Mama Says

Change is a difficult thing and most people hate it. It is even harder when change impacts children. I have put my children through a lot of change lately and amazingly enough my six year old, four year old and a one year old have survived through it all. 

The most recent big change was moving back to Vermont. My husband and I had lived in Vermont about 5 years ago with our oldest, but we came back a couple times a year to visit friends. We made the decision last June that we wanted to move back after I lost my job. We thought about waiting to tell the children, but decided against it. We sat down at dinner one night and asked the boys if they would be interested in moving back to Vermont. We talked about there being a new house, a new school, and new friends. We talked about what would be different and what would be the same. They asked questions and brought up things that would be new and exciting to them like having their own rooms. In the end, they were very excited about it. So, we moved. 

This change became bigger when we realized my husband would have to continue to work out of state during weeks on end while I looked for a job. This put a huge strain on the family as a whole and the kids missed their dad. The boys each had their moments and had complete melt downs. My husband felt the baby did not know who he was when he was home and I had to be a single mom during these weeks. But we called dad every night before bed and the boys would talk about their day. Even the baby started to understand that Daddy was on the phone. After eight months of this, Dad was finally able to come and stay at home – no more traveling out of state. 

The last and final change was mom going back to work full time. I had worked before, but I had now been home for eight months straight and the kids had gotten used to it. But it was Dad’s turn. Dad and I were switching roles. He was going to be a stay at home dad and I was going to back to work. I think I was more upset then the kids were. The first few days were hardest for me. I would look at pictures of them and miss them dearly, but knowing they were home with their dearly missed Dad made it easier. The boys thought the whole change was totally cool. The baby was fine, but I do have to pick her up as soon as I come through the door (not that I mind at all, Lol) Overall, this was a change that was for the better. The children have been through enough change to know it was going to be ok. The boys love their new school and have tons of new friends. Our neighbors are great and we finally have a house we love in an area we love. We now have been letting things settle down and become the norm. 

So, the moral of my story is that change really can be good. It is good for the soul I think. It makes you think outside your norm. It makes you evaluate your current situation. And most of all, as a family it brings you closer. Changes is a scary thing for everyone, but talk to your children about it and embrace it. 
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Bettie Bransfield is a working mom with three small children living in Montpelier with her wonderful husband. She has a Masters degree in Business and spends her spare time as a volunteer EMT. 

I am a fairly open person. I have great friends and appreciate the wonderfully supportive community that IS Mama Says. That being said, there is just something about this post that compels me to stay anonymous.

Healthy living is a big part of my life, and a big part of my family. I work hard to research healthy foods, buy them, make them, and serve them. We also stay very active, and talk about the importance of exercise (in many shapes and forms).

I have had my babies and I am ready to get in shape. I have recently started running again which feels great. Amazing. Awesome! There is something very calming about listening to the rhythmic pattern of my feet. Run Run Run.

The problem with running.... my postnatal bladder. Tonight I pushed myself to run further than I have in years. Half way to that goal I was trying to "hold it" and I just couldn't. I peed my pants. I finished my workout with wet shorts. Dang! It's not fair. I was just exercising! 

I can't be the only one with this problem, right? I should call my OB and talk about this embarrassing issue, but it's just that, embarrassing! And what can they suggest to me? 

So for now I will run... wet pants or not.