Can't Seem to Get Out of the House...

Mine are 15 months apart. When my son was 3 months and daughter 18 months, I did a lot of things outside and shopping with them. I brought snacks, sometimes packed a lunch or we had lunch out. Mainly, with my double stroller that I had, when the little one was still in the carseat, he would nap in that in the stroller and my daughter would stay awake a lot longer, but the fresh air always tired her out. I'd take the time when I was out and they were both napping in the stroller (I'd recline her and give her a blanket) to head to the book store, coffee shop, or just walk more. I think it's a good idea to make your self do it so that they get used to being out and no how to act when you are out and you will get used to it so quickly. It gets so much easier so quickly. When your baby is old enough to start playing, you'll have two little playmates. It's only tough with having them so close together right at the beginning, but gets better and you'll be able to start playdates. I think playdates where you meet somewhere is hard at this age but gets easier when your younger baby is mobile. Also, playdates either at your house or someone elses house work, but not during either's naptime. Hang in there!!!

I have the same problem. We get up at seven, and by the time I get everyone up and dressed and myself showered and everyone fed, it's time for naps. When the twins were still taking two naps it was worse, because they slept from 10-12 then my older two, who were 2 and 4, slept from 12-2or3, then the twins slept from 2-4 and then it was supper time. It got a lot better when they went to one nap because now they all sleep at the same time. Now that I have a new baby it's gotten harder again, but since he still sleeps in his car seat, it's ok. Then my oldest starts kindergarten in the fall and I'm going to have to add in the bus schedules like you have. My biggest method of getting out of the house is planning ahead. I get all the stuff, diaper bag and meal provisