Progress
Little by little, I’ve been making some progress this week. I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed and emotional lately, as you can tell by some of my posts.
Thank you so much to everyone who read and commented on Reasons I feel like a Bad Mom, Preschool Problems and Hard to be a Blogger. I felt a lot of love and support, and I also got a lot of great advice. So, I wanted to update you on the progress I’ve made.
Twin Progress
It was so helpful to read other people’s experiences with preschool, and it was also nice to read I’m not the only one who is having trouble with this step for the twins. I got some really great advice from a local mom (who also happens to be a member of my book club,) so I called the school district.
I spoke with a speech pathologist, told her my concerns, and she met with the twins on Wednesday morning.
It was a pretty informal evaluation, which was great. We went to one of the elementary schools, which the twins were very excited about, and they got to play with all her (the speech pathologist) trucks and toys. She then showed them each some cards, and listened to how they said certain sounds.
It was actually really cute watching them. She would ask them to repeat a sound, like an “S” for example, and say, “Can you do it like this?” while pointing at her mouth with her finger. Both boys would repeat the sound and do the same thing with their finger too. I couldn’t help but giggle a little.
It turns out, they are right on track! They have a little trouble make the “F” and “Z” sound at the beginning of words, but are able to make them at the ends of words. She said that was normal, and they should keep making progress. The “S” sound she said would take a little more time, but was nothing to worry about either.
Overall, it was very reassuring, but I still have some concerns on their development with regards to them being ready for preschool. The Speech Pathologist said they have an overall Developmental Screening with the School Psychologist, a Physical Therapist, and an Occupational Therapist coming up next week. So, we’ll be heading back, and I’ll let you know what happens.
Blogging Progress
No, all of my blogging problems didn’t just magically disappear, but I’m feeling a little better. Of course, my husband read the post that day, which led to a discussion.
It turned out, he was having some stress at work, so he wasn’t really being present when watching the boys that morning. He offered to move my computer to a quieter space, but I declined. I don’t like to be shut off from the family all the time, but when I do need quiet, he’s going to work to help me more.
It’s sometimes easier for me to write out my frustrations, then to actually talk about them. It’s something I need to work on. I’m a work in progress too.
Mommy Progress
Last, but actually most important, I’ve been trying hard to get rid of some of the mommy guilt, and work on my patience with all three kiddos.
I have not cut out the yelling, but I think I’ve cut back a little. I’m trying really, really hard. They are all really, really good at knowing what buttons to push at precisely the right time. If only I could harness all that power for good…
I have been making better decisions , though. I have not been giving into tantrums, like I sometimes do because it’s just easier. I didn’t buy them trains when we were at the store, and I did not promise treats just to get them to take naps (although I did promise a treat if they ate all their dinner.)
Work in progress. Work in Progress.
So, how’s your week been? Have you been working on anything?
Funny I was talking to my husband about your post this morning at around 6am, I’m glad your husband read your post and is trying to be supportive by offering to move ur office and explained that he was having a hard time at work. Communication is good for your marriage! I hope you continue to make progress on all the aspects of your life and don’t feel bad for venting ,we are women, we get it!
Thank you so much Carmen 🙂
Glad to hear your week has been looking up a bit! And being a work in progress is such a great thing. It’s when we decide we’re not changing anymore when we get stuck in a rut.
Having the support of your husband will really help. I don’t like to be shut away either. I work alone in the day but when my son’s home I’d hate to be shut away when I’m working.
Thanks for being so open with this post. Our society is one where we’re told we should be able to “do it all” but in reality, everyone has struggles and the more we talk about them, the more we allow ourselves to be human and admit we might need help or need a break. Great post Shann! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I’m glad you received the support you needed with those posts. It’s one of the great things about the blogging community! And it sounds like your post about blogging opened up a good conversation with you and your husband!
It really did. Thank you!
I’ve been having some blogging frustrations too. I want to grow a lot this year and knowing how much work I need to do is a bit overwhelming. I keep telling myself, one thing at a time!! I need to be careful about it though because I don’t want to burn out. My husband reads my posts too which sometimes leads a discussion-which is good! Thank you for sharing, it’s nice to know I’m not alone!
Me too. Thank you 🙂
Ugh, I fell into the yelling pattern just this morning. Why can’t a youngster hurry up even a little when we need to get going?! I like your honesty in this post. A work in progress indeed. But you’re showing progress!
Thank you Traci.
It’s much easier for me to write my frustrations out too! Talking is tough :/ I always try to keep that in the back of my mind with my 4 year old!
Yes! Thank you.
I feel you momma! I have been struggling with my 10 yo and this week I feel like I hit my limit of yelling and scolding. I knew I had to find a way around it. And have been pretty chill the last few days. Life itself is hard. You add in a partner and kids and animals and somedays it just is to much. We are allowed to fall apart. Get angry and sad. But in the end we have to find a way to pull ourselves together. Sending hugs!
