Coping after paternity leave?

[crisscrosscranky]

Hi all,

My DD2 is 2 weeks old today and my DH is back to work tomorrow. His job means he leaves home around 4am on Monday and is back around 5pm on Friday.

I'm dreading next week. DD1 is 10 and on summer holidays and we're in the midst of an overrunning building project so I have 4 builders in my house from 8am to 5pm every day with another 3-4 weeks to go- I can't just stick the telly on and laze in my PJs like I really want to- DD1 and I have to be showered before 8am

Am trying not to bring my DH down with it as it's not his fault he has to go back to work and, being totally honest, it's safer for him work wise to be away in the week and get a proper night's sleep.

Any tips for surviving, and enjoying, the next few weeks?!

Shower before bed. My DD is over one and I still do this.

DH away all week, school holidays builders and newborn? I wouldn't set the bar much higher than survival to be honest.

I am in a similar boat - builders, baby, other DC (toddler in my case) and DH working long hours.

Unlike PP I prefer showering in the morning. Evenings are cranky baby and cluster feeding, especially if you haven't got anyone around to take the baby from you. Also I tend to feel milk-sodden and manky after a night of baby feeding and like to freshen up. Bouncer chair in bathroom, take your clothes in with you - a quick shower only adds a couple of minutes onto the time it takes to get ready.

One of the best pieces of advice I had was to get washed and dressed first thing, so having to be up for the builders might be a blessing in disguise. You feel much more like a functioning human when you're up and dressed, and getting out of the house becomes less of a mission.

My other top tips:

Sling is absolutely essential

Keep a fully stocked changing bag ready to go at all times so you can just pick it up and walk out of the door

Lower your standards - don't sweat it if your other DC eat crap and watch too much TV

Accept all offers of help, it's not a competition

Thanks both. Baby is wide awake and DD1 still soundo so I've moved the duvet to the sofa and we're watching Game of Thrones before she gets up.

I don't mind just surviving for a few weeks- the builders will be gone soon and the work were having done will be worth the short term pain. I just feel so guilty for DD1 as her summer holidays are going to be somewhat dictated by DD2 and I don't want her to become resentful.

Good news is DH had left when I woke this morning and I haven't cried!

Agree this is about survival! Age 10 I don't think dd1 will be too resentful of 1 slightly boring summer due to a new baby- does she enjoy helping?
Have you got friends with kids her age that will have her for a couple of days over the summer to help you and her? Can you afford a summer club for a week so she can do something she enjoys and be out the house? Don't worry if she watches a lot of TV and films for once!!