Foster mama looking for support

Nurse_K
Nurse_K Posts: 4 Member
edited November 17 in Introduce Yourself
I am looking for support and encouragement in my goals of losing 15-20 lbs and making permanent life changes. I currently have 2 foster babies (7 months and 2 years) and I've discovered being a mama is exhausting and makes good food choices sometimes very difficult. Not because I feed the kids poorly but because I survive on coffee and by the end of the day all I want is ice cream and Ruffles.

Replies

  • HowtodissapearcompIeteIy
    HowtodissapearcompIeteIy Posts: 8 Member
    edited March 2017
    Such a lovely story. Giving those babies a great start in life. I know the struggles of motherhood and balancing a healthy lifestyle. Feel free to add me and good luck on both journies.
  • gamommy
    gamommy Posts: 131 Member
    I'm happy to add you. I also have 2 foster children and we are in the process of a contested adoption with them. They are 2 & 3. I also have 3 other children and my husband is deployed. I totally understand how every day can be exhausting. We feed our children well, and are busy all day...and for me when I get a moment to myself and realize how hungry I am, I just want to BINGE. Or I'm so busy that I can't slow down and eat - I have to scarf down what I can and end up consuming too many calories at one time not even realizing it.
  • Nurse_K
    Nurse_K Posts: 4 Member
    gamommy wrote: »
    I'm happy to add you. I also have 2 foster children and we are in the process of a contested adoption with them. They are 2 & 3. I also have 3 other children and my husband is deployed. I totally understand how every day can be exhausting. We feed our children well, and are busy all day...and for me when I get a moment to myself and realize how hungry I am, I just want to BINGE. Or I'm so busy that I can't slow down and eat - I have to scarf down what I can and end up consuming too many calories at one time not even realizing it.

    Being a foster mama is the hardest thing I've ever done. We had 4 (4 years, 2@ 2 years and then 5 months) at once for a short time and I was run ragged. It's so hard not knowing and trying to stay on top of taking care of ourselves is not the first priority. I'm looking forward to encouraging one another. I can't imagine doing it solo, that has to be tough! My husband is here and helps as much as he can but I'm still beat. You rock! I hope your husband isn't gone too long and that the process for adoption doesn't drag on I understand that sometimes when it is contested it can make things take a lot longer. Are your other kids older?

  • gamommy
    gamommy Posts: 131 Member
    Being a foster mama is the hardest thing I've ever done. We had 4 (4 years, 2@ 2 years and then 5 months) at once for a short time and I was run ragged. It's so hard not knowing and trying to stay on top of taking care of ourselves is not the first priority. I'm looking forward to encouraging one another. I can't imagine doing it solo, that has to be tough! My husband is here and helps as much as he can but I'm still beat. You rock! I hope your husband isn't gone too long and that the process for adoption doesn't drag on I understand that sometimes when it is contested it can make things take a lot longer. Are your other kids older?

    Yeah, the kids have been with us since June 2015 - so almost 2 years now. We've been in the adoption process since March of 2016, so one year now. The final hearing will probably be in January or February of 2018 but we don't know for sure.

    Fostering is not easy but is such a wonderful experience. My other kids are 6, 8 & 16. Thankfully the 16 year old helps a lot. My 8 year old is on the Autism spectrum so that has it's own set of challenges. Hubby will be gone for several more months, but I have wonderful family & friend support. :)

    I think pre-logging your meals and leaving room for some snacks helps a bunch. Also with kids sometimes you can use the quick-add feature to add an extra 100-200 calories for all those tiny little bites you share with the kids (this works if you're just watching calories & not macros). For instance, sometimes I will cut up some grapes for my little one and eat 2 or 3 of them. I don't think to log 2-3 grapes, so quick-add works for me there. :)
  • gamommy
    gamommy Posts: 131 Member
    *And to clarify, I realize that 2-3 grapes isn't 100 calories...but I tend to do this with a lot of things I serve them. Give them some dry cereal for a snack and take 2 pieces? Take a bite of that banana to encourage them? Kiddo offers you an m&m? That sort of thing. It adds up throughout the day. :)
  • Nurse_K
    Nurse_K Posts: 4 Member
    Those are all great suggestions! I don't have any other kids and I went from none to 2 and had a great handle on things before they came. They're worth it. My 2 year old is an excellent eater. He loves unsalted raw nuts and fruits/veggies so that helps with the good snacks. Plus when they have visits I often have to send food for him because he doesn't get things he will eat.
  • Dray222
    Dray222 Posts: 39 Member
    Fostering is definitely not for the weak! Great job! I have a biological 16 year old and 10 year old, and a 1 year old that we adopted. I completely understand surviving on caffeine! Feel free to add me!
  • johnw83
    johnw83 Posts: 6,219 Member
    feel free to add me as a freind
  • Nurse_K
    Nurse_K Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks! This is definitely harder to do with children and I am grateful for any extra support!
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