Thursday, August 25, 2011
sleeeeeeeeppppppy
so why am i even posting this? to show what desperate measures I took with my precious lineage today. note: I am anti video/tv as babysitter. like I said I was desperate!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
"What works what doesn't?" (this one's for you, E)
My old friend (not old in age, but old in length of friendship) asked me this question about N and A. Hm. I wish I knew...
What works:
Shared Bathtime- They LOVE playing together, especially in the tub. I put them both in at the same time and monitor heavily(which usually includes folding laundry, calling my mom, or knocking out the dishes in the adjoining kitchen). Lots of reminders to "use gentle hands, Autumn doesn't want you to pour water in her face, sit down, it's not time to splash (and, of course) no, stop, don't..."
Then I wash them both, take Autumn out and N stays in for awhile longer by himself. This is when he gets to splash and go buckwild, and I focus on getting A ready for bed.
When they were younger I still put them in together, and carried A's infant seat in to bundle and strap her when she was done with the suds. That time was much more hectic bc I would be trying to change them both and get them both ready for bed at the same time-including a breathing treatment for Noah and feeding for A-it was a very tiresome and challenging routine.
I have since learned to just let it go. They will get to sleep when it happens. Especially in this new life, I can't stress out bc the bath, books, bed routine isn't finished by 9pm sharp. Oh yeah, and it helps SO MUCH to have Carlton around all the time:)
Playpen time- The playpen is the best invention ever. Some people think it cruel to "cage" their precious darlings. I think it's the best think since sliced bread. Autumn has learned that mommy is in charge and when she says "it's play time," or "it's time to rest," or "it's time to read," that's what I mean and she's not getting out till I say so. Sometimes I can send N in there to hang out with her (and-recently-teach her how to climb out), but usually it's her time to focus on the selection of toys, books, etc. that I've given her.
Added bonus: This is the same playpen that Donna donated to us 3 years ago--SCORE!!
What Doesn't:
Folded laundry, empty sink and 3 round meals a day.
My kids eat great-lots of fruits, avacados, yogurt, etc. But. I remember a day a few weeks ago when Autumn's dinner consisted of a cookie. I'm not kidding either. Rather than beat myself up, I recall that she was almost exclusively breastfed until 10 1/2 months so a junky dinner from time to time is child's play in the long run.
As for the laundry, keeping up with two kids is time consuming enough. Add the "big boys," the paperwork, time for Carlton and it's just not worth it. I still do fold their clothes and put them away, but no longer flip out when A busts in the drawers and throws them all over the room. Sometimes they even stay there for a few days (truthfully, more like hours bc I'm still neurotic). However, I almost always have at least three piles of clothes lying around in their room and that's just that.
Anything that involves more than minimal planning/expectations on my part. I have had to learn to JUST LET GO!!! This is still a struggle, but I tell people "I am hoping to walk out the door in five minutes, but the kids may have other plans..." They usually do!
What works:
Shared Bathtime- They LOVE playing together, especially in the tub. I put them both in at the same time and monitor heavily(which usually includes folding laundry, calling my mom, or knocking out the dishes in the adjoining kitchen). Lots of reminders to "use gentle hands, Autumn doesn't want you to pour water in her face, sit down, it's not time to splash (and, of course) no, stop, don't..."
Then I wash them both, take Autumn out and N stays in for awhile longer by himself. This is when he gets to splash and go buckwild, and I focus on getting A ready for bed.
When they were younger I still put them in together, and carried A's infant seat in to bundle and strap her when she was done with the suds. That time was much more hectic bc I would be trying to change them both and get them both ready for bed at the same time-including a breathing treatment for Noah and feeding for A-it was a very tiresome and challenging routine.
I have since learned to just let it go. They will get to sleep when it happens. Especially in this new life, I can't stress out bc the bath, books, bed routine isn't finished by 9pm sharp. Oh yeah, and it helps SO MUCH to have Carlton around all the time:)
Playpen time- The playpen is the best invention ever. Some people think it cruel to "cage" their precious darlings. I think it's the best think since sliced bread. Autumn has learned that mommy is in charge and when she says "it's play time," or "it's time to rest," or "it's time to read," that's what I mean and she's not getting out till I say so. Sometimes I can send N in there to hang out with her (and-recently-teach her how to climb out), but usually it's her time to focus on the selection of toys, books, etc. that I've given her.
Added bonus: This is the same playpen that Donna donated to us 3 years ago--SCORE!!
What Doesn't:
Folded laundry, empty sink and 3 round meals a day.
My kids eat great-lots of fruits, avacados, yogurt, etc. But. I remember a day a few weeks ago when Autumn's dinner consisted of a cookie. I'm not kidding either. Rather than beat myself up, I recall that she was almost exclusively breastfed until 10 1/2 months so a junky dinner from time to time is child's play in the long run.
As for the laundry, keeping up with two kids is time consuming enough. Add the "big boys," the paperwork, time for Carlton and it's just not worth it. I still do fold their clothes and put them away, but no longer flip out when A busts in the drawers and throws them all over the room. Sometimes they even stay there for a few days (truthfully, more like hours bc I'm still neurotic). However, I almost always have at least three piles of clothes lying around in their room and that's just that.
Anything that involves more than minimal planning/expectations on my part. I have had to learn to JUST LET GO!!! This is still a struggle, but I tell people "I am hoping to walk out the door in five minutes, but the kids may have other plans..." They usually do!
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