EMOTIONAL FAMILY UPDATE | How I've REALLY Been | Solo Mom for 2 Months | The Carnahan Fam

Alright my friends - I've finally put together a very vulnerable and emotional family update with a really raw look at how I've really been the last two months. I'm BEYOND grateful for all of the help and support I've been given from friends, family, community AND YOU over that last two months. If you think I'm a mess in this video, I can't even imagine where I would be without all of the people who carried me at some of my lowest moments. Being a solo mom AND still trying to be an intentional mom for my kids has been a HUGE growth experience to say the least.
I recorded this video on August 18th, 2022 (yes, it really has taken me this long to get it together) but since then, we've been out to Michigan to visit Quinn (video coming soon!) and that little dose of normal family happiness was EVERYTHING we ALL needed to boost our spirits! I am personally doing MUCH BETTER since recording this video. Of course there are still moments that are hard BUT there is a lot more good happening every day too!
THANK YOU for your love and well wishes and support during this challenging time for our family! WE LOVE YOU! ❤ ❤ ❤
➡ FOLLOW US
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/35N5uG5
INSTAGRAM: / carnahanfam
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2MXPEj4

[@ashleybrown5252]

I started out by watching your 18 month milestone video from like four years ago & was thinking wow this mom is perfect she probably never makes an mistakes then eventually made it to this video & my heart pours out for how u were feeling during this season of your life. Shows me just how human all of us mothers are… going through the same stuff even if it looks a little different. You’re an awesome momma ❤

[@katiecarnahan7475]

Love you sweet Kaleigh. ♥️ I admire your vulnerability and digging deep to getting this video out there. It will bless people more than you realize. It sure blessed me. 3, 2, and 1 is so hard, even with help. These survival periods have so much growth in them. You are strong, beautiful, and exactly where you need to be. Hang in there Mama! Can’t wait to see you this weekend!! 🥰

[@lyndsayhart4562]

I dont know you personally, but have been watching your videos for a while now... I can tell what an awesome mom you are! Even when you think you're falling short, your babies will always be there for you. Admitting and apologizing to them is so sweet and pure! You are modeling emotions perfectly! I send all my love to you! You will get through this. It's only one chapter in your story that will pass by soon.

[@CarnahanFam]

Awh Lyndsay - thank you for your kindness! Sending love right back your way! ❤️

[@yuanlin3829]

You are such a great mom! You makes me look like a fool! Best wishes for you!

[@trishamayall9461]

Thank you!! Thank you for the rawness and realness of this video!! I find myself comparing myself to you when I watch your videos. You are the mom I always thought I would be. My husband is gone every week Sunday to Thursday… every single week. I struggle every week and I felt this video with all of my being. I want to be the mom you are but I fall short and I very much appreciated this video! I pray things get better for you. While I do appreciate the rawness and it does make me feel a little better as a mom I’m definitely not happy you feel this way and I hope your family can be together soon. Praying for you Mama!!

[@WholeHeartwithMaquia]

Phew! 🥹 I’m just coming out of a season just like this! I know it will get better! ❤️ praying for you and your family!

[@KGVLOGS630]

This honestly makes me feel extremely comforted. I am a first-time mom with an 8-month-old and my boyfriend is away on boot camp training to be in the air force. I also have support but mentally I feel the same as you as "less of me". Not hearing or seeing my best friend that I used to see every day makes me feel incomplete. But we got this mama!! We are super moms! Finding your channel has been making me feel so much better these past few months.

[@youngdeku6634]

You and your family are in my prayers. I want you to know that I think you're a wonderful mother. You're all working with a challenging situation. Rough on the body, mind and heart. Y'all are a strong, faithful, loving family. And thank you, because you and your family have helped our family so very much.

[@kalileolife]

Sending you lots of love and energy, you are doing amazing! Imperfection in Parenthood is important for kids to see as well💜

[@CarnahanFam]

So true! My kids are definitely getting an especially-imperfect parent right now but we're all also getting a good opportunity to grow! Thanks for the love ❤️

[@AliceSells]

You are an amazing mom and wife. You are going through so much. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. God bless you and your family.

[@laurarussell645]

Thank you for being so open. I am pregnant too. Just coming out of the first trimester and dealing with hypermesis Gravidarum. It has been so hard to be a mom while also being so sick. I can totally relate to profusely apologizing to my son for being unkind in my responses. I have a great support system too (I love them!), but it doesn't prevent sadness and emotional struggle when your daily life has been turned upside. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He has been my strength in this season. You are so right that if we do our best, God will take care of the rest. Take care, mama! You are doing great, and the sun will shine ☀️

[@leanneperkins1949]

Thank you for sharing! This hit home and was so refreshing to hear. You got this!

