There are lots of remedies to help ease or eliminate the hiccups. My favorite technique when I get the hiccups is to take a deep breath, hold it as long as I possibly can, and then very, very slowly exhale, followed by a slow inhale, and then a gradual return to normal breathing. Almost always this results in eliminating the hiccups.
I’ve come to realize that the last few months have just been a little hiccup in the flow of my life. Really. All things considered, it’s no big deal. Just prior to my daughter getting pregnant, I was almost at the point where I could see my life ahead, living what I call my “Act II”, a life for myself after my kids are all grown and taking care of themselves. But my daughter needed me, and being there for my kids is what I do. It’s who I am. Over the years, I’ve received some criticisms – mostly indirectly – of how I do too much for my kids. The thing about that is, who’s to say what’s too much? It’s always been important to me that my daughters know that no matter what, I have their back.
At 18, I went home and told my parents I was pregnant. I was also unmarried and unemployed. They didn’t kick me to the curb. They had to have been scared about my future, but they still loved me and helped me. I have been paying back that debt by helping my own kids to the best of my ability.
So, I embraced her pregnancy and, you know, I’m literally embracing this little granddaughter of mine. I’ve been here to support her all the way and I know – because she’s told me so – that my daughter is deeply appreciative of the love and support I’ve given her.
After my last post, my daughter made a life changing decision. She went into detox to get off the pills that had been prescribed for her for four years. I know this was a very scary decision for her, but she also realized that not to detox was impairing and putting at risk her ability to be a mother to her daughter.
She is now home and a changed young lady. She’s bright eyed, full of peace and serenity, and although she still has some pain and withdrawal symptoms, her future is pill free and full of joy as she becomes a great mother to her baby. She’s embracing her role as mommy and excelling at it.
I’ve had to hold my breath a few times along the way of this pregnancy, birth, and my daughter’s detox, but now I think I can relax. I can exhale slowly. I can get back to doing what I want to do for myself: bicycling, dating, walking, sewing, enjoying friends, and even looking ahead to some traveling. The small hiccup along the way is something I wouldn’t have traded for the world, but it sure feels good to get back to some normal breathing.
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Glad to hear from you! Now, isn’t that a most wonderful photo? Beautiful baby and mama….and I notice one of the pups is keeping a close guard on them! I congratulate your daughter on her tough decision and I truly hope it is smooth sailing from now on.
We do what we have to for our kids. I don’t care what other people think. Until they’ve been in that same exact situation, they cannot possibly know what they would do, so they just should.shut.up. (Ooh, I am feisty this morning…..)
Am sure you are looking forward to the pleasures you willingly put on hold, so get going! And, enjoy!
Thank you, Bev – it feels good to be “back” too. That’s Trixie in the background, my daughter’s chihuahua. She’s quite the protective little mommy dog making sure baby and mama are safe and happy. And I’ll have some more pictures coming soon!
great photo! some people claim that indulge my boys too much. it is little things like i try very hard to pick them up on time, even if it means making an extra trip. my friends say, “it won’t hurt them to wait 30 minutes.” no, it won’t hurt them, and they would if they had to. however, they are kind, compassionate, giving boys who totally understand that there are times when their needs/wants have to take a backseat. i indulge them because they don’t *demand* it. they appreciate it and are willing to return the favor.
Teri – you said it perfectly. Yes, she could manage on her own, find her own apartment, but why should she? I have a nice home with the extra space and what she could get now on her own would be ghetto, to say the least. I’d do the same for either of my girls. When she’s fully on her feet and able to support herself financially with a decent home, then she’ll have it. And she will at some point, I am certain. Until then, this will work just fine.
looking at that photo of those two wonderful faces… how could one not do everything in their power to help them in any way one could? Joy! Joy! two more beautiful, happy, healthy women in this world! Congratulations to you all.
Thank you, Kathie. They are sweet girls, both of them. And if my daughter has anything to do with it, my granddaughter will grow up to be just as strong a woman as both my daughters are.
That baby is just beautiful!! I hope things continue to go well for all of you. As for your daughter living with you; remember a few years ago when three generations lived under the same roof? I just read an article today about a family, that due to the ecomony, has been forced to do just this. But they are finding out that it’s really working out great! They have a huge support network amongst themselves and learning how to co-exist with others can never hurt.
Please keep us updated!
What a wonderful photo of your girls! And, I’m glad you have mastered getting over the hiccups.
Claire- what an absolutely beautiful post. You’re a great mother and a wonderful grandmother. With you behind these girls of yours, how can they go wrong? And I love that photo.
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