STM: Making things easier this time around?

Pitterpatter44

LO #1 will be 18 months old when LO #2 is born in Oct. We've been trying to work on doing things around the house to make life a little easier during the first month or so. Like instead of freezer meals for me and H, I'm spending the time making and freezing single toddler-sized servings of healthy casseroles and such so that LO1 has a good dinner every night, since H and I will get by on cereal or PBJ or whatever/whenever.

I also feel like "nesting" this time around means less fussing over the tiny clothes or the nursery and more about getting organized so I don't lose my mind during the newborn phase.

What are some things you're doing different this time around to prepare for the chaos? Help me come up with some other sanity-saving ideas!

ashiscute

I never did much in the way of meal prep either.  DH got off work at 430 when my 2nd was born so that was plenty of time for us to through something together.  I went through the house and stocked up on things like toilet paper, paper towels, etc.  We also stocked up on paper plates and cups to save on dishes a bit.  I also cleaned all of the windows inside and out.  That's probably about it.  

harmonicbabe26

Not much yet but I am planning to make a ton of freezer meals again. I did last time but will make more this time. Our DD eats what we eat so I am not making anything special for her. MH works crazy long hours so feeding everyone will be all on me again. I'm going to get someone to come clean the house and likely line up cleanings for afterwards. Also as we get closer I'll have to line up after school care for DD as we have no family near by who could help.

2goingon3

My first 2 are the same age gap as yours, and I didn't do too much differently for the arrival of DS. The biggest struggle was making dinner once going back to work, so freezer meals or an adjusted schedule (I would just start my day an hour earlier and make dinner for that evening in the morning) are the way to go. If you stay at home, then making sure you've got some organization in place: eg. a spot for #1 to play or be entertained without a lot of effort while you nurse #2.

I find there's not a lot you can pre-plan for, so just do your best to keep to a structured schedule and embrace the chaos!!! Now that mine are 4&5, I look back on that first year with 2 little ones and realize how great that crazy time was in spite of the frustrations

Mnerani

bloomraiser said:

I'd like to say my reorganizing our cabinets will make a difference when LO2 comes, but I can already see DH and MIL just undoing all my efforts. Even the dishwasher loading instructions I taped to the wall above it are going unheeded. I think I'm better off having a calm conversation with her about it soon rather than going ballistic when the new baby is here and I'm severely sleep deprived! If I get stabbed by a steak knife point one more time I might get unreasonably upset w her. DH sees no need to correct her, since she "helps us" (minimally)

I'm pretty sure if someone left me instructions on how to load a dishwasher, I would do the opposite on purpose. Just a theory.

TheaRae

I de-clutterd the heck out of my house, we donated stuff we had been holding onto for years that we may one day use... Also got the floors professionally steam cleaned... I have a 4.5 year old in the house and we have been working on her clean up skills and helper tasks, placing stepping stools in both the kitchen and bathroom allowing her to rinse her own dishes, access her snacks and coloring supplies and wash her hands ect. (this is my biggest concern meeting newborns demands and hers) Getting her organized has been a big focus the past few months, we also got the babys room ready to rock all the new stuff has a spot in the house... I have made about 15 freezer meals just to help on those busy nights when cooking is out of the picture... I still plan to stock up on house items such as TP, soaps ect. And just relax... my familys not very supportive and my hubby works out of state 16 days a month so this will be a big change for us.

amieeyoung

This time I am decluttering my house and am going to freeze a few quick meals. I want to be more organized this time around (mainly b/c this time I will only have 8 wks off before I go back to work).

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wildflower75

I'll be reorganizing the kitchen a little and making sure that my 1.5 yr old will be able to hang out with me in there while I cook.

I'm also getting a deep cleaning and stocking up on toilet paper etc and frozen food at Costco.

Also I am creating 2 different pumping stations (thankfully I have two breast pumps) one in my room and the other in the living room. That will make life a lot easier!