Trapped toddler parents: Inspiration and support needed through the summer hols!!

[PinkDaydreams]

Following on from the previous trapped toddler thread!
Sorry for rubbish title!

Just realised how 'woe is me' my message read! Sorry about that!

Dr has called, I'm to take him later and he will check his throat.

Onwards and upwards etc etc

Hope DS2 feels better soon @BertieBotts.

@BeHereNowx32 I don't have any advice since we haven't been there but I would also just let DS do it himself if I had the time and if it was safe for him to do so. But it does get annoying because everything takes so much longer!

@Motherofmonsters hope you're feeling a bit better now. You can never have too much cake!

Oh so sorry to hear that @Chocolatetrifle. I totally understand that it's draining, and it feels like you never get a break. Can make everything else feel much worse too! It's allowed to cry if you'll feel better

We've had the dreaded message from nursery that a stomach bug is making the rounds. I don't think DS' throwing up the other night is connected because I think he'd probably have felt worse, but I'm dreading it hitting us. My mum and sister are coming to visit next week too, so it'd be great timing cue lots of anxiety the next few days...

Anyone have any nice plans for the weekend? We're having friends for lunch on Sunday, might visit some playgrounds tomorrow.

Is it extreme to get rid of all the sofas in the front room, DS and DD have been manically jumping and climbing all over them and I cannot get them to stop. No amount of explaining/bribes/threats makes any difference and it's driving me insane. I picked up DD from nursery and she hadn't napped and was disgusting with snot/dirt so has just screamed most the time she's been home as well.

I have a very busy weekend, DDs party is tomorrow and then I'm actually going out in the eve with some friends. No idea what DH is going to do when Astrid wakes but not my problem. Sunday we are off to a manor for swim/sauna and Sunday lunch with the inlaws.

Sorry you're having a rough time @chocolatetrifle, I would be upset with it all as well. Hopefully you've had some luck with the doctor.

Fingers crossed the tummy bug stays away @squishymama. Lunch with friends sounds lovely, what will you be making?

@Motherofmonsters I can relate to that feeling! Our couch is really uncomfortable because it's so old and the pillows are worn, but there's no way I'm getting a new one because there's literally no point. Sounds like you have a nice weekend planned! Hope you got some sleep tonight and happy birthday to your DD

I slept really badly last night, my anxiety was playing up and now I'm getting uncomfortable (32 weeks down so nearing the end!) I know the sleep deprivation and effort of looking after a newborn is super intense even without a toddler, but I am very much looking forward to getting him out so I can sleep on my back again!!

Hope everyone has a good day today, I forgot I'd booked in a haircut so I get an hour of peace at least

Oh forgot to say we'll just be having a roast tomorrow with friends, though it's really novel for them because it's not really common in Norway. Tempted to go to Iceland (the only British shop here) to see if they have pudding and custard...

It's constant. I'm drained. I feel like a terrible mum. I'm teary and on the edge.

Don't feel like a terrible mum @Chocolatetrifle it is constant and draining
(not tonsillitis here, DS2 had a vomiting bug this week instead)

Sorry to hear you are feeling anxious @squishymamma were you anxious about anything in particular?
I had like a weird attack of imposter syndrome last night - it happens every time I look at job ads! I just feel stupid (though my rational mind knows I'm not).

Enjoy your roast @squishymamma hope you find your pudding! If you can't find one and have a sudden pudding craving and you have Amazon video- there's an Episode of James Mays cooking show (he's a beginner) where he makes a spotted dick.

Slight birthday fail, I bought a my little pony bundle from Facebook that had a dragon in it. DD is really scared of it, I've never seen her back away from something so fast. She likes the other bits though

Morning everyone.

Happy birthday to your DD @Motherofmonsters, hope you have a lovely party this afternoon and a good evening out. I used to love My Little Pony. Oh dear, just hide away that dragon!

@squishymamma, are you ok today? It's normal to feel anxious at this point in your pregnancy I think. Enjoy the little bit of peace whilst having your hair done, hope you get the pudding sorted. You could always make an apple crumble?

@Camomila, hope your DS get over the sickness bug soon. Keep your confidence up if you can when doing your applications and never doubt yourself or your abilities. You can do it!

