how do you refocus when you're strrrruggling?

[kelebek]

Can DH take DS for you for a few hours this afternoon so you can nap? I wish I had the answers for you but my DS was just the same at your DS's age. I know a 40 mins nap isn't enough but if we had a rough night I would sleep with him for both sleeps and just take it easy that day.

I find that I have to get a few hrs a week/fortnight to myself and that really helps... is that an option for you?

[sloane]

thanks guys

MP - i do love yoga & hadn't thought about going. doing that or even a walk by myself would be great! i think you're a super mum to be going through the same with your DS2 & working & looking after your DS1 as well! i don't know how you do it!

BR - thank you. the days are so rewarding with the laughter & amazing amount they learn in such a short time it's too easy to get caught up in the negative sometimes.

kelebek - i think a few hours to myself might be a good thing. i'm sure DP would be up for that. my parents could prob take DS for a few hours but he's a bit of a velcro baby & i feel a bit guilty cos my parents are in their 70's & my mum has bad arthritis so can't pick him up easily. i did leave him for an hour yesterday so he didn't have to be dragged round the supermarket!

i feel so silly having a whinge when things really aren't that bad, i just needed to share with people i knew would understand!

[ss_storm]

as the others have said a bit of "me time" will work wonders. During the day if you can't get a break can you just pop him in the pram and go for a walk, I know if you're tired you may not feel like doing that but it may re-energise you a little and you can always take a picnic blanket, go to a park and just let him crawl around a bit while you sit and chill.

Also letting him play with toys/books on your bed while you lie down and have a bit of a rest, or sometimes I let DD play with the toys in her room and lie down on the floor with my head on one of her big stuffed toys (quite comfy!)

Have you got a teething necklace for him? Don't know if it's something you would be interested in, but I got one for DD, she has been wearing it since Saturday and the last 2 nights she has slept really well and had quite good day sleeps too (in that she has gone to sleep straight away instead of an hour or so trying to get her to go to sleep). I don't know if it's the necklace or if she's just decided it's time to sleep, but I'm thinking it's a fairly big coincidence!

Hope he starts sleeping better soon.

[Vixstar]

Oh hun, you sound burnt out. I know that feeling......does not matter what happened to get you to a state of being burnt out. The ONLY way that works for me is ME TIME! Do not underestimate it. I used too........until i started having Me time every few weeks and it is amazing how it recharges the batteries, clears the mind and strengthens those shoulders. Sometimes it is just a BIG sleep in or as much as a child free night when DH bundles the kids off to his Mums. I know your little one is a bit young for sleep overs and I am not sure if you have that kind of support near by.

I have not read it myself but have heard Pinky Mckay has a book called 'Sleeping Like A Baby'.....maybe it is worth checking it out or maybe someone on hear has read it and can tell you more about it.

Hang in there.......it won't be like this forever!

xxxx

[mummato1]

You sounds like you are in need some "me" time. Take out even an hour or so, when DP can look after bubs to just have some time on your own to recharge.

Dont do the shopping, or chores.. Do something for yourself and dont feel guilty about it!. Sleep, or go out and have a coffee somewhere nice, and read the paper or a trashy mag, if you have the time, maybe a massage or pedicure.

Your doing a great job.. but just remember you need to look after yourself as well

[~Kim~]

precious girl
I have a DS exactly the same. He is with me and me alone 24/7. He doesn't sleep well at all (very similar to your DS in fact), added to the mix is my very loud and very active DD.
Like all the PPs have said I find down time helps - doesn't fix it, but it helps. Even ten minutes to have a shower on my own/read a magazine/surf the net/scrapbook/sew/whatever. Naps really don't help me unless I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open, so I like to just chill out and be quiet. I used to tru and be productive when DH was doing incidental child minding - like in the bath or taking them for a swim, but if you don't be selfish some of the time, you and up with very little time leftover for you.klko
I used to feel selfish and 'ask' DH if he could watch the kids, but I've realised that I shouldn't have to ask - they're his kids too - it isn't babysitting, it's his responsibility.

[Lulu]

Crying in the shower helped me!