cranky...depresed??

[rainbabies]

[DCJenn]

You're overwhelmed, my dear- on top of this totally bizarre lifestyle and the upcoming holidays.

Plus you have 3 under 3. I can't even imagine what that must be like- even if they're the most perfect kids on earth, your YOU time is what, about 3 minutes in the bathroom- maybe?

Take your husband up on his offer. Go anywhere- a local hotel with a swimming pool and room service- even for 24 hours. You need to rejuvenate not only for the kids, your DH but mostly FOR YOU.

Jenn

[houseelf]

It sounds like you have reached burnout....You really have to give yourself a pat on the back for all that you do. You have a full plate and need to give back to yourself first or else this whole system is going to crash. I'm sorry that things are rough right now. Several of our members here can commiserate (and perhaps have similar feelings).
Take my advice, do something for yourself now. Even if you have to spend money that you don't have. Get thyself a break. Everyone will be better off.

Sending positive and loving thoughts your way.

Kelly

[planet]

Cyberhug

Three kids under 3 yrs, sahm, going through the match, holidays, poverty. You have so much going on. You may be depressed, but surely with good reason. That you can still see the positive and beautiful parts in your life show inner strength and love. You will make it through this time! I have no solutions, just support and sympathy to offer. I hope you are able to find a break, whether through a vacation or babysitters. Another hug coming your way.

[Meenah]

Holidays + kids + poverty + isolation = depression
You are not alone. Take your husband up on his offer. This is a tough time and the thought of no let up any time soon doesn't help.
Luanne

[rainbabies]

[Vishenka69]

You definitely need to get away, even if it's only for a day. If you do decide to come to NYC, definitely let me know.

[SueC]

Late here, but definitely take your husband up on the offer. The kids will be fine and you'll get some time to rejuvenate. Regarding the pet situation, is there a local nursing home that might want some older resident cats? Just an idea, but if the pet hair is a daily irritation for you, then eliminating part of that should definitely help you feel like you have a little more control over the situation.

[PrincessFiona]

cranky??? depressed? What's that like? I wouldn't know <sarcasm alert/> Man, do I know what you are going through...especially lately. The weather here has definitely turned from summer to fall...and it's dark by 4.30pm. I feel lately like I'm suffocating. I get 2 kids out the door to the bus at 7.30am and the oldest out the door at 8.20...then it's my 2 year old all day long. We've lived here for 4 years and I really feel like I have no solid friendships/connections in the area. Everyone I know works....we just moved to a new neighborhood and I thought I'd really get along well with our new neighbor who also has 4 children the same ages as mine and is also pg. Instead, she turned out to be crazier than a loon....I spend my day alone which drives me crazy. The decisions that I make all day are "should I do the laundry, clean the kitchen or....get online " Of course I also play with my 2 year old and take him out to the play areas....but lately I feel like I'm losing my mind. Not a day goes by lately where I don't ask myself "what were we thinking?" in regards to baby #5. All I can think about right now is getting out amongst other adults. I'm just sooooo lonely and bored.

My dh offered to send me to a hotel for a weekend....but I thought "what would I do?" I'd spend a weekend all by myself. So I declined. But I do find myself yelling more and being less attentive. I'm considering therapy for the adult contact...At this point, I probably need some sort of social retraining just to be around grown-ups...

Sorry for the hijack...You are sooo not alone.

Kris

[rainbabies]

[rainbabies]

[DCJenn]

No the pet thing adds another layer to the move and life management problem. Kris did an article a million years ago for the magazine about what a huge impact pets can have on moving- from hotels along the way to rental properties. I just found out that on-posst housing (Army) limits pets to 2 (which I totally understand) but since we have 4, looks likes that possibility is out.

I have one of my pets because my ex-boyfriend joined the peace corps and couldn't find a place for his cats. (one of the cats has since died)

Jenn

[SueC]

I'm so happy to hear that your fil is going to take the cats back if you don't find a place for them by then. I don't think that is trivial at all--if it is something that is causing you daily stress than it is as real as anything else you could stress over.
Have you made plans for your alone time yet??? Even if you feel better, keep pursuing it!