First day on my own with 2 DCs - help me get through the day!

[nomoreminibreaks]

DH has gone back to work today from paternity leave and I'm scared! DS1 (2.9) is still in bed singing to himself, I've BFed DS2 (2 weeks). I'm dressed and have eaten breakfast. To me this says things are going well so far but please share your tips to help me survive!

Thanks!

Sounds like things are going brilliantly so far. Have you got anything planned, apart from feeding the DC?

I'm debating a playgroup this morning but not sure after DH and I went last week and I ended up with a crowd of toddlers when I went to BF DS2. I ended up hiding somewhere to avoid the questions from them! (I know, I know, but it's not a smooth process yet and I didn't need the audience). I'm sure other mums would watch DS1 if I needed to do that again.

I also have a friend calling round at lunch but she has an immaculate home (they had an interior designer and all that) and mine looks like a bomb hit it so feeling conscious of that!

Forget about the housework and going out to play group.

Concentrate on yours, your baby's and toddlers needs. Don't make things difficult by adding extra pressure on yourself. Surely your friend is coming to see you not judge your home. If she offers any help say yes please and enjoy being together.

Oh and Congratulations

While it's calm make a sandwich for you and the toddler and pop it in the fridge in case things are going pear shaped around lunch or tea time.

You sound like you're doing brilliantly!

I too wouldn't put extra pressure on today - your friend's visit will be nice, enjoy the day!

Yes, use moments of calm to prepare for things which have to happen later but when it might be a bit manic.

I found actually that, if you will be doing bedtime on your own too, getting all the bedtime things ready (pj's and nappies for both all together, gro bags over end of beds, a book handy, whatever else) at some point was quite good because that's often when everyone is most fractious.

Note: Cleaning does not have to happen . I am thinking food, bedtime, possibly washing clothes if there is nothing clean.

Personally I found playgroups fantastic and went a bit loopy if I stayed in on my own. Other mums ran around after DD1 and I sat on my arse, fed DD2 and yelled instructions from time to time. I returned the favour as DD2 got older and other people had babies!

You're dressed!! That's an achievement! Lower expectations regarding plans for the day - accept that you don't have to do anything other than meet your dc's basic needs, and so anything else you do is a bonus. I found it easier to get out and about during the day, and enjoyed going to our local (small - not one of those awful huge ones where you lose your dc within 5 seconds of arrival) soft play centre where I could sit and feed or cuddle dd2 and have a cuppa while ds1 had a great time burning off some energy. Get yourself one of those pretty breast feeding covers - not expensive on eBay - so you don't feel self-conscious feeding out and about. I like the suggestions above of making lunch in advance and popping it in the fridge. Using quiet moments to prepare for busier moments is a really good idea. My principle that I followed was to concentrate on trying not to overly neglect ds1, as he would remember that time and dd2 wouldn't. That meant occasionally letting her cry for a few minutes while I read ds1 his bedtime story and tried to make sure I wasn't rushing him into bed. I found that hard, as the sound of her crying makes me feel like someone is pushing a drill into my head, but she was fine and ds1 stayed happy. And there is nothing wrong with a temporary excess of cbeebies until things get a bit easier and more established. Ds1 successfully weaned off the screen without fuss and doesn't have square eyes . All the best today - you're doing great!

Thanks everyone for the tips! I've survived so far - we managed playgroup and DS1 ran around enough meaning he's now having a nap. He may not have had the most nutritious lunch but he's fed at least. I like the tip of making something to eat in advance - I'll do that when we're next all at home on Thursday (he's in nursery tomorrow and Wednesday). I'll put it in a lunchbox and call it a picnic as he gets excited by that idea!

I've also done a shopping order today and made sure I have some healthy ready meals in so me and DS have something available quickly if we need it.

You sound amazing! Up, dressed, fed, out to a play group, and done an online shop?! That's more than I get done on a morning without my DC

Don't know about that Cake but thanks! Think a generally low-maintenance and easily distracted by Despicable Me 2 DS1 helps a lot...