[@jmeblare7473]

First of all, I am giving you a big hug. You are such a wonderful inspiration to me and to so many others. Also I went though some challenging years when my son was 3, it was a whole new ball game. My son will be 5 soon and I am seeing a turn around with behavior. Just remember, you are in a challenging season, but you are so strong and will come through!

[@emmaobrien5916]

Sending you our love and strength. Your an inspiration. Your children are beautiful souls. Try to be kind to yourself. I lost my mum mothers day the week before my 2nd baby arrived and haven't been able to be my best mum self, two weeks later we had 7 puppies.

[@ariannaortiz4657]

You’re a great mom. I look up to you and I really hope one day I can be at least half of the mom you are. You’re not alone you have all of us

[@CarnahanFam]

YES Arianna! I genuinely feel so much love and support from all of you - it is amazing to be a part of such a wonderful community! You are doing an amazing job and I'm confident you are everything your kids need as their mother 💛 Sending hugs your way!

[@hollyw396]

Yes, this! You're such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing yourself and reminding us that life isn't perfect. Hugs❤️

[@brigidpatterson8490]

Sending love your way.

[@kristinefarrish150]

Omg honey! Sending lots of love! You can do this you are amazing! Remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel! You are for sure doing so much, so give yourself a hug and some room! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CarnahanFam]

Thanks for sending your love our way! The light at the end of the tunnel FINALLY feels real and I'm SO looking forward to it ❤️ Sending hugs right back!

[@Ashleyohmy11]

Just did a prayer for you and your family. Being a mom is hard but beautiful, God is with you and he gives you the strength you need every day. Remember to give yourself the same grace the father has given you. You are the best mama for your kids.

[@CarnahanFam]

Thank you so much Ashley! Your prayers are appreciated MORE than you know! God is so good and is blessing us constantly - thank you for the kind reminders of His grace! ❤️ God bless your family!

[@jessica9019]

Hey beautiful glowing mama. I just had a chance to watch this video. My heart goes out to you. Don’t feel silly for having big feelings your entitled to them. You are caring for 3 kids all at really tough stages plus being pregnant plus missing a husband miles away. You need to give yourself some grace. And just write out what you can control and what you can’t on another piece of paper and through that one away. We love you and don’t stress over making videos if it’s not what’s making you happy your followers will al be here when the storm has calmed. Please do things that just bring joy to you and your kids write now. And write letters draw pictures and mail them to Quinn. And call when you can. You all as a family are doing your best. And that’s what matters. Hang in there K you can do this your the worlds most amazing mom. You are mother inspiration. Your kids are blessed.

[@shellygreen3014]

You are amazing and I’m sure just making this video and talking about it was good for you! Give yourself a break because you still are doing a great job …better than most people….let go of some of the expectations and just enjoy the moment….a clean straightened up house is not what is most important… just sit back and let some things slide…your kids will be fine ❤️

[@CarnahanFam]

Yes Shelly! Making this video and talking about it was genuinely therapeutic for me 😂 Thank you for your words of wisdom! I can always use the reminder to let go of some of the expectations ❤️❤️❤️

[@amyrondinel5611]

I think it's important to remember that we're human and having so many littles under a certain age whilst also being pregnant is going to be real damn hard. For the best of us. I honestly wonder what were your thoughts on family planning. Wouldn't it have made sense to hold off on your next pregnancy for a period of time to help through this very trying time (surgical residency, 3 very little littles, etc. etc.)

[@girpode157]

❤️❤️

[@francism.790]

❤❤❤

[@rondalomax1511]

Amen! Trust and Believe GOD!

[@CarnahanFam]

Yes Ronda! You got it! ❤️

[@emmaemma2874]

Great ❤! Can I repost your videos on another platform?

[@evelynruano4492]

I was going to DM you guys to see how’ve been since I’m on your channel daily, and I know you’re pregnant, (I’m expecting my 2nd in Oct.) You’re like a mirror - I feel defeated on the regular and it’s crazy to see you feel this way but girl, YOU DO A LOT! So I’m gonna me a mirror back: You have done SO MUCH for your kids! You have done more good than bad- trust!!! The development videos you’ve made are a HUGE help to me and my growing family! Of course you’re having a rough time - your husband is away - which is so tough! and you’re BURNT OUT!!! And you still wake up each morning and do it all over again!!! Waking up is an accomplishment! Take it back to basics, sleep in with the kids, and forget the laundry list of to dos. We definitely put way too much pressure on ourselves to do the right thing with our kids everyday - it’s exhausting!!!! You’re an amazing mom and wife. Believe that. Even when you go numb - you’re amazing. Can you guys go stay with Quinn? LOL!!! White flag!!!

