I’ve been posting this around a few places, so forgive me if you’ve read this already, but I know that a vast majority of people who read my weblog are parents themselves.
I’ve been having some trouble adjusting to being the mom of more than one kid. I think it’s because I have no real routine. We never had one that was set in stone before with just Hayley but we had a basic routine going. I guess it’s still too soon to have a ton of structure.
Still, if you have any tips on making life a little easier, that would be great. For example, one of the best suggestions was to prepare stuff the night before for Hayley that she can get herself. I usually put a sippy cup with juice, one with water or milk, and some fruit in the fridge for her, and I put corn flakes (luckily she prefers them dry) in a bowl and cover it with foil then leave it on her table. This has been great because she tends to want her breakfast just when Breanna wakes up and needs to be nursed. This way, everyone is taken care of (well, except for me but I get my coffee eventually!).
Suggestions of other things that made life easier when you increased your family size would be greatly appreciated, whether they’re related to the kids or to general stuff around the house.
I always had Jaiden help as much as she could – fetching diapers or socks, etc., then praised her for being such a big helper. While Jaylen nursed we’d do whatever she wanted to do – watch a certain TV show, read a book, whatever we could do together right there with a newborn attached to the breast.
My sling saved me when going out in public! Also, in the car I put Jaiden’s seat behind mine and Jaylen’s on the opposite side of the car. When we get in Jaiden climbs through the car and buckles herself in while I buckle Jaylen in. It totally saves time and occupies her while I am busy.
I like the tip you mentioned! What a great idea! I’ll have to do that, too. I don’t know if you already do this, but when you have morning appointments get everything ready the night before – right down to getting the sippy cups filled and ready, waiting in the fridge and clothes set out for each of you. Of course the night before an early appointment will be one where one or both of the kids is up, so having everything set out will really help the next morning!
Good luck, Sherry!
I don’t have any good tips yet, but I’m sure interested in reading all the responses. Yikes, I’ll be in your shoes next summer!
There’s a good book I really enjoyed that helped me somewhat: “Beyond One” by Jennifer Bingham Hull. Also – just keep at it! There’s no trick – just experience 😉
You’ll get there, you’ll find some sort of balance. Just when you think you’ve “got it” one of them will throw it out anyway. So I guess my piece of advice is to just go with the flow, don’t put too many expectations on them or yourself and if plans go to crap then don’t stress about it. It is a hard thing to adjust to and you’ll find the little tricks that work for you.