Panic Attacks

So, after having 3 kids, 3 and under I will have to say that I have been deal with panic attacks the majority of last year. I have high anxiety during transitions and packing the kids up into the car. Maybe because we had a 97 Volvo that I packed 3 kids into the back of for several months. Oh, and maybe it was because those car seats are difficult to latch when a kid is flaring their arms. Or maybe I panicked because I was not sure if I would be able to get the 3 year old latched correctly without getting bit. I would often pray out loud "Dear God, please let me find the buckle and give me grace and strength for today."

Any time we were transitioning to go outside or go in the car, someone was throwing a temper tantrum and the baby would always cry. My heart would race and I found it difficult to breathe.  I would panic that I was going to forget something or a kid would act out and I would not be able to control them. I would panic that I am going to lose my water bottle (because when you are nursing 2 kids, you need your water!)

My husband again helped me out this past week with meeting me at the Secretary of State. Even though I do not have a baby anymore, I now have 3 walking and talking toddlers. I wear little Jonah (all 25lbs of him) on my back in the ergo just because it is easier for me in public places. He is content to watch the people. And so for the second time in my life I have been wearing a baby for my drivers license. You cannot see him but I will always know he was there.

One of the blogs I follow had a great article on Baby Boot Camp. During these toddler years I need to continue to remember to be focused on my toddlers.  They will grow someday, and someday I will have more time on my hands and less anxiety.  I found great tips in that article to put away the phone, don't go anywhere, and to just be there for my toddlers.  And that is what parenting is all about, correct? :)

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.