Ok dusty, I thought about it last night and i am going to reply again...

I am speaking as someone whose DH is away a bit and the first few times are a bit daunting. What you need to do is ...let everything go. True. Decide what needs to get done today. i.e. one load of washing, and the plants watered. And do these things when DD is awake and with you. She doesn't care how boring it is - she just thinks you are wonderful anyway!
Then, when it's time for DD to sleep, grab a bottle of water and a sandwich (or cake!) and cuddle her off to sleep. If you need to sit on the couch and watch tv and stay with her the whole time, then it's fine, because nothing needs doing and you have your cake with you!
If you do manage to put her to bed, then you can do some of those things that you would like to do, but aren't 'vital'. Like make the bed and have some BB time.
If you do this for the two weeks while DH is away, then you won't feel stressed because you will have done everything that you needed to, and DD and you will be well rested too. At this age the most important thing is that you both get rest. There's time for cleaning and tidying and other things later. DD will pick up on your relaxed rythmn, and they love to sleep close to you. It's good for both of you.

So change your thread title to - how do i help the mother of an 8 week old learn to settle herself!!!