Is it just knackering isn't it?

[Lules]

I have a 6 week old and a 2 year old. It's all going ok but I am completely exhausted and each day feels so long. I keep thinking there are mythical parents who have everything organised and I'm barely managing to feed/keep us clean/do minimal housework.

I moved house just before I gave birth so there's stuff I should be sorting out and I haven't. And also it means I don't have any friends nearby now.

Reassure me everyone feels like this?! It hasn't been the easiest start too as I had a c section and then my baby caught bronchiolitis so I know it's really early days.

It is knackering, but you’re definitely in the toughest bit. Once you’re through the winter and the days start getting longer/lighter it will all feel so much easier. You’ll have more of a routine, you’re toddler will be doing more independently and you will be out of the newborn fug.

I had my second last October just before my eldest was two in the December. It was tough initially but after Christmas it got easier and easier. Hang on in there!

*you may still make basic grammar mistakes when you’ve been up all night with a poorly kid though, hence your/you’re.

Nearly 3 year old and an 11 week old here. No advice, just want you to know you're not alone. My house is an absolute tip, I've relied on fish fingers and cbeebies more often than I care to admit and bath and bedtime with the toddler is a battle every day. I'm sure it will get easier, but for now I'm just surviving.

Lules, if there are mythical parents out there, they don't live at my house. My ds & I have lived here for six years this month and I've only just unpacked the last box. And I've only got one dc so I salute you !!

Being kind & relaxed with DCs is much more important than if you've hoovered. Just check you aren't anaemic. Then I'd have a hot chocolate and 10 minutes feet up.

Thank you! It's been a good day today although I meant to leave the house at 9.30 to go to a playgroup and we actually managed to leave at 11.15.

indiana I was saying to my DH the other day that so much of parenting seemed to involve being cold

Lules you also need to factor in an extra 20 minutes at least before you leave the house in the winter to wrestle them into extra layers/coats/wellies before you take them out. I love the winter but it’s definitely hard to parent small kids when they won’t keep their hat on/have lost 2,456 gloves and it’s only November/insist you stand shivering in the park.

But then I am delighted to not have to slather them in factor 50 every ten minutes. And Christmas with tiny ones is so cute, even if they’re not quite sure what’s going on. Lots to look forwards to! Keep on keeping on x

I got the baby ready. He then vomited over himself so needed to change all his clothes. Got baby in outdoor stuff. Negotiated with toddler to put shoes and coat on and choose a sensible toy to take with us that isn't a giant penguin. Then realised baby needs changing. Change baby. Meanwhile toddler has taken his coat and shoes off so we start the process again. Still, it's character forming. Or something!

I'm in a similar situation. DS 2 just turned six months, DS1 just turned two. The house is a tip, I barely keep on top of things, if someone's coming to visit I just clean and tidy the areas I know they'll see! it's chaos, but wonderful chaos. And how ANYONE copes with this amount of washing I have no clue.

Just wait until LO is sitting up as mine has just started. They love each other now as they can play together a bit, it's really cute! It's also a bit easier as I can put DS2 down now without worrying that DS1 might at any moment launch himself or a random object at him. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Throwing up gets less, pooing and feeding gets more predictable, and babies get easier to put down. Enjoy what you can!

Lules I wish I saw this thread earlier today! You are most certainly not alone. I have a nearly 2.5 year old and a 4 month old.

My day:
Last night 2am baby woke up, I fed him (breastfeeding so cosleeping), 2 year old was other side of me in bed. Literally the moment I got baby settled, 2 year old woke up SCREAMING that he wanted to read a book DP came and got him and took him into his own room. Baby was woken up by this and then pooed and is now wide awake. An hour later me and baby are still awake and toddler gets back in with me. Finally they are both asleep about 40 minutes later by which point it's 4am.

Then like you today baby vomited just before we left so I changed him, get them both in the car, get in myself and breath a sigh of relief (it's good when they are both strapped down haha) hear baby vomit again, grab muslin but no it's a huge one he's soaked right through, it's in the straps. He needs to come out and have another new outfit.

By the time we get to the bloody supermarket they both need to nap really. I decide to scan as I go to save time. Get to check out and it doesn't work. Lady unpacks it all and rescans still doesn't work as system now down. So I unpack again and go through normal checkout so my shopping has now been scanned three times.

We all got in my bed when we got home!