Well, I've been deliberating over this for some weeks and finally I realised I can't go on like this anymore......and something's gotta give.
I have been trying to do too many things for too long now, and I have to admit I am neither doing any of them particularly well, nor am I finishing or committing to any one task particularly well. Whether that be unpacking, editing our stuff, decorating our house, finishing the boring bits of the house, parenting, being a good wife, blogging, researching business ideas, getting sleep, eating well and the list goes on.....I'm all over the place!
On top of which I have been trying to keep all these balls in the air for months now, and it has been particularly challenging because I'M PREGNANT!
That's right - you read correctly. I am now 18 weeks and counting, with new bub due in July. It was all a bit of a surprise, although not entirely unplanned I have to admit. So it has been a pretty exhausting, stressful, worrying, difficult, trying, exhausting (did I mention that!) past four months, especially as I was trying to finish the house in the first trimester leading up to Christmas, and believe me, I don't do first trimesters very well. Think extreme tiredness, extreme moodiness, extreme morning sickness, extreme irritability, extreme tendency to get fed up and over everything really quickly! Add to the mix the fact that I'm 42, have two little kids already and a house that everyone is expecting to look fabulous and you have a recipe for a nervous breakdown!
So, while I did have grand plans for 2012 and new online homewares/design business plus growing my blog, and tackling all those holes in the market I've discovered while renovating, I now don't really know how it's all going to play out. I have to admit it's tempting to chuck it all in and forget about blogland and just focus on being a wife and mother! But I don't think I could - I do need a creative outlet and I enjoy the interaction and camaraderie.
I really enjoy blogging, especially getting your feedback, but I do find the pressure quite stressful and the expectation I have on myself to deliver a great blog/post to you as often as possible, makes it something that takes up a lot of my day and a huge amount of my thought and energy.
I probably spend 3-4 hours a day at my computer writing my own posts and reading then commenting on about 50 others. That doesn't leave much time for anything else. I have about 350 blog posts sitting in my inbox I haven't managed to catch up on and the stress of reading them daily and trying to whittle down that number is intense. My heart races and pounds as I rush through each blog post and try to comment when I can, watching the clock as it races towards 3 o'clock pickup. Then I realise I haven't chosen a rug for the floor, or phoned the electrician or picked a lamp or a fabric, bought anything for dinner, fed the kids or done any of the hundred things that are still waiting in this house. And the kids are into their fourth hour of crap TV.
Finally, my poor husband is getting pretty annoyed the house isn't getting any closer to being finished - and he just wants to hang a bloody picture!
So, I'm going to pull back and I really have to put the house/family first. I will thus be posting less often for the next while, and I'm going to be less present on other blogs as well, commenting less regularly too. Until I get this house finished and get ready for this baby, I just can't do everything. I'm not going completely, just wanted to warn you I won't be around every day. Then hopefully I'll be able to show you a completed house before too long and something I can be proud of.
But in the meantime.........
Annsley Interiors - I was introduced to this stunning interior designer today by Nursery Notations blog. When I checked out their portfolio I found so many stunning rooms I thought you'd like to see some. I have soooo much blue and white in this house, I'm almost tired of it! Can't believe I said that. So I am looking to introduce some colour and love this green.
All images from Annsley Interiors
See you soon.
Melinda - congratulations!! Fantastic news. Don't be too hard on yourself, you are doing an amzing job. Take care of yourself
ReplyDeleteCarissa x
*CONGRATULATIONS!* A new house and a new baby on the way! Totally understand about trying to get everything done with very little progress . . . guilty of this myself! Im sure that you'll find a way of making it all work and you'll do it with style. Looking forward to the next post!
