So, after overcoming exhaustion, how do you make life work with two kids? I'm not sure yet. Seems like routine is going to be my mainstay. When it's just me at home, DVDs and entertaining toys are very helpful for taking care of one child while the other is kept busy. K got color changing cars (from the movie Cars) for Christmas. You dip them in warm or cold water to make them change color. Those keep him engrossed for a long time. M is not crawling or walking yet. The exersaucer is a favorite with her. We tried the Johnny Jump-up today and she mostly hung out in that and twirled around. However, she was content enough for me to take a shower. Right now, she's happy to just roll around on the floor on her tummy. She's figured out how to roll in all directions and there's no telling where she'll end up.
Well, it's time for M to have a bottle. K is busy with Daddy. Life is so much easier with both parents home! Please share your survival tips for caring for two solo. My husband heads back to work next week.
Aw, you guys look so happy! Baby M is absolutely adorable. K looks like he's in love :)
ReplyDeleteSurvival tips for two...hmmm...
Nap times are key--or "quiet times" and a movie every now and then sure helps out a lot! :) I do a lot of my cleaning at night after they are both asleep, or during the day in short bursts, one or two rooms a day. I try to get Isaac involved a lot--especially with laundry--giving him napkins, socks, and individual tshirts to take in and put on beds. And I really love my Baby Bjorn to pack Phinneas around with me. He's not to the point yet where he can chill without seeing me nearby or actually being attached to me.
It does get easier once you establish a loose routine :) You're doing great to have made dinner so soon!!
Congratulations on Baby M--she is beautiful!
Hi Ana. Thanks for the helpful tips! I had a nice long reply, and then lost it all with the swipe of a mouse. This buttonless mouse and I don't get along so well! Anyway, great advice. Next question for you, how do you run errands with two kids in tow?? :)
ReplyDeleteErrands have a life of their own :D LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it has taken me forever to respond! Errands...hmm. I plan them out a lot, and we try to walk as much as possible to wear Isaac out. I use the Baby Bjorn a lot still, but Finn has almost out grown it, so I have busted out the backpack.
I make a list of all the groceries I need, the places I need to go, pack up the boys with some snacks, and hit the errands about once a week. I try to consolidate things into one or two trips a week out to stores. Any other time out is just frosting on the cake :) I like to go when I am relaxed and not feeling rushed because everyone's mood stays chipper and sweet.
It's fun sometimes to make a day of it, throw in the cooler (for grocery perishables), hit the park or lunch somewhere. I'm finding that the more fun I have with errands, the more fun the boys have, and things just work out better :)
So, we're getting the errand thing figured out...sort of. I love Costco because there's room for both kids in the cart. However, I can't get all of our groceries there. At places with room for one in the cart, K gets to ride in the basket. That leaves little space for the groceries, but he's too unpredictable to walk yet. We've also been trying out double strollers as M is too big for the front pack now. It's a challenge taking two kiddos anywhere. I'm finding snacks are a must and keeping things brief is necessary too. Thanks for the tips!
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