Just the 3 of us ❤️

Before Jeff came into my life – it was just the 3 of us – just me, 1st and 2nd born.

It was hard being on my own sometimes – I had to learn how to parent two boys of 11 and 9 who were having to adapt to their parents separating – but they had, and still have, a fantastic father who was always involved in their upbringing even though we were no longer together.

I look back now with lovely memories of just us.  We grew together for those years.  We fought, we argued – but we stood together – a little army of 3 ❤️

Jeff and I moved in together, just before 3rd born arrived, and once again they had to adapt to having a man about the house, plus a new baby sister and Kiera the Siamese.

Life moved on to 4th born arriving – now two baby sisters 😍  How they loved their little sisters – so much so, Jeff complained that he hardly got a look in at times as the girls were constantly in someone else’s arms!

4th born was less than a year old when Jeff was made redundant.  After months of trying to find work with no success we were left with only one job offer – in South Africa, Jeff’s homeland.

After a lot of discussions and tears we agreed he had to take the opportunity – we would have lost our home if he didn’t.  He left in November 2008 and didn’t return home permanently until the end of 2009 – whilst I stayed in England.

I was on my own again – this time with the boys and their two baby sisters.

I saw Jeff only twice in that year – for a total of 4 weeks.

It was a nightmare time.  I was working full time and having to juggle childcare and was still breastfeeding – I had never felt so tired ever and would fall into bed each night exhausted and lonely.

And there were my Sons.  At the ages of 15 and 17 they became mini surrogate fathers to their baby sisters.  There was nothing they didn’t do for their sisters – they fed them, bathed them, changed nappies, rocked them, comforted them – only thing they didn’t do was breastfeed them 😄 I honestly would never have managed without them beside me, supporting me and keeping my spirits up!

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They are now 21 and 23 and are flying the nest very soon.  They’ve both given me grief at times, they’ve both had their own demons to conquer but throughout it all they stand beside me as my staunch defenders – a bit like Ronnie and Reggie Kray 😜

I love them to the moon and back – many many times ❤️

 

Steady little birds as you fly from my nest

Whilst pictures of you I hold to my chest

Unconditionally I’ve loved you for 20 plus years

And words of wisdom I’ve said in your ears

 

Go forth and conquer this wonderful world

As I take a moment the memories swirled

of beautiful babies who I held so dear

I look at you now and wipe an odd tear

 

So proud of you both my wonderful sons

I guess for now my work is all done

No wait, of course, not, your momma forever

For we have a bond that nothing could sever