ReplyDeleteVal
x
Mel, Mel, Mel, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Heres to a happy healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. What wonderful news. I agree that you need to take a step back and focus on yourself and your family. As you know I luuuurve your blog and very much appreciate all the time and effort that you put into GP so that myself and others get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. I know I am being quite selfish in the fact that I am glad you won't be giving up blogging completely and will be very grateful for the snippets that you will put up on your site when you have time. Thank you for sharing with us for so long. I thought you might like to know that my 14 year old son has looked at your blog and has decided that he would like his bedroom navy and white. So you even have influence on teenage boys who knew? Wish me luck in finding the right navy for the walls. Well Mel congratulations again and I hope that this pregnancy is a breeze for you from here on in. Take care and hope to see the finished home when you have the time. Until then love your friendly Georgica Pond stalker Traceyxxx
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I've been wondering if I missed the announcement. I spotted you at the Furniture Fair. You know you walk past someone and think you know them. It dawned on me later who you were and I did notice that bump. Congratulations, that is wonderful news but I do understand your current feeling of being overwhelmed. It will pass. But better to keep the home camp happy for a while. It's a fine balancing act and although we look and feel like Superwoman most days there's times when it all gets too much. We'll all be here when you're ready, and we're all waiting to see your finished house and the new nursery complete with baby.
ReplyDeleteRest up and look after yourself.
Jennifer xx
Oh congratulations Mel, that's great news! And you definitely need to look after yourself and your family now - everything else can be done in good time. Your little ones are only small for a short time, so enjoy it. All the best, K xx
ReplyDeleteOh congratulations, yay, babies!!
ReplyDeleteI have promised myself only 3-4 posts a week, surely the world doesn't need to hear from me any more often??
I hear you, i have done the same last year, only not pregnant - instead, i can barely use my hands, not great for a designer, doh. Anyway, tomorrow i'm off to the orthopaedic surgeon, surgery will follow & yay, the ability to grip things again. But in my recovery i'm not resuming business, i'm building a house instead, giving myself a good 2-3 years to do it too. With 4 children to parent & a husband overseas or interstate for 4 years - it was too much, so my hands were the perfect wake up call to stop everything but family!! My eldest is in year 8 now, that's full on, including sports, i am so happy with my decision, sure we'll be poor but we'll have so much more of each other. Love Posie
Lots of things seem to make sense now Mel. No wonder you were so tired and frustrated with 'nesting' hold-ups! Congratulations to you & hubby on your wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteBlogging can be addictive, time consuming and even (may I say it?) selfish. Your decision to prioritise at this time makes perfect sense, and the phrase quality over quantity comes to mind....I'm positive your followers (including me) will thoroughly enjoy your post when and as often as you are able to get them online. Good luck with finding the perfect 'balance' for you and your family.
x KL
Wow this is exciting. To think you were probably pregnant when we lunched late last year.
ReplyDeleteWe'll still be here when you drop in.
You've got such fabulous talent with what ever you touch.....I'm sure whichever way you go, you will be a great sucess at it.
Creating a child is about as good as it gets. So excited for you.
Carolyn xx
Take care
Carolyn xx
Well first CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! This is huge news. So excited (and a little jealous for you)!!!! I read your entire post completely understanding your stance, and feeling overwhelmed for you. I have had moments like that too...and I bet you all bloggers have at one time or another. Obviously family and then house comes first. Blogging should be a relaxing and peaceful outlet, never one that feels like a chore you have to rush through. Take the time you need, we arent' going anywhere!
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes...life happens! You just need to go with it, want to wish you much luck in getting it all done. No doubt wtih your renewed sense of direction and determination, you will get it done and then some. Mostly feel better and take good care of yourself. This is such wonderful news. Come back when you can!
XO
okey dokey........just breathe! Of course we all understand and how exciting for you to have a wonderful new life to look forward to. I have just been through the whole pregnancy thing (and it was a huge surprise) and we now have a 6 month old baby girl! My blogging certaily isn't up to speed at the moment and neither is my visiting to other blogs. Dont let it get you down as your real world is much more important than your virutal one! There is always a right time for everything and it sounds as though now is the perfect time for you to nest and look after your family and enjoy your wonderful new house. We will all be here when you are ready to jump back in! I agree, that having a creative outlet is hugley important - its just a matter of balance! So, just give us the occasional pretty pic and we will be happy! BTW, if it helps I am older than you and have a 13 year and a 10 year old! I love the way things happen when oyu east expect them to! Enjoy your pregnancy and rest up and NEST! KG xx
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news Melinda. We will be here waiting for the finished house and news of your new addition. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLovely news Melinda yes the blog world can so take over. You'll feel so much better when your able to do the important things. Blogging can wait. Look forward to your posts when ever they are
ReplyDeleteKind Regards
Karen
Huge congratulations Mel, that is lovely news. Most definitely a time to step back and prioritse. Take good care.
