Feel like we're just existing day to day, nothing but bedtime to look forward to.

[Recharging]

Does anyone else have this? I have two DC, 2.5 and 10 weeks. I am really struggling with the difficulty of getting two children out and in the car, then I can't relax when we get anywhere as DC1 runs away all the time, and I can't leave the pram, or I wear the sling which is getting heavy and fiddly. Its half term this week so nothing structured is running. I can't take them swimming by myself, the playgroup is closed, everywhere is so far away we have to drive to get to anything, fuel is too expensive to do much of that. DC2 needs feeding 2 hourly still which is draining. My asthma is playing up and my back hurts.

I just feel so unable to entertain and be proactive with the toddler that he ends up batting around the house with cbeebies on in the background all day. Frankly its a relief when DH gets home around 6 and does bedtime for DC1. I'm just so fed up.

Feel for you. What about baking? Muffins are so easy - lots of mixing, gloop etc - and taste nice at the end too. Same for making pizza with readymade dough - your toddler could help sprinkle on the cheese, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or whatever.

Does he like drawing, Playdoh etc? Could he wash your windows? Soapy bubbles always fun. Dressing up? I made DD a cardboard playhouse from string and boxes sewn together and she loves it. She had friends visiting aged 2 and 5 last week and the 3 of them spent all afternoon in it.

Does DS have a scooter for trips outside? Seems to help my DD (22mo). She doesn't run off, she stands stock still and doesn't move, but resists all attempts to pull, lift or cajole her along.

And the days are going to get warmer and sunnier and your baby will get older and it'll all get easier.

I was having this discussion with a friend yesterday, we both have a two year old and a baby too. It's difficult, isn't it?! On one hand I know that I'll be going back to work in x number of months, and I'll never have this time again - I feel dreadful about willing away the hours until bedtime. On the other hand, I am so worn out (and often fed up with the two year old) I feel it's perfectly acceptable to feel exactly the same way you do!

I am hanging on for the time that the DCs can play together and keep each other entertained for some of the time - that was one of our main motivators for having two close together

I'm in the same boat, with a whingey 11 week old and an energetic nearly 3 year old prone to running off. This week we are doing lots of play dates at other people's houses. Watching lots of tv and using the dummy. This morning we walked through knee deep mud to feed carrots to horses then ate our way round the super market.

I'd say double buggy, fresh air and early bed times are my friends.