LITTLE OL ME

Italian. Mom of 5. Wife of 14yrs. Entrepreneur. Nature Lover, & lots more so let's go!

Well I am still getting the hang of things but really enjoying Steemit.
I appreciate the people on here & all they have to offer. It's the most intellectual & interesting platform for a "social media". Bravo!

So ... about Cat ...
Where do I begin? I feel I have had a lot of life experiences so far, for my age. I will try to sum things up to let you get to know the "me" today.

Right now, I am conquering a new path....

Adoption
Wow what a journey this is. So many emotions so many ups, downs, joys, pains, confusion.
I am real, I am human and I am an open book. There's not a whole lot of people that tell you about the dark sides of adoptions, but there is. It's not all rainbows, and unicorn farts.

I became a mother at the age of 21, I was married at 18 & couldn't wait to have a family and be "Mom". Then 3 years later another baby, then 3 years after that, our third baby. We had 3 amazing biological minis and didn't intend to have anymore. We always did consider fostering or adopting.
Well that consideration fell into our lap when my husbands twin nieces were in state custody for good at the age of 2.
We knew it.
They were going to be ours.

So the process began last May, getting them to us (out of state). Took a while, but we got them, and now the process of adoption is still working its way to the "finale".

It's a whole different world when you give birth to a child vs meet them and say Hi, let's be friends!
I now adore these girls, but that bond HAS to build, has to be organically made.
I was not prepared for the "side effects" of their previous life... those problems have gotten a lot better with time and proper therapy.
I may sound harsh about this process, but it's honesty and I sure wished I would've met someone like me to help prepare me for what was to come.

My biggest emotional guides are:

•Do not judge your emotions. You feel the way you feel for a reason. It's not permanent, its human.

•Be kind to yourself. As Mom, we seem to think we can fix everything at that moment. Sadly, we cannot. Some things just take time, and maybe some outside help. Allow the help. Talk to others. Love yourself still.

•Know your amazing. This is the biggest thing I struggle with. My normal is not everyone else's normal. My day to day grind is on a whole other level. I'm amazing. I kick ass on the daily with taking care of 5 kids, a house, husband, and still find time to Steemit, craft, paint, get groceries & (most of the time) not be batshit crazy. I do my best and that's that!

•Stay open with your partner. This is so so so important. Talk to them, even if you think it's something that never could be accepted, chances are they may be feeling the exact same but too afraid to talk also. Communication is key in a relationship during all of this. It's key to normal stuff, but the added stress of adjusting with new people in your family... well that's huge. Don't lose each other & don't let go of where you started with that person.

So here I am, today, mother of 5. Everyday is new, new challenges, new joys, new frustrations, new celebrations & new emotions. I embrace it now & couldn't ever go back in time.

My Other Life Joys

So obviously I absolutely love the outdoors, it feeds my soul and heals all!

Nature

Life surrounds us everywhere we are & it's just amazing to me.
Nature has always been my "go to" therapy but really really helped me to start mending my broken heart when my Father passed away 2 years ago. He was also a huge outdoor, plant loving, fishing hippie and I loved him so!!

He surrounds me now throughout everything outside. Stars, moon, rain, birds, plants, vegetables..... everything. The great outdoors are always sending us signs, comfort, & healing touches. You just have to be open to it.

Painting

I love to paint on anything and everything. Rocks, bricks, wood, canvas, walls. I enjoy making things I like to look at or share with others.
I painted these rocks (not perfect, but colorful & made with love) and placed them around town for others to find. Therapeutic for sure!

Animals

Is there anything NOT to love about animals?? I would have a farm if I could house them. I'm actually trying to talk my husband into getting a bird recently. We have a dog, and fish as of now. I did have 3 chickens who ended up being roosters, 2 became very ill & died. My husband won't allow anymore chickens. :( My heart is big and I just love all of the animals! My kids too. So more to come on what joins the family ;)

Conclusion

I strive to be a good person on the daily. I curse, I mess up, I yell, I may have a drink here & there....
But I love hard & only want good for everyone. I hope you've enjoyed my (probably too long) Intro
Have a great week my Steemit Fam 💜✌🏽🌈