Feel like I am losing my mind

tbone_bride

DD is 2 and a half and DS is about 8 weeks. Having 2 kids is way more difficult than I thought it would be. The little guy is at the stage where sleep is difficult. So I have to rock him and nurse him in a quiet room to get him down for naps. But DD wants to be with us and is usually loud and trying to get my attention and wakes him. Which starts the cycle of DS being overtired. Then DD gets cranky because I'm not spending time with her. I find myself wishing the day away and it's not fair to either of my kids. I started trying to let DS fall asleep in his own in the crib and that hasn't been going well. I can't let him cry for more than a few minutes, it kills me to hear him that way. Plus he's a little too young I think.

How do you deal with more than one kid? I really don't know how to do it. I told my husband that I want to go back to work I am a SAHM. Does it get easier? I feel guilty feeling his way but I am having a hard time with everything. DD wants me to put her to bed but I can't because I'm usually nursing DS. And DH is still sleeping in another room which part of me likes and part of me hates. DH gets home about half hour before DD bedtime, which makes for a LONG day with them and DD misses her dad.

Sorry I'm rambling, just need to vent. I feel better already!

WearingRed

I could have written this post. But I know it gets better because I remember my mom being able to work from home while my brother were little. They are only 22 months apart. I keep telling myself if she could handle those two brats and deadlines, I can handle my two angels without working. Edit:I had to fix my grammar I felt stupid.

pumpkinhead4

I feel similiar! My oldest is 4.5 and it's still hard! I can't seem to get LO down for a nap (either it's me doing it wrong or her being stubborn) so instead we do the swing with some crying or I have to wear her in a carrier (or if we are in the car she rests). There seems to be no set schedule since I am driving my first to and from school 3 days a week. It's so different with 2! Hang in there.

IEtoLA

No advice, but I'm dealing with the same exact thing. DD1 is 3 and wants to be on me the minute DD2 is in my arms and wants me to give her attention but I can't. I noticed that its getting easier as the weeks progress, but like you, I'm wishing the day away because I'm exhausted.

chloebeth930

Umm I only have 1 child and I feel like this most days.  I have already started thinking about how difficult it would be to have 2 and what I would do in that situation.

I am a SAHM but when I have #2 (probably when DD is around 2ish) I will be sending DD off to a Montessori Preschool that is 5 days a week from 8 am - 11:30 am.  Would your finances be able to swing sending your oldest off to a part time play group or daycare? 

monica92603

DD has school 3 days a week from 9:30-2:30 so that definitely helps. It definitely has it's moments when I want to rip my hair out or just do not want to be touched ( I swear sometimes I'm more overstimulated than the kids). I usually hang out on the couch w/ both kids...Jackson in his boppy and Grace hanging around somewhere watching abc's or mickey mouse on my tablet. We probably do way more tv than we should but oh well.

She is "ok" w/ sharing the attention and when she's not, she will tell me to put Jackson down and do xyz w/ her. At that point, I figure I can spare a few minutes and play w/ her whether it be color or a puzzle b/c she's likely been patient w/ me feeding or changing him. I will make a big point of saying to him "ok, I'm going to put you down now and me and Gracie are going to have some fun". I think it makes it seem like I'm making extra special time for her.

I'm fortunate that Jackson is a very chill baby. I swaddle him and put him whereever and he'll go to sleep. Right now anyway. I realize it can all change overnight so I enjoy it while I can. I'm having more sleep issues w/ her right now which is driving me nuts. She's been sleeping through the night 95% of the time since she was 3 months old and now she's up 2-3 times a night. She goes right back down but if you don't go in and tuck her back in, she climbs out of her crib and I'm afraid of her falling down the steps.

I go back to work next month so that should be interesting. I just wanted you to know you're not alone. Do what you need to to survive at this point (lots of tv, letting housework slide, take out for dinner) and if possible, try daycare 2-3 days a week. It will be good socialization for your oldest and give you a break.

mork

I don't have any advice, just a lot of empathy and many hugs.

tbone_bride

Thank you all SOOOOO much for making me feel that I'm not alone. I was feeling guilty, especially after what happened in Connecticut. I do my best each day but its just way harder than I anticipated. I am thankful to have my parents close by who help a lot too. DD goes to pre school once a week but I might increase that. It only 2 hours a day but it does help. I need to look into a longer class.

I will make an effort to breathe deeply and try to relax. I know everyone goes through this. Growing pains are rough on parents and kids I guess!

Thanks again for helping, it really means a lot to me.