Now I’m not saying life is kicking my ass, but that bitch got hands.
It has certainly been a time getting to where I am now. I have been ashamed to admit I was struggling to adjust to stay-at-home parent life from being in the military. Aside from that, life has just offered a lot of changes, struggles, and successes in the past several months. But now that I feel like I’m over the hump and the worst of it, I feel like it’s time to reflect.
In the past six months, I have worked to raise awareness of PKU, with my extended family and friends failing to support us in our PKU journey. I have graduated from college after over a decade since graduating from high school and failing out of college the first time. Not only that, but I graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA baby!), with Honors Program Distinction. I have struggled with managed our youngest’s PKU and probably should have gotten hired full-time to be on the phone with the insurance company. I have been working on getting my VA disability rating for well over a year and have spent significant amounts of time on the phone and email with them trying to figure out what’s going on. Our marriage has some of the highest highs and mehhest mehs (not lows just meh). I started my Master’s program and have been maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Aaaaand we went on vacation as a family which was much needed. Among other changes, struggles and successes.
Our oldest finally is working toward getting the help he needs for his ADHD after continuous dismissal from his previous developmental pediatrician. So I’m going to consider that a mom and advocacy win.
Overall, though, the title of this page has been more fitting in the past several months than ever before. Mommy sure does need a hug. All the time. When I’m happy, sad, angry, sleepy, and bored I just really have needs all the hugs. Maybe it’s the pressure I put myself under. Maybe it’s finally getting to a place of peace in our home where laundry isn’t piled ceiling high and food crushed up all over the place. Maybe it’s not having a village and mourning the life I thought we would have surrounded by supportive family who stopped being supportive right around baby #3.
Despite everything I feel I have made the most progress in the past several months. On myself as a parent, wife, woman, student, advocate, and so many other things. I’m finally digging myself out of the hole of chores I have been sucked into for over a year now. I have spent more quality time with my kids and husband than previously. We are getting there. We’ll get there.
For anyone who wanted to know, we have already beat our 1000 hours outside time from last year (301 hours) and are coming in with one month left of the year at 444.5 hours outside so far.
Also, here are some important dates:
December 3rd is National PKU Awareness Day
December 25th is CHRISTMAS 😛
February 28th is Rare Disease Day (Light Up For Rare)
May is PKU Awareness Month and Maternal Depression Awareness Month
Let me know if there are any other important dates you want me to call out in the future. I will be making a conscious effort to start writing in this blog more because it is the best self care I think I’ve ever had and I’ve been struggling with self care.
OMG I don’t even know how I forgot! We also somehow ended up with three kittens when a stray gave birth on our front porch and then proceeded to abandon them. We bottle fed them and they are THRIVING!
With love,
Mommy Needs A Hug
Please remember to think of yourself this holiday season. If you need anything please reach out and I will find resources if I have nothing to offer that helps.
Stay tuned for some exciting news in the new year. Much love.