ReplyDeletex
Mel it is a great news, congratulations.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family and your home, decorate, relax, set up priorities, do not pressure yourself todo everything . We will be here waiting whenever are you ready.
Take care.
X
V
Dear Melinda,
ReplyDeleteWarmest congratulations. You made me laugh reading this. Oh how I can relate. Although now you have me really worried because I have only just started a blog and blog commenting. I'm in trouble arn't I!
CONGRATULATIONS that is fantastic news. I'm glad to hear you are going to take it easy. This blogging gig is tough and I so know where you are coming from. I feel guilty if I am not commenting enough on blogs that comment on mine and I feel bad that it sometimes takes me a week to reply to comments on my posts. And don't even get me started on email.... I think you justbhave to do what is right by you and your family. I too am busy trying to find a balance. I honestly hope it all works out for you and you have a happy and healthy pregnancy. We will look forward to whenever you get the time to post :) xx
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news, Mel, and how happy we are for you! Of course, we crave your beautiful inspiration but family and house do come first and all the extra pressure is not good for a mum to be. Know that we will be here reading when you post and thinking of you when you don't. The most important thing for you right now is to enjoy every moment - the kiddies do grow up too quickly. Can't wait to see the big reveal in due time - the house and the baby.
ReplyDeletexxoo
P.S. Love the shot of the office with the wallpapered ceiling!
Congratulations first of all! Your family is beautiful and will be even better with a new one to add to the mix!
ReplyDeleteToally get where you are coming from. I must say that I am totally releaved that someone else takes as long as I do putting together a blog post and reading others. I feel exactly the same way when I'm on the computer-guilt abounds! I could be doing a million other things. But, you are right, it's important for us moms to have that creative outlet. Like other's have said, don't be too hard on yourself. Take it easy and enjoy this time.
~ browneyedgirlygirl
great! comgrats!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Mel
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your pregnancy - that is truly wonderful news and incredibly exciting (says she who doesn't have to experience all those rollercoaster of emotions and hormonal changes that accompany it!).
3 children is however such a wonderful adventure and as you know already you are never afforded a dull moment - even if it means your blog reading comes under the cover of darkness in the wee small hours when only the birds (or newborns!) are awake! Enjoy ever second and I too will selfishly wait for photos of your nursery inspirations (when you have the inclination and energy to post).
Take Care
Elisha
(ps: think we all probably get the "somethings got to give give" feeling at times - me on a very regular basis....)
Such wonderful news about the baby, however it is daunting. Can't believe I sent you a joke yesterday and I didn't know your news. You can do it all, it will just take a little longer. When I had my fifth child I found I could still do it all, I just had to allow more time for things that unexpectedly go wrong (and they will). Now I am a Gran and I am still looking for time to fit everything in. Enjoy the moment and I look forward to reading your blog whenever you feel like writing it. Love Sue
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your pregnancy!! It's hard to juggle everything at times and you are absolutely right, your family and home life must come first. We'll all still be here for your lovely posts when you have the time :) xo K
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, what lovely news. These pics are gorgeous. Look after yourself.x
ReplyDeleteMel that is wonderful news!!! I DON"T know how you do what you do and something has to give. I have 2 kids and my own business and always have ideas of what is next . I come up with these plans and then who suffers in the long run is my family and that's not what I want for them. I want to be a wife and mother who is present really present. I want to be there for my kids at school and when they come home. I want to cook, play with them and be in that moment.You only have your kids for a short while so make the most of it. I love what I do and have learnt to only take on what I know won;t stretch me. You know we aren't going anywhere and will always look forward to posts from GP. Don't rush the house and remember you have so much to be proud of. Business opportunities will always be there just wait for the right time. x
ReplyDeleteMel that is wonderful news!!! I don't know how you do what you do and something has to give. I have 2 kids and my own business and always have ideas of what is next . I come up with these plans and then who suffers in the long run is my family and that's not what I want for them. I want to be a wife and mother who is present really present. I want to be there for my kids at school and when they come home. I want to cook, play with them and be in that moment.You only have your kids for a short while so make the most of it. You know we aren't going anywhere and will always look forward to posts from GP. Don't rush the house and remember you have so much to be proud of. Business opportunities will always be there just wait for the right time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Hope you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy! Will miss your posts, but at the same time totally understand that you need to focus on your family and home. Hope all goes well for you, take care, Marita x
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, what great news... a baby! Take it easy, enjoy every minute! A-M xx
ReplyDeleteMelinda, Melinda, Melinda - stop right here girl! Blog when you feel like it, don't worry about doing the rounds & commenting, get the house finished & enjoy growing this new babe. Do what you can, not what you must. You have created such a strong franchise here, every one of your fans will be here when normal transmission resumes - promise.
