I’m so excited to introduce my new resident guest blogger to you. My wonderfully lovely sister-in-law. She is probably one of the most caring and kind people I know, but has been through a tough time over the last 3 years and she’s here to share her story with you.
AN INTRODUCTION…
MMMMMM UUUUUUUUUUUUU MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
That is one of the many names I go by. But I do prefer Stevie and I am mother to wonderful little creatures; Indiana Kidd and Arabella Scout.
I want to pretend that I am this all knowing parent who can offer advice at the drop of the hat, but on a daily basis I’m more of the sort of person to question whether I put deodorant on before the school run, did I pack an emergency nappy if potty training goes horribly wrong, and in all honesty am I doing a good enough job? Yep I’m neurotic and that has only increased as my children have grown. The answers in which I naively thought I would have, I’m afraid have not been delivered to me just yet.
Like many parents I’m just trying to make it day by day without a hitch. So before anything further about myself, here are my true muses;
Indiana Kidd- Five (nearly six) years old and full of life. This one does not miss a beat, his energy sometimes exhausts me but I’m thankful that he is an inquisitive, imaginative, explorative soul- gosh that’s lot of adjectives, but hey if you can’t gush about your kids? Oh did I also mention he has a diagnosis of ADHD. Not an important piece of information to know, but incase I sound like I’m giving him a hard time he does have some sort of exception.
Arabella Scout- Three years old and full of sass? Am I raising a teenager? Hell yes! Ah she loves makeup, dolls, handbags and generally anything girly. Much to our surprise. She is a lady and with that she can be a bit of a well….hmmm. She is bold and I can’t help but laugh my way through the day with her, she cannot hide her disgust and disappointment if I get out of line- something seems off here; isn’t it supposed to be the other way round?
Well anyway, I currently live in Essex although I’m a Suffolk girl at heart. My hobbies, well I don’t know if I can class binge watching Buffy consistently as a hobby. Maybe accomplishment is the right word. No, really, at a push I enjoy yoga- that’s literal, I desperately need someone to push me into those shapes, my current yogi buddy is MIA so I would appreciate someone to stream Yoga with Adriene on YouTube with me. I like eating, like everything about it, cooking, baking, putting on a spread- I love it, and that’s also why I’m desperate to join Weight Watchers again – I just can’t help myself (putting cheese on everything I consume).
Something else about me
I am a sufferer of depression, have been since the birth of my daughter and still am today! I do not have any qualms in admitting that! I’m proud to govern my mental health, addressing it rather than hiding it. It’s as much a part of me, well…I don’t really know where I was going with this, it’s a part of me, I guess that’s it.
AND I have a wonderful husband who indulges my neurosis and helps me normalise everything that I question about myself, he is my soulmate and my hero.
But mostly my world consists of my family. They are my world, my inspiration, my drive, they are who I try and impress but needn’t have as to them I am perfect.
Siobhan Freegard says
Hi Stevie your guest post somehow found me as these things tend to do when they are meant to and it touched my heart. I was you when I was a new mum. The experience was the hardest thing I have ever gone through in my life and yet it taught me so much: humility, empathy, the bliss of an ordinary day without anxiety…and it led me into my life’s work which started with Netmums and now Channel Mum. I’ve loved every minute of both…but if someone asked me now, if I could choose a different path, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be courageous enough to go through those days again. So just hello and well done for every brave step you take. I’m with you in spirit.
Siobhan x
Hannah - Budding Smiles says
Hi Stevie! Really looking forward to reading your story – fellow depression warrior here, and I’m pretty sure my 3 year old will get an ADHD diagnosis once he starts school, so hearing your experiences will be really helpful.
Alex – what a fab thing to have Stevie guest posting in your gorgeous blog, love it!xx