Wow - This is hard!

Sclines2595

Hey ladies! I'm new to the SAHM board and just wanted to introduce myself.  I've been a stay at home mom now for 8 months. I have one DS who is 2.5 years old and am 12 weeks PG with baby #2.  I'm also a full-time graduate student (Online).  I never dreamed how difficult it would be to be a SAHM.  I just feel so useless sometimes!!!  I try to get things done throughout the day (housework and whatnot) but nothing seems to get accomplished! Between DS and the dog, I sweep the floor about 3 times a day and it still looks like I haven't touched it by the time DH gets home.  Dishes and laundry never seem to go away.  My DS is so clingy to me that I have to be right there with him the entire day otherwise he is on my leg.  OMG!  Ok -- meltdown over for now.  Hope to learn some ways to relax a little and just enjoy this time (because honestly, Its not always enjoyable lol).  Looking forward to getting to know some of you.

Arnegard

Welcome.  I would find what makes your DS happy to play or entertain himself and clean up during that time.

MomIn2013

Hi and welcome!

raraavis28

You had me up to "full time grad student online"....that shit is hard! I think you need to cut yourself some slack....some days will be more productive than others, and just bc you're home doesn't mean your house is supposed to look perfect....if anything you make more mess now bc you're home more. If you're talking about getting the bare basics done, well you'll figure out a groove in time, esp working w/ your DS' naptime, but beyond that you might want to adjust your expectations just for your own peace of mind.

Welcome aboard! What are you getting your degree in?

Sclines2595

@raraavis - I WISH my son would nap. He's started cutting them out within the past month or so.  I can still get him to sleep (Sometimes) but it is usually a ridiculous hour long battle!!  DH came home from work for a minute yesterday to help me get him to sleep...Dh came home to find DS and me both sobbing!!!!  No Nap=So not ok with Mommy! haha  But I really shouldn't complain -- YOU HAVE TWINS!!!! WOW I couldn't imagine doing it with two! (although I'm gonna have to learn in about 6 months)

I'm getting my Masters in Social Work.  I was a Child Protection Social Worker for 3 years prior to deciding to become a SAHM. 

jlpev

Welcome & relax! Being a sahm is the hardest, most rewarding job I've ever done. I work on stuff during the day but some days stuff just doesnt get done like yesterday... Dd is cutting her molars and its hell here. I try to get most stuff done during nap time. I also drink a Pepsi every day. My quilty pleasure & I sit down to enjoy it.

raraavis28

Very cool! Yeah I took a few courses online when I was pregnant w/ the twins (and was teaching ft) and remember the exhaustion well....can't imagine doing that now w/ a toddler!

The dropping the nap explains a lot. When my boys dropped from 2 naps to 1 it really messed w/ my routine....so I'll repeat my advice to cut yourself some slack during the transition time. You might want to try a quiet time for your DS, where he needs to play quietly in his room for a certain amount of time....a lot of the ladies here keep special toys or books just for that time. Or, like @Arnegard‌ suggested, find something that he really loves to do independently (do you have a train table or something he can get engrossed in?) if all else fails, TV isn't the worst thing in the world. good luck!

bumpuser8448316

The most likely time for DS to play contentedly has always been first thing in the morning. So I prioritize and tackle the biggest thing on my to do list during that first hour. Will he do quiet time? I could never get DS to stay in his room for quiet time but I know lots of people who transitioned out of nap time with quiet time.

dmartin726

Just saying HI and you are not alone.  I work from home and have 2.  DD goes to pre-k in the am but afternoons are rough.  We often are both found crying and that's ok.  

Some days are better than others.  Hang in there.  

Sclines2595

Let me just say you ladies are awesome ! I really appreciate the encouragement. Perhaps my post was some type of self-therapy because today has been pretty good. Beds are actually made. Kitchen is clean. Laundry is even in the works (what the heck!!).

I've thought about trying to implement a quiet time. Not sure how well it will work but it's worth a shot .

Again - y'all are great. (Excuse my kentucky country slang of "y'all") haha

mandymack

A great big welcome!!!

Wow, you have a lot on your plate and are handling it so well - I agree with the others, cut yourself some slack with the housework.   I have a 3yr that ditched naps for a few days but I just kept forcing him to go to bed (he's still in his crib, thank god!) and he eventually came back around. Even if he protests/cries/calls for me for an hour, I leave him up there so I can do what needs to be done. Good luck and maybe don't give up on naps just yet!

blessed2585

Congrats on the baby! Your son is a cutie too! It is hard to get through everything and going to school full time is hard. I will keep you in my prayers! Good luck!

Guennie

Hi! I agree with everyone, go easy on yourself. You have a lot on your plate. Balance is hard even if you don't have all the extra stress. My floors hardly ever get done and sometimes it really bothers me but every day I have to set priorities and right now that isn't at the top of my list. Also, my 10 month old girl is also teething and that basically turns the world upside down. You just have to find your groove and go with the flow. Hang in there! Where are you in Kentucky? I used to live in Louisville.