I have a 20mth old and 3mth old (16mths and newborn a few months ago!!). Alot of what you have said struck a chord with me. I have had similar feelings. My DS was very unsettled for the first few weeks too. I found that cutting out dairy, chocolate and spicy foods really helped. I have been trying to reintroduce these things but today he has been super unsettled which I have put down to reintroducing milk and a bit of chocolate! SO, still no more chocolate or milk for mummy...
I am cosleeping with DS which helps with the sleeping in our house. DS is waking 3hrly for feeds and DD is up at 5.30am every morning. My DD also still wakes several times a night too, so I need all the sleep I can get.
My DD is very...active, to put it nicely She has been climbing the dining table, dining chairs to get things on benches, and sooo much more! I am really trying to be patient with her and remind myself that she's trying to adjust and she's only a toddler trying to explore too. But it is hard and I must admit to having a pretty short temper on many occaisions. I have called DH in tears several times too. It's so hard.
Do you have a sling or carrier? I find that if it all gets too much for me I will take the kids out for a walk or go to the shops for a while, put DS into his carrier and he will sleep, I feel better for having been out, DD is better for having done something different and so the rest of the day is better. Or if I can't get out, I just put bub in the carrier and and walk around the house and do what I need to. He will settle for me in the carrier. I really need to have time out too. When DH is home I take time out and he will also let me sleep in.
I still have really bad days, even bad weeks. But on the most I am coping a bit better now. It has gotten easier with time.
Take care of yourself. And try to keep perspective, though I know how hard it can be.
Have you tried a sling or a hug-a-bub with the baby? This would leave your hands free and you could still get things done with your toddler, but would give him the comfort and security he sounds like he wants. The only other thing I'd suggest is getting as much help and support as you can from family and friends.
She has been climbing the dining table, dining chairs to get things on benches, and sooo much more! I am really trying to be patient with her and remind myself that she's trying to adjust and she's only a toddler trying to explore too. But it is hard and I must admit to having a pretty short temper on many occaisions. I have called DH in tears several times too. It's so hard.
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and I hope things get better soon.
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