Agreed. Thank you Kim!
Congratulations on the progress Shann. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Baby steps right? Keep working on what your doing right and then it won’t be so overwhelming to add one more thing on. You can do it!
Thank you!
Hi Shann,
Glad to know about your progress. 🙂 Well for me, this week was quite stressful and hectic as was occupied in my work. Not got enough time to blog. Can’t believe how time flies…it’s going to be a weekend!
Wish you a great weekend!
Thank you Anamika. You have a great weekend too. Hope you have some time to relax.
So glad things are looking up for you! We all have times when all we see is darkness and we just have to remember that things will work out. Enjoy your weekend.
Congratulations! You really did accomplish a lot of things. It’s sometimes such a relief to just get things started, isn’t it? Then everything just starts unfolding and it takes away a lot of stress. Sounds like the twins are on the right track!
I think you’re doing an amazing job taking care of 3 kids and blogging at the same time. Some mommy guilt is normal and probably it’s always going to be there to give us a push to become better versions of ourselves.
I went to see movie this week for the first time in a year. I saw Star Wars. I know that that’s not a big accomplishment, but it was very exciting And we’re also planning our son’s first birthday party, which is also exciting!
Going to the movies is a pretty big accomplishment to me. I can’t remember the last time I saw one. And a first birthday party…so much fun! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m glad you’re doing better Shann! I totally understand how you feel about #2 and #3. I think we are our own worst enemies!
Agreed. Thank you!
I feel like I’m a constant work in progress! As a mom, a wife, a blogger, everything! Thanks for being so open and honest. <3
Good to know I’m not alone. Thank you 🙂
Here’s to more progress in 2016! It’s nice to outline your goals, then look back at how far you’ve come! We’ve been trying to eat better (cliche, but true!) Cutting out sugar and alcohol for a month. So far its been great! I’m excited to have a glass of wine again tho! lol
Sounds like you have made some awesome progress in all the areas you were worried about. 🙂
Absolutely love the photo of you with the wine, it made my day!
I just recently saw a quote that said something like, “If you’re worried that you’re not a good mom, then you probably are one.” You are obviously trying very hard to be a good mom and wife, and to take care of yourself too, which is amazing. Your progress is inspirational!
Thank you so much!
This sounds a lot like one of those quotes you see on Facebook with a million likes and shares, but I think there’s actually a lot of truth to it. I think critiquing yourself and looking to improve how you parent your children are critical to being a good parent – and if you already think you’re the best mom ever, you probably aren’t doing either of those things.
Yes, keep moving forward.Small steps are good, as long as you keep going towards your goals. I have been reminding myself that a lot lately. Also you should try that wine with Netflix and a foot spa, so great!
That sounds perfect!
Spent 15 minutes replying only to have it all delete. I will comment as soon as I locate the computer (one of the kids has it I’m sure).
Ugh. I hate that. No worries 🙂
I think it’s safe to say motherhood is a work in progress. And I can so related to ALL three of your progress points. I’m worried about my son and his speech [he’s 2] and have asked for a speech eval. What’s nice is hearing your results and I’m hoping for the same. PS. Love the wine pic! Mommy deserves it 🙂
I hope yours goes well. Keep me posted. Thank you!
Sounds like a pretty productive week to me. At least you and your hubby communicated a bit 🙂 Work stress sucks and really spills over into the family which they may not realize. You look great with that wine! I should do my make up when I have wine so I feel fancy too.
Progress is always good! Feeling overwhelmed is the worse, I feel so behind on everything so I’ve been feeling that for sure. Hope things keep getting better!
It’s so important to track progress. So often it doesn’t feel like I’m getting anywhere unless progress is tracked! I’ve been working on resting. It seems like life is too busy, and I don’t slow down enough.
Single parent of 3, so I look for blogs to read, learn something, etc. I also collect books for my kids who love to read. Just bought a very nice book with a message called “Cooking With Mr. C.” by John Contratti. A beautiful picture storybook with a very good message for kids. I thought I would share it with other moms. Maybe I’ll start a Mommy Blog for books. 🙂 I look forward to your other posts.
Denny
P.S. I’m emotional every day. It’s a good mom trait.
Good to see you are heading in the right direction! I am so glad that you have a husband that helps!
Aren’t we all just works in progress? I feel like we are. Keep up the progression, life is all about it.
Thank you!
I think life is sometimes a rollercoaster. We have our ups and we have our downs. Sometimes we are super happy with our marriage, with life, and we feel we are being great mamas. Sometimes we feel awful. Every single person on this planet feels this way. Some people just do not like to share it openly. Life is hard. We are all works in progress. You are doing great girl…
Thank you so much Irina!
It’s always a little stressful when a plate is full but support and time can make a huge difference! Glad to hear the boys are right on track!!