I'm alive...mostly :P

Hello everyone. I hope everyone has enjoyed their Christmas (and other celebrated holidays) and is looking forward to the New Year. I've not really been around for various reasons, mostly just trying to get my life on track and in order. Update on my end... I've got 3 months left of this pregnancy, and to be honest, I can't believe how fast it went. I really expected it to seem like forever since I found out so early. I can't say I'm feeling great, but I feel better than I had. The weight gain thing is weird for me since I see myself so huge, and I look at older pics (before pregnancy) and I look smaller in those, but yet, I weighed more. Since getting pregnant, I lost roughly 10 lbs and have since gained it back. So, I'm now at my prepregnancy weight...which I guess means, technically I've not gained any. At least that's what my OB says. She's happy with the progress, so I guess I'll be too. As far as the mental aspect, things were going quite well (I thought****il Christmas Eve day. My husband and I got into an argument and it ended up in a physical altercation in which I got an elbow to my chest, a badly bruised/sprained finger, and a whack to the side of my head which left hearing loss for about 2 1/2 hours and then a nasty knot later. Needless to say, we're separating. He did apologize, but it's empty to me. He thinks it's a temporary thing, but honestly, I really don't think I can stay with a man who'd hit a pregnant woman. But because he thinks it's temporary, he's agreed to leave next weekend, otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed. I can't say him being gone will cause me anymore work really, just the added stress of lack of income since I don't work. We'll see how it goes though. That's really it for me. All things considered, the kids had a great Christmas, and I intended to, but someone else had other plans I supposed. Not sure when I'll have time to check back. I'm planning on getting things ready for baby. I have a basement to clean out so I can make room for the kids "entertainment area", reorganize my room. And eventually BUY THINGS for this baby. I have nothing and just realized how much crap they actually need. LOL!! You'd think I'd never done this before. I hope everyone has a great New Year and congrats and happy surgiversary to all!!! *hugs* Shawn PS. I really do miss you all terribly. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up soon. Oh and here's an updated belly pic for those who wanted to know. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/foofy1/MyPicture-8.jpg

Shawn I am so SORRY you are having to go through this. You and your kids are in my prayers and I am sending BIG hugs your way. PLEASE let us know if there is anything we can do. Diana PS Your belly pics look ADORABLE

Thanks Diana. It means so much. I know this isn't going to be easy (my life never has been...LOL) but I'm going to do my best to remain as positive as I can and make the most of it. Really, it's all I can do, right? And thank you for the belly pic compliment...not feeling so adorable. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Shawn, hugs for you! I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. I'll put in some extra prayers for you and the kids. We will miss you here but know that your first priority is getting life under control for yourself. I think the belly picture is cute, too. Baby looks so cozy and snug in there! HUGS!!! Molly

Thanks Molly, for everything. I know things will be fine...just not what I'd hoped. I hope you enjoy your new year!!

Hi Shawnee, I am very sorry to hear that about you and your husband. I was in an abusive situation for about 4 months, and got out of it quickly. I hope you find the strength and courage you need in this difficult time. Please take care of yourself and your baby. My thoughts are with you. Big Hugs, Erin

Erin, Thank you. I'm pretty certain this would have been any only event, but I'm not willing to take the chance. He's got a lot of issues to work through, and I would have been there for him, but he's on his own now. Thanks again and I'll definitely be taking care. Hope your new year is a great one!

Shawn: Wishing you only white light and lots of progress in 2008....best to you, your baby, and your family in the new year. I am so sorry this year has been so rough for you. Megan

Thank you Megan. I'm used to rough...all the years I can remember have been...LOL. I'm hoping 2008 is the year it changes. I hope yours is great as well.

Wow.. I have to tell you my heart goes out to you, you sound very strong though and you *WILL* get through this.. I think you made the right decision.. this isn't healthy for you or your family and its good that your recognize it, even as hard as it will be financially, emotionally.. there is a rainbow waiting for you.. it will take time to get to the end of it.. but its there. Rely on friends, family and and those whole love and support you to get through this tough time.. you are beautiful and you deserve all the happiness life can provide you.. this WLS journey gives us strength we never knew we had.. you are going to be fine, this I know. You look incredibly cute in your pic and LOVE the maternity shirt.. i want one when I am pregnant! ;) Happy New Year.. here is to a much better year for you and your kids.. Life is gonna get better.