The news from here is that DS2 still has tonsillitis and pus. So more antibiotics. .I'm hoping we can get straight this week. He was up for an hour and a half in the night then did an explosive poo, bit more sleep then sick after calpol when he got up. He's dropped off for a nap already. I am hopeful DS1 will make his return to Preschool on Monday.

I feel more positive today. I think I'm struggling a bit with pms type hormones and moods ( I'm 41 now could it be my age? ) think I'm going to speak to the Dr.

Take care everyone and have a good weekend.No plans here, general house sorting and getting everyone better.

I was anxious that someone would get sick so we'd be stuck in all weekend and sure enough, DH has woken up with some kind of tummy bug. Wonder if that's what DS had earlier this week even though he was only sick once. So apart from my small time of peace at the hairdressers later I'm on solo parenting duty today. Just trying to tire DS out now before his nap so he'll sleep while I'm out...

Exciting Saturday night discovery, it now appears I have tonsillitis after spending the day shivering with a sore throat .

Oh no @Chocolatetrifle hope it doesn't get too bad for you. I'm feeling a bit dodgy now, DH has gotten over the worst of the bug but is exhausted so I'm on night duty...we've all had a promising start to the dreaded winter flu season haven't we?

Sleeping on the couch tonight (which is a sofa bed to be fair) because I doubt my ability to get to DS fast enough, usually have to go all the way around our bed. And also potential requirement for the toilet...really hope I don't end up sick. Pray for me

@squishymamma, hope you get through the night ok, try to get some sleep if you can.

Well today has been rough, though nothing compared to what you've had to suffer through recently @Chocolatetrifle.

DH is still wiped out though not throwing up any more (thank God) so I've been on solo parenting duty again today. I haven't been sick but I feel like total crap, and DS is perfectly fine and wants to play - there's been a LOT of TV but we did manage to get outside for an hour for some fresh air.

I have to admit I had a little cry before, just out of sheer exhaustion - looking after DS and being 32 weeks pregnant is one thing, but my phobia of vomit means my body is constantly on fight or flight mode and it's just too much in combination. DH came out from the bedroom for tea and said he was feeling dodgy again and I just lost it because I can't deal with a relapse - I need him to be well so he can watch DS and I can collapse in bed!

Thankfully it's nursery tomorrow and since DS is totally fine he's going so I can sleep most of the day.

Sorry for the moan, I know it's not a tough situation at all really...just feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Hope everyone else is well. Did your DD have a nice party @Motherofmonsters?

@squishymamma, you poor thing, you are totally exhausted and wiped out. Can you have a break, a bath or some peace to yourself before bedtime routine starts? Get yourself a cup of tea and sit down, DH can sit with your son while you do it.
Glad you will have some peace tomorrow, focus on that to get you through the night.

Evening all and thank you @Chocolatetrifle for your lovely words. Still battling some residue anxiety but we're all getting better. DH went to a parents meeting tonight at nursery and said there were only 2 parents there (including him) because everyone else had been brought down by the same bug I guess this will be our reality for the foreseeable future...

Anyway my DM and DSis are here visiting from the UK, very nice to have them here and DS seems to be receiving it well. They looked after him today while DH and I went to an antenatal appointment and he was in a great mood apparently. Baby also doing well so overall a good day.

I still have a residual cold, so my eyes are burning and my head is full of cotton. Bedtime I think! Hope everyone is well, it's been a bit quiet on here lately...sensing good vibes for tonight!

Glad to hear you've had a better day @squishymamma and that you are enjoying a visit from your DM and sister. I always feel better when my DMs around.

I've had a good day here as my (fave) cousin had a little boy this morning. I'm looking forward to meeting him IRL on holiday next week

Have got to do emergency last-minute shopping tomorrow though as DS1 has outgrown his coat ( it fit last week )and it's forecast to be cold. Also want to buy the baby a cute babygrow with something typically 'English' on it like a London Bus or Peter Rabbit.

Glad you are feeling a bit better now @squishymamma. Sometimes we just have to get through those bad days, they are so hard though, especially when energy reserves are rock bottom. Last stages of pregnancy are hard. Make sure you try to get some time for yourself.

@Camomila, hope you find the type of babygro you are after. Are you all ready for your holiday? Where abouts are you going in Italy? I love Italy by the way, (had honeymoon in Sorrento).