[@newbtube411]

I knew when you said he would be gone, at the end of your pg it was going to be rough times. You knew it too, I'm sure. How pregnant are you? Very preggo. Baby will be here soon. Can't you all just make the move to Michigan now? You're a creature of structure. When is your weakest times of day with kids? Get help during those times, plan to leave or take a nap. Everybody needs mandatory down time.

[@CarnahanFam]

Yes! You are so right on so many levels! I'm 28 weeks pregnant now but all of our babies have come around 37 weeks so about 9 more weeks to go! Can't believe it! ❤️❤️❤️ He's only going to be in Michigan another 3 weeks, then home for 2, then gone for 2 then home for the rest of the year so it's in our best interest to stay here until the official move next summer, but it definitely would have been nice to be together the last 3 months! Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement! This too shall pass ❤️❤️❤️

[@thecherishedlife]

Oh my gosh, mama. This made me cry because I. HAVE. BEEN. THERE! And it was so hard 😭 But guess what? You get through it and you come out SO much stronger on the other end!! I am glad you are such a positive person and can still sit there and count your blessings through this all. Another thing that has helped me when I feel like I am falling short is to sit down and write a DID list. Write down all the things you HAVE gotten done or done right lately, and you will see that you are doing so much more than you even realize! You are an amazing mom and I promise your kids are going to be just fine ❤️ I will say a prayer for you and your family.

[@ConnyHun]

This is literally breaking my heart... I will take your confession about apologising to the kids to heart. ❤

[@dshannon1038]

You made me feel no so alone in my own emotional state, being pregnant, with 2 littles I try to homeschool as well, and a husband whose away more often than not. Even though we don't know each other, it's very comforting to know, there's not something wrong with us, it's just life, and sometimes it's hard.

[@keyeligarcia2074]

Kaleigh!!! You look so beautiful. I miss your videos so much. Thanks for sharing this part of you. It really means a lot to me as a mom too. I can see the kiddos are also missing Quinn so much. You are an AMAZING and LOVING mom. These difficult times will pass by, May GOD continue to bless your family and give you the strength and patience needed at the right moment. Christian, Ains and Ruby look so healthy and happy. So happy that you added small clips of them having fun. Sending you lots and lots of good vibes and blessings. 💐

[@Inspiringami]

Life is heavy as F when you're alone with kids. My fiance died 2years ago. Our son is 3 now. My oldest is 12. Both boys. It's very very hard sometimes. It sucks the emotional impact it has on yourself. Try not to beat yourself up. Rely on your supports and schedule regular you time, separate from house work. Keep talking about it. You're human girl. I appreciate the authenticity.

[@CarnahanFam]

Oh man, you know all too well - I'm sorry for your circumstances and appreciate your encouraging words and wisdom! ❤️ Hang in there Mama! YOU are the strong Mama I'm looking up to every day! 💪

[@anonananas940]

I am so thankful to have found your channel recently! Please know that the videos you have already made have helped myself and others tremendously! I went from one child to 3 with twins then to 6 with 3 nephews joining us...and I can relate to feeling I fall short everyday...I just need and want everyone to be happy and to give my all and do my best and then at the end of the day my best is not enough and I cry too ❤ I see you as such a beautiful person and an inspiration. Thank you for being vulnerable and raw and real. Please be kind to yourself, you're a super relatable, cool and an amazing mom, whether you feel it or not or believe it or not somedays, it is the bigger picture that matters.

[@ibethalfaro236]

Don’t feel silly I went through that too and I do understand you completely. God is with you and never will go away. Talking about it it’s a really good exercise. I want to hug you and tell you that this is going to go away anytime soon. You have a beautiful family keep strong ❤️😘😘😘😘😘❤️💐💐💐💐💐

[@elisewicks9921]

You are enough and you are doing an amazing job! Sending all the love ❤️all your way ❤️❤️❤️

[@JenRiveraBell]

Sending you the biggest virtual hug amor! 💕💕💕

[@MeganJoosPureRomance]

I watch your channel religiously. Your family is the only KZbin family that I actually care about as if I know you guys in real life. I was wondering if everything was ok since it's been a min since you've uploaded ❤️ Mama, you are INCREDIBLE & doing the very best you can. You are strong & your LO's love you so much! Take all the mental health time you need mama ❤️

[@bethadamsofficial]

You are just incredible! Never forget that! God bless your beautiful family and thank you for all that you do! Brand new fan here…super inspired!!!!!❤

[@anjafernandez758]

I feel you . I had baby 4 , one year and 3 months ago , it’s a roller coaster and we are solo moms !!! Please stay strong !!!