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Hi Melinda
ReplyDeleteI am exhausted from reading your post. I also have 3 children and understand the 'crazy years'. I don't usually comment on blogs. I think it is important to be calm when you're pregnant and wish you and your family well as you enjoy this time.
Fantastic news! Congratulations, I doubt anyone would question your needs & desires to put you and your family first! Remember you can have it all, just not all at once. Be thankful & everything is as it should be... I will look forward to posts when they happen, even if they're about new babies! xxx Kate
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo happy for you! Enjoy this time...blogging can wait, and we will all be here when you do have time!
ReplyDeleteStacy
Congratulations!!!you have been blessed...I'm so happy for you. Have a beautiful weekend xx
ReplyDeleteYou do fine cherub, do what you enjoy and everything else will fall in place x
ReplyDeletewell I for 1 will MISS you! I lOVE your Blog, & have totally enjoyed your renovating journey, all your posts have inspired and you have given me many, many wonderful ideas for my dream home....but I DO understand how addictive Blog World is and the hours we spend here...
ReplyDeleteenjoy your new home, family and your growing tummy... Cate
I can't believe you've done all of this while pregnant! Love your blog, but you need a life. Post when it feels right. Commenting isn't always possible. Don't push yourself. All the best for a fabulous pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteTDM xx
You are choosing the right priorities for now. Post when you can because you enjoy it. We will still be here.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your family.
Victoria
We are absolutely THRILLED to hear your news and so excited for you all. Please know that your blog friends understand where you are and that your family and home come first...we'll be here when you have more time. Happy pregnancy!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow - a new baby - that just simply eclipses EVERYTHING else! Terribly exciting Mel! Just as DesignChic said so eloquently, us bloggie buddies are a real lot, and as we are all in the same boat of over-crowded demands in this nutty timeframe, we are fully supportive of just how flexible you need to be keep SANE! Now for me, that sanity actually includes blogging. Haven't quite figured out why I need it, but I just do. I think it is perhaps the connection with other people, in different places, who face the same thoughts? Anyway, I digress. The point being, we are a loyal lot, and will stick through thick and thin. And as an aside, why does our generation think we can do so much? I often wonder! Virginia x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mel! Wow, we saw you from a distance when we were lined up to meet MLB in Sydney - you looked fabulous! Would never have guessed you were with child! Wishing you all the best. Cheers, Tracey & Hayley xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Melinda! Our 3rd baby is just over 2 weeks old and I can appreciate how you feel. I love your blog and the beautiful inspiration you provide. I like everyone else will be happy with sporadic posting! All the best with your pregnancy and take care of yourself. xx
ReplyDeleteMelinda, Congratulations!! No wonder you feel overwhelmed, You have some of the top stressers in life going on right now. Time to breathe and prioritize, sweetie, No one can do it all, trust me. No one!!! You take care of family first and especially yourself and your new little one. It is amazing how everything will fall into place, it always does. I have a saying, "The important things always get done!" It is all the little piddly stuff that we thought we had to have done that we finally let go of in the end and then we can truly enjoy life. Take care sweetie. Kathysue
ReplyDelete