It's DS1's 4th birthday tomorrow so I've just finished setting out all his presents and decorations. His main present is a guitar, he says he wants to be a musician when he's older! He says he wants a drum kit! Have visions of one now in the garage in years to come! He will go to preschool for the morning, so we have some cake to take in.

I'm on antibiotics for my tonsilitis. I'm feeling better. I spoke to my GP and she gave me something for my pms symptoms.

I think and hope and pray the boys are better from theirs now. It's been a day of first's for DS2, his first trip to the dentist and the barbers for a very little trim, to tidy up the whispy bits around his ears.

Sleep well everyone ( hopefully).

I'm a terrible parent, all I've done today is shout and scream at them for bouncing on the sofa, windowsill and shrieking. I can't get them to stop and it's really triggering me. DS told me I was scaring him and I knew I was and I just couldn't stop. I won't be surprised if Social services knock on my door after today. I just don't know what to do. I'm tired from not sleeping properly since DD arrived 2 years ago Ang I've pulled a muscle in my neck which is agony but it's not an excuse. Im just not cut out for this parenting thing

@Motherofmonsters I'm so sorry you've had such a hard day. Sleep deprivation and challenging behaviour combined can really make you feel rubbish. But you're not a terrible parent, you're a parent that cares deeply about their DC and that's the main thing! Is it possible to get some support from family etc and have a 24 hour break (or even just a 2 hour break) where you can rest and recharge? Sorry to hear about your neck too - my DM does that fairly regularly and swears by Deep Heat (though imagine you've probably tried that?). Sending hugs and support

We've had an exhausting day at a petting zoo, DS has now decided he's going to walk everywhere and he must stand in every puddle - thankfully we put on his longer waterproof boots! He really enjoyed himself though. I slept really badly last night because my nose is totally clogged and my DSis slept really badly because DM snored lots apparently, so we were all kind of out of it by the end of the day. Hoping for a better night's sleep tonight.

Happy birthday to your DS @Chocolatetrifle! Glad you're all feeling better.

@Motherofmonsters, . Of course you are cut out for being a parent, you've had a tough day that's all. Social services will not be knocking at the door...some days are relentless, I've been there.

Is there a trigger point? For me personally, I'll be honest, it's certain times of the month and if we are indoors too much. I'll be honest again to say I've not been perfect recently and previously and I too have shouted. I've decided I have to help myself and have spoken to my GP about my hormonal problems and I'm hoping what she has given me may help.

You are exhausted too. When the kids don't sleep and have you up in the night, both of them, it's bloody horrendous. That's not even dealing with illness, and other life stresses. I want you to know you are not alone feeling like you do at all. Can you get a bit of time just to you anytime soon? Even a couple of hours just to sit in silence and not rush around trying to sort things. You need it to refresh and recharge. Sending you a big hug x

@squishymamma, thank you. dS had a great day, he was pleased with his guitar and he loved his imaginext- batman and superman justice League hall thingy, can't remember it's exact name. Superhero stuff all around. Preschool gave him a nice little party lunch too.

I hope you get a better sleep. Petting zoo sounds like good fun.

Thank you @chocolatetrifle and @squishymama. I think I just find them both screaming, running and bouncing around me to much. Since having them I've realised I can't regulate my emotions very well, I go from okay to raging in about 5 seconds. It's something I need to work on. Also our sofa is falling apart and I worry about DD hurting herself. I need to find other ways of getting them to stop but I'm a bit stumped. DS's sensory issues don't help but he's back to therapy on Sat so hopefully that'll help.

Glad your DS had a good birthday @chocolatetrifle. I love imaginex toys. Petting zoo also sounds like good fun @squishymama. I think I need to take them out more

Morning, hope everyone is having a good morning.

DD has gone to nursery and DS is on half term so it's just the two of us which is nice. Just getting ready to go the library and get a library card, go to the park and get McDonald's for lunch as a treat.

What is everyone else up to?

I need more brain or sensory games for DS2 (3), we did rice play yesterday and it helped so much. DH has been going with the physical exhaustion tactics and it isn't really enough so he gets manic and wakes the baby and it all goes a bit wrong. Also the TV is on constantly and driving me nuts. And if I'm honest I don't want to go out in the freezing cold.

Any ideas using things we probably already have? I might do some play-doh today (!) if I can put the baby down or supervise while feeding.

I wanted to go swimming but given he still has diahrrea that is out.