[@jcflute]

It might not feel like it, but you are doing so well despite everything that is on your plate. You have been such of an encouragement to me but it I also think you shouldn't be too hard on yourself. Life can't be perfect and these tough valleys that you are experiencing with your kids will only strength the beautiful bonds that you already have. It's good to be positive, but it is especially tough during a valley season. All we need in the valley is hope :)Positivity is a plus, but hope is a must( you've got that!). You've got this! You are incredible. Praying with you through this.

[@CSUNLIMITED]

That's my last name lol

[@newbtube411]

Checking in... How's everything?!

[@rondalomax1511]

You are human, and when it comes to the kids, we guilt ourselves to life!!!!!! Then we do the makeup for it game! I wish I was there to give you a “GREAT BIG HUG” then just leave my two year old grandson on your porch, with a backpack of supplies for two days!😂😂🫣🫣🤭🤭🤭🫡🫡🫡

[@rondalomax1511]

You are human, and when it comes to the kids, we guilt ourselves to life!!!!!! Then we do the makeup for it game! I wish I was there to give you a “GREAT BIG HUG” then just leave my two year old grandson on your porch, with a backpack of supplies for two days!😂😂🫣🫣🤭🤭🤭🫡🫡🫡

[@followshisway]

Are you going to continue making the preschool curriculums?

[@vossthebossmom]

I have only one babes so far, he turns a year old next weekend, and I was saying very similar things just last week. I work full-time from home and my husband works full-time plus OT and is gone 6am-6pm Mon-Fri, if not later. Typically I have help 4 days a week so I'm only on my own with my son one day a week. Last week was the first week where I was alone with him for 3 days straight, trying to work 8 hours each day, us both recovering from a trip to Colorado and the time change. I was also saying I haven't had the patience I usually have with him, I haven't been talking nice to him, I don't know how single parents do it, etc. I sobbed, so upset with myself for not being a better mom. Then I talked to my dad and he saw a different perspective. He said kids and babies, no matter how hard you try, just aren't always going to be easy, aren't always going to do what you want them to do. Every parent has to practice patience. What makes you a great mom is how distraught you are about all of this, so just remember that. Find what you need to do to get that patience back, but in the meantime, remember you're a good mom, because you care so much. So I say the same thing to you! You love your children, you love your husband, and you obviously care so much because of how sad you feel that you haven't been your best self with your kids. You'll get there! And I bet your kids appreciate your apologies and will learn from your apologies. It is so healthy to admit fault and apologize. Don't forget also those crazy pregnancy hormones, and you ARE going through a lot with hubby being away for so long! Sorry for the long comment...your video moved me to tears. You are one to look up to. Hang in there!

[@barbarannodarse6913]

I just came across this video. You have probably had your baby already, but I can completely relate to how you feel. My kids are now a little older, but if I can give you the best advice is hire help to help you around the house just a cleaning for alone will give you relief. So that you can focus more on the kids and do what you like to do with them and enjoy them, then worry about the house.

[@VERYBERRIS]

you better be grateful even if things get though, some of us are not even touched or cared for by any man, some of us dont have the chance to have a family because we are ugly and disabled or both, mentally broken and just watching kids on youtube because that's as close as i come to having kids

[@nixigg]

This is the true reality of parenting

[@nadiahajra2634]

Please make more videos. I love your videos.

[@djaye69]

I so needed this. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@trilltransformation9999]

You are amazing

[@marissaemerson2029]

𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓂 😬

[@NjBou]

Omg. I'm 27 weeks pregnant with baby #2, taking care of a 1yr old at home, with a dislocated shoulder, and my mom has been here the whole week and a half that my husband has been away ....and he will be back by next week ....i thought I was having it hard. And it is hard but wow I'm very humbled by your experience. Girl. You are having it VERY hard. You need some friend time. It's hard bc no one can nourish us like our husbands. Their hugs and comfort is much more special than anyone's...but a friend date may help at least help you relieve the stress through laughter, and they can also uplift you. I pray God brings you close to Him as well ❤️ I'm just sure there's so much survival right now...you're doing your best and i pray you can have self compassion. That's what I've been working on: getting closer to God and having self compassion. And making sure to say many thank yous to everyone helping me

[@jessicawarner7634]

I've been checking your channel regularly to see if you've posted anything and assumed you guys must be going through a difficult time. I've been praying for you for weeks and weeks now! Will continue to.

