost never have our place to myself, which I've gotten used to. What's unnerving is when it's just me and the kids for an extended period of time, like now; Dave's away on a business trip for a few days.
At first, I love it; Sunday morning, the three of us woke up (in my bed, of course), made scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, and pretended we were firemen and princesses and monsters. But as the day went on, I got a little uneasy. I have a not-so-repressed fear that Max could have a seizure (even though he's on medication to prevent them) and I'll have to face the ambulance and hospital alone. And, OK, I'll admit that I'm so used to Dave's help that I'm always surprised by how much work it is to take care of the kids without him around. I don't know how single moms do it. One I've long admired: Chrissy over at Storked!, who makes it look easy and who never loses her sense of humor. I also feel deeply for all the parents out there going it alone while their spouses serve in Iraq.
How do you feel about being with your child/children when your significant other is away?
I survived 18 months while my husband was in Afghanistan. Alone, in a new house, in a new town, with two kids. To top it off I was pregnant. Piper was born while he was away. One day at a time is all I can say. You don't worry about what will happen, you just deal with what is happening now. The funny thing is, he's been back for almost a year and a half, and every time he's gone for a weekend of gaurd drill I get nervous and antsy that he's not around! We never chose to be single moms, so the adjustment is that much more difficult! You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is away at work most days and nights. He usually gets home right before the boys go to bed or when they are already sleeping. some days are good , and some days I want to run for the hills. My sun just started having seizures . He was also placed on meds to prevent them. I still cant get over the feeling that he could have one at any moment.. sometimes is makes me treat him like a doll that could break at any moment. Anyway lol ... I could go on and on... Just try to remember this to shall pass !
ReplyDeleteI'm home with the kids during the day, but I hate it when my husband travels for work. He is such a big part of our nighttime routine; I find it very hard to get everything done without him.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful children!
My hubby is never around and quite frankly it sucks...I cope by bitching to my girlfriends and having a glass of wine when Noah falls asleep =)
ReplyDeleteI lose my mind after six-thirty in the evening. I'm fine alone, it's the taking care of another person thing that starts to wear after eleven hours. I guess I COULD do it--but I'd rather not.
ReplyDeleteI've only had to do it for a couple nights. I can't imagine more than that. My husband is so helpful and pretty much takes over the child care when he gets home from work. I don't know if you're familiar with my entire story but I have mobility issues of my own and I often get nervous when I'm alone with Bennett. Fortunately my parents live down the street and come to help when he's gone.
ReplyDeleteMel, you are my hero. Mom Mayhem, belated welcome to the blog! Barbara, I can't imagine having to deal with a child with challenges and having your own physical ones, so extra props to you! My mom, who's 79, comes over and helps out sometime, I'm eternally grateful for that, so it's great that yours are right down the block.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it seems as though it's just easier with him gone; and then sometimes I gain my senses back. You just get a routine and the kids understand expectations when it's just you and them. When Daddy's home, it just changes things a bit. BUT the help is tremendous and I wouldn't change it for a thing!
ReplyDeletePoint black, I just wouldn't let him work away from home.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how others do it. I am in AWE of single mothers or mothers who have absent partners for whatever reasons.
I count down the time until I get my 'copilot' in to help me out with the evening madness. AND love the weekends for the same reason.
I am definitely not cut out to fly this plane solo!