I think if you're a routine-kinda-person it's obviously a good thing to stick with that as much as possible for your sanitys sake But at the same time, when you have three and you're doing all the running around the third bub tends to have to be a bit more flexible and less routined. You will more than likely find that she will just go with the flow if you don't stress about it. Try to keep a 'basic routine' - things that have to stay structured and have to be done in a day - and then be as flexible and relaxed about the rest as you can - you'll all cope much better if you're not stressing. Our DS (15 months) is used to being dragged to music lessons, tennis lessons, play dates, doc appointments etc etc for the other two and as long as I take snacks and toys, we always manage to have fun and turn things into little adventures. I try to see the waiting time while the others are busy as an opportunity for DS and I to spend some time together outside the house where things can get TOO routine and boring for him and just enjoy the moment.
EJ I could have written that post a few months ago (Mine are now 4.5 yrs, 3 yrs and nearly 5 months). But remember your bub is 11 weeks old, not 11 months! She is still getting used to life outside the womb and you are still exhausted. Getting to bed as early as you can, letting things "slide" (whether its the home-made dinners or housework or mini maestros for a term), and just "breathing" every now and then will all help. But nothing helps like time. You'll all settle into a groove son enough. Not the same one you were in before DD arrived, but a groove of your own which suits all of you. Remember this will pass - don't try to do it all at once....
Plan ahead Mine are 7, 4, and 1..so I manage pretty smoothly.
The hardest year I found was when DS1 was in kinder and DS2 was asleep at pick up time..I either had to risk (kinder only around the corner) a quick run in for Kinder pick up or wake him. Most of the time I would wake him.
Now I have DS1 at School, DS2 at Kinder and DD tagging along no matter what time. She just fits in with whatever, eats and sleeps on the run. I found I am alot more relaxed about routine during the day with DD.
As for myself, I am in bed at 8:30pm most nights, read for 30mins and lights out! In fact that is probably 6 out 7 nights. I may stay up until 9:30pm on a Saturday
You are doing a great job, somehow it just all works. Yep, you have THOSE days where everything and anything can go wrong, they are few and far inbetween and are usually a good laugh with DH at the end of the day.
This could be me too- although I am really really lucky that DD2 is a take along baby, she is settled and happy most of the time.
My capsule has been my best friend, being able to settle her to sleep in her capsule if I need to pick dd1 up from school. I have tried to get ito the habit of getting dinner prepared in the middle of the day, so at the feral hour it can just be chucked on- or I use the slow cooker.
I agree about letting stuff go, sometimes you just have to say no- especially as being out of the house all over the place can be so unsettling, for bubs. I guess at the end of the day you just have to take each day as it comes, and micro manage- if that means everybody spends the whole day in the pj's and eats toast for breakfast lunch and dinner then so be it!
mmm.... Capsule is my saviour, I try to double the amount of a meal I cook and freeze as I go. So I have a few meals in the freezer for those horrible days! I try not to worry if they are in their pjs for the day.... I get dh to pick up food on the way home if need be. If the house work isnt done, I just have to soldier on a much as I hate to see it dirty! Its busy but its fun!
I was going to start this post with the EXACT words as minimatron
The capsule is my life saver. If I have to go out, my baby gets put to sleep in it and the in and out of the car doesn't affect them at all that way. I think it is about the only thing that has gotten me through and meant that my babies have had something that slightly resembles a routine.
I am at a point now though, where I stick to going out in the mornings only for outings and activities (like playgroup and mother's group). Not always possible with other commitments, but I have said no to commitments that don't fit into our routine. DD1 has just started kindy so on kindy days I work all our naps and meals around her drop off and pick up times. So far so good
But at the same time, when you have three and you're doing all the running around the third bub tends to have to be a bit more flexible and less routined. You will more than likely find that she will just go with the flow if you don't stress about it. Try to keep a 'basic routine' - things that have to stay structured and have to be done in a day - and then be as flexible and relaxed about the rest as you can - you'll all cope much better if you're not stressing. Our DS (15 months) is used to being dragged to music lessons, tennis lessons, play dates, doc appointments etc etc for the other two and as long as I take snacks and toys, we always manage to have fun and turn things into little adventures. I try to see the waiting time while the others are busy as an opportunity for DS and I to spend some time together outside the house where things can get TOO routine and boring for him and just enjoy the moment.
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Mine are 7, 4, and 1..so I manage pretty smoothly.
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