[@CarnahanFam]

Awh Jessica! Your prayers and checkin in on us mean the WORLD! It is genuinely so humbling to be apart of such a loving, gracious community. THANK YOU for being such a strength and support from afar! ❤️❤️❤️ And the 3rd baby is SO exciting! I hope your pregnancy is going smoothly for you!

[@maddigan13]

I can really relate to this. I was also a primary school teacher and I know the kind of parent I strive to be but I've found adjusting to being a stay at home mom hard. Like you I hold myself to a very high standard wanting to implement consistent discipline, stay calm and collected, make sure he's getting enough stimulation while also developing independence, providing appropriate learning opportunities, enduring he has healthy homemade meals and snacks and so on. I find it hard with one. I think anyone with a semblance of sanity with more than one must be superhuman lol. We decided to have only one because I can't be the parent I want to be to more than one. Sometimes I still fall short. Sometimes I don't have as much patience as I'd like especially since being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatments. But sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves and like you say, try to be our best version again tomorrow. You have 3! And are doing it on your own at the moment. You're doing amazing 👏 I mean, I've seen your kids brush their teeth without having to be rugby tackled - your kids are incredibly lucky to have you as a mum 🙂

[@randomgirl4243]

I’m so sorry you and your family are going through this! You have all the right to how you are feeling. It is HARD when husbands are away. It’s hard when any parent is away. The whole family feels the toll. 💖 you can do this, continue to hope in the Lord and take it day by day, don’t sweat the silly things like making sure the house is perfect etc. enjoy the kids, make memories, just have fun with them! 💖 you can do this momma!

[@randomgirl4243]

Don’t overload yourself with extra curricular activities for the kids. That can get crazy really fast. 💖 Especially under extra added stress.

[@CarnahanFam]

So much wisdom! Love your perspective! Thank you for your validation and encouragement! ❤️

[@trilltransformation9999]

Thank you so much for this, my son is 18 months and not speaking yet, and I know it’s my fault, I am a single mother, and have to work, but that is still not an excuse, I need to find time, no excuses! Thank you for your vulnerability, I love you and your family, you make me try harder, you make me push!!

[@olenarogova24]

God does not give us more than we can handle. You can do it! You are doing great! It is just a season of life. It will all pass. You are such an excellent educator and mom, I was looking forward to each new month to watch a new video from you to help my son. He is 2 now! You are right, count your blessings! Looking forward to your new videos in your timing. Take care of yourself. We love your family. Hugs and prayers!

[@TeachingToddlersAndLittles]

Thank you for sharing this, it's a real struggle that so many moms go through... and since you're such a rockstar and inspirational mom, it helps us all to know that it's okay to have moments and seasons of weakness and imperfection

[@sarahgalea7557]

U are an amazing mum. This is just a season that u are going through right now. It won’t be forever. Your kids know u love them. It’s so hard when you miss your hubby. Stay strong.

[@mothermoon94]

I was finding your channel to share with my partner. We are a year deep with twins and have a 3.5 year old too and I spend a lot of my time alone with them whilst my partner works and I am so happy to see this video. I needed to hear all of this. It really helped me feel less alone in every way. Thank you for being so raw and honest, it’s truly appreciated. All my love to you, I hope things are a bit easier for you today. Xxx

[@katrinaaman4326]

All the support in these comments is so amazing and encouraging to see ⬇What a beautiful community you've built! Thank you for modeling vulnerability and grace and such sincere, wonderful parenting. So much love for you 💙

[@alexaa6270]

It’s ok to fall short. Big hugs ❤

[@marrisamanere9587]

You are enough just the way you are. You are being the best momma you can be! Give yourself some grace. No one is looking for perfection especially your kids. They are healthy and happy and that is because of you. Sometimes getting the tears out helps release the negative energy....so let it out and get back to it tmw. Hang in there because this to shall pass😊

[@CarnahanFam]

Thank you for your kindness and encouragement Marrisa! I think you're right, sometimes the tears help just so we can let it all go and be able to move on a little more clear headed 💛 Thank you for your kind words! Yes, this too shall pass! 💛

[@viralkhakher8447]

I know cause of your depression is missing your partner and pregnancy. Make arrangements to go to him if possible.

[@CarnahanFam]

YES! We just did last weekend and it was SUCH A GIFT to be together! ❤️ Now just a short countdown until he gets to visit home!

[@chelseyparada1298]

Your words sound so much like my own. Constantly trying to see the silver lining.

[@CarnahanFam]

It helps to count our blessings for sure! ❤️