This whole week I have really tried focusing on ME... I started my healthier eating plan (don't like the word diet <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) and workout plan. This week I already lost 2 1/2 pounds. After I had Chloe I lost 20 pounds. I am at the smallest I have been since middle school. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> It really feels good to hear so many good remarks from family, friends and my husband. Just makes me strive harder to get to the place I want to be.

I started reading a self-help book that is non-relationship/recovery. It's about the power of our feelings. It's helped me look at things a lot differently. Also I am still discovering many things about myself that I dislike and need to change and also things about myself that I like but didn't realize was there.

It really helps to journal my feelings and thoughts. I have been doing this since New Years. I have been working extra hard this week on the LB, nagging and negative stuff and it's really helped. Everytime I start to think about the whole ordeal I just push it back out and try to think of something positive.

I have more things to say but the creature (OW) I heard may be reading my posts. From what I hear she reads here in hopes to see that I give up on my marriage or that my husband left me. So I will not talk about the situation between him and me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Feel free to email me anytime at Tina_k_24@hotmail.com

<small>[ January 13, 2005, 09:00 AM: Message edited by: New&ImprovedMarylandLady ]</small>

Good for you!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

YO! I just tried replying to you, and your email came back undeliverable. What's going on, girlie???

Spidey

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> Not sure... I just tested it by sending one to myself and it works....

Thank you!!!!

You GO girl!
I've been doing pretty much the same as you and feeling great!
It feels as if the weight of the world has been liften from me.
Now, to get rid of the weight of years of neglect!LOL

Way to go girl!!!!

At the begining it was very easy for me to loose weight after D Day. Now I have gained 4 lbs back over the holidays! YIKES! Now I am hungry again and need to work on weight loose.

The power is yours!
Danielle

Things are going great here. I am still working on ME. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> I am amazed how much I have learned about myself through this whole ordeal. It's helping me see things I need to change to be a better person, mother and wife.

I can't believe how fast time goes by. Chloe is over one month old now. She just started smiling when you talk to her. And the last few days just started cooing and trying to talk. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> I am trying to enjoy every moment I can. They grow so fast.

This week I am trying to focus on my fitness plan. Course I didn't get a good start. The last 3 days I have been sick with the flu or something. Today I feel somewhat better so many some exercising may help.

I feel so much stronger now...looking better than ever ..and have so much to be thankful for. I know I will make it through this. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

<small>[ January 11, 2005, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: New&ImprovedMarylandLady ]</small>

You're fabulous.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Things are still going wonderful here... I feel so much better. Guess I had some kind of bug going around.

This week I have really started to focus on ME. I finally am able to just put the OW out of my head and not even give a care about her. I have been playing with the kids, doing lots of reading, cleaning, writing a short story, journaling, planning my fitness routine, pampering myself (bubble baths, new clothes, new haircut, painting my toenails and some new books. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

When your being positive and thinking positive I noticed others want to be around you also. I feel good about myself ... Something I haven't felt in years. My goal now is to just keep working on the things I can improve. And I know other things will fall into place. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Wow! I am so impressed. Painting your toenails, even! Dang. That is my favorite.

You keep on keeping on, girlfriend.

Spidey

LOL Thanks Spidey !!!

*Looking at my toes**

They sure do look good!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

I also think the baby has brought about a calmness in me. She is so adorable. She looks just like her daddy right now. And of course he is so proud of her.

I can't believe how fast they grow. Just yesterday she was this little tiny bundle that was so fragile. Now she is a little chubby bundle of smiles.

She is truly a blessing which has brought a lot of happiness to many people. I just want to remember each day to enjoy every moment with her because she won't stay this little long.

Alright, now I'm jealous. How do you find time to do all these things and take care of THREE children? I only have one and can barely manage to take a shower everyday!

Kloe,
With my son I had it rough. I could not sleep,eat or even take a shower. He was up 24/7. And he cried constantly. It was like that for over 6 months. I was a mess. Plus I did not have my husband there because this was before we got married.

