Stay at Home Mom of Two: Week One

Well, we're more than halfway through the first week of Nelson being back at work. And, actually, it's going much, much better than I'd expected.

Okay, feared.

Honestly, I pictured Nelson walking in the door at 6, 2 crying children, 1 crying mommy, toys every where, no clean clothes for any of us, dishes piled up, me in the same thing I'd been wearing and slept in for 3 days, no shower, no dinner ready, etc, etc, etc. I had 2 goals for the week: feed everyone when needed and no bloodshed/trips to the emergency room. And, get Kalaya to her dance class and sports class, if possible.

So far, the reality has been much better.

The truth is, yes, we've had some stressful moments. Of course. And I never feel that I'm quite giving each child as much attention as they deserve. Story of our lives from now on, I'm sure. But, I've been able to feed everyone, keep everyone clean and dressed (multiple times a day...), which has included getting in showers for myself (a luxury I thought I was going to have to wait until nighttime for), the dishes are getting done, the laundry as well, and the toys mess has been kept to a minimum. We've even found time to play outside, get out the play dough and markers, and yes, we made it to dance class today. ON TIME, I might add. I am very proud of this. (it's the little things)

One thing I'm surprised to find out already: I thought that having 2 kids at home would make me even less likely to want to/be able to leave the house. Wrong! I am already kind of going stir crazy. And, I crave adult conversation more than ever. I got really, really used to having Nelson around for 5 1/2 weeks..... I wish so much that we could afford a second car. A mini van to be exact. Nelson graciously took the bus this morning, so that I didn't have to wake 2 kids to take him to the MAX station. Bless his heart, he had to get up a precious half hour earlier. But, we had to make it to dance class on time!! I'm going to try to find another mommy group soon, I miss having that connection!

The biggest struggle? Definitely lack. of. sleep. Holy crap. I don't EVER remember being this tired with Kalaya as a newborn. And, yes, I know it's only day 3. And we'll get there. But, WOW, I have had some times where it literally hurt from being so tired. I'm trying SO hard to keep my crankiness in check with the kids and husband. There's always Cinderella if I want to grab a catnap with Jakiah on the couch, if I get desperate.

The things I have been the most grateful for this week:

1. Our church: Several weeks ago, one of our church ladies called, offering to arrange for meals to be brought to us. I asked if we could wait until Nelson went back to work and I'm so glad we did! I had several meals frozen for when he was home and it worked out perfectly. Yesterday 2 ladies delivered 4 different meals and we ate one last night! Homemade cream of tomato soup and grilled chees; very yummy and toddler friendly too!

2. The Girls: They feed the kid and make free food. 'nuff said.

3. Swaddling: Jakiah is a happy, happy guy when he's swaddled.

4. Baby swing and/or bouncy, vibrating chair: They help me be able to put Jakiah down when needed, temporarily.

5. RING SLING: Honestly, this should probably be number one. When Jakiah is fussy or won't nap, he sits in the sling perfectly content and falls asleep, allowing me to play with Kalaya and get any chores done, except a shower. : )

6. Pacifiers: Kalaya never took one, but Jakiah occasionally will and it helps!

7. A toddler who plays independently for decent stretches of time!

8. PBS, Sesame Street and Word World in particular: When all else fails and I need a break. Plus, they're learning, right??