Attached to my boyfriend?

[LizyLu]

I have been dating my boyfriend for about 8 months now. We are very in love with one another. He adores me and my family, which I absolutely love. I've been a few relationships but this is by far my most serious one. Quick background on him: He has been divorced twice with two kids. I won't delve into why he divorced twice to avoid looking like I'm making excuses for him. I will say that they both didn't work because well, he married both of them after both women were pregnant. Please stop if you want to point out the big red flag, because I have a loving support group who has pointed that out a million times over.

Anyhow, the children and I get along extremely well. My only issue at times is the ex-factors. While they don't do (haven't done) anything to me or our relationship, I find myself bothered by the fact that yes, they are around for the sake of the kids.

My issue and question for this forum is this: I have found that I am falling for this man more and more everyday. I try to put up somewhat of a wall because I'm well aware of his past, but the more we're together the more I can see myself with him. I've always been a very independent person - seriously fine by myself. Now that I have in my life I find myself spending A LOT of my time with him. I give him his space when he's with his kids (sometimes I'll join them) but when he's not with them we are always together. The problem really isn't the time we spend but rather how I get about him. (Few examples: We text throughout the day and call all the time so when I don't hear from I get upset. Or if I'm out with my friends or even on the phone and he calls, I always make it a point to answer. or on our days when he doesn't have the kids I make it sure I don't plan anything else. When we argue I find myself thinking about breaking up to avoid the pain - I know a bit extreme, but I know that I'm so invested that if I keep dwelling on it I'm going to cause myself so much more pain. I can't seem to let things drop. I try to occupy my time but I still drive myself crazy in my head thinking and thinking. It's not until we have a full blown conversation that I feel better again.)

I don't know if this is normal, but recently I had a friend point out to me that I am no longer my independent self. I don't know if this is because she has never seen me in a real realtionship, if she's jealous of our lost time or if she is right.

Any advice or tips? Of course, if i'm too vague ask questions and I'll answer away. Thanks!