With Chloe it's completely different. She sleeps ALL the time. And when she is up she is content unless she is hungry,needs a diaper change or some attention. She is the best baby. Last night she went to sleep around 10 and I actually had to wake her at 5 or so because I was worried.

My other children go to bed around 8. So I get a lot of evening time to myself to do things I enjoy. They are very good kids and very helpful with anything I ask of them.

The only thing I find difficult lately is taking my stepson to school. It's hard to load three of them in the car. Especially when it's cold outside. And very hard to get everyone ready in time especially when I drag out of the bed at the last minute. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Grocery shopping does not exist anymore. That's a pain with three. Also going to the mall or running to Walmart does not happen unless someone comes down to watch them or goes with me.

My husband is a really big help when he is here. He is wonderful with the baby. And pushes me to go out and have some time for myself. Which is good sometimes.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I only have one and can barely manage to take a shower everyday! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Kloe, darling, this is how we all start out! Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it soon enough. Gives you a much better appreciation for what women with children learn to cope with on a daily basis though, doesn't it??? I still can't believe my grandmother had 6 girls. When I used to say that, my grandpa would nod his head knowingly and say, "Yep, and only one bathroom."

I think that says it ALL!

So, besides your personal hygiene challenge, how is motherhood, Kloe??? And how is everything healing up? And how is everything regarding that progressing?

Am I being obvious enough (and/or nosey enough)???

Spidey

Actually we are getting into a better routine and usually get out at least once a day. I get nothing done because I am constantly holding the baby or just staring at her! She's pretty good during the day, and the screaming at night is getting a little better. My parents live close by and complain if they don't get to babysit every few days or so. We spend most weekends with family who always want to hold the baby so I have a lot of help and can't complain. My H is wonderful with the baby, he can get her to smile and grin already. I usually take care of her at night since I am breastfeeding and have to get up to feed her anyway. But when I am just too exhausted he takes over.

I just got the book "The Baby Whisperer" last night and started reading it today. Spidey - Were you the one who recommended this? Someone did and I can't remember. We'll see if this helps us get through the sleepless nights!

Kloe,
How much does your little one weight now?? Chloe went for her one month checkup last week and is now at 10 lbs 4 oz. It's good to hear things are getting a little better. It's great that you have so much family willing to help. With my first child I was so into him and a motherhen I wouldn't let anyone watch him. I wanted to be with him 24/7. This time I am much more relaxed and don't mind people willing to help out.


I just can't stop staring at her and giving her millions of kisses. She is sooooooooo sweet. She is truly at blessing. I have been through so much the last year and it feels good to finally feel at peace. She brings such joy to my life. And watching the boys with her is so much fun. They are already so protective of her.

Monday I am going to look for a part-time job around this area. I still can go work for my SIL if I want. But it's almost a 2 hour commute and not really worth it if I can only work 4 hours. So that is my goal next week. To find a job to get some extra money and to get out of the house for a bit.

I just got all the kids to bed. Now I think I will go lay down with a good book. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I had a wonderful weekend. We went to a birthday party on Saturday. My husband, kids and me had a really good time. They had dancing, karaoke and lots of laughs. My four year son was dancing all night with a little girl his age. It was soooooo sweet and funny. My husband really enjoyed himself. He even did karaoke. He looked very sexy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> and sang so good. Made me very proud of him. Then on Sunday we had a good time with lots of family and friends watching football and playing games.

Everyone was so into the baby. Kept telling us how adorable she is. Of course proud daddy had to carry her around everywhere giving her lots of attention and kisses.

I have been doing a good job sticking to my plan. Although for some reason this week I have been addicted to chocolate. So I had to go around the house pitching Christmas candy. That is one way to stay away from it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

This week my goal is to stick to the workout and also find a part-time job. I can't believe how far I have come in this journey. I feel so much stronger. I feel at peace. And I actually see so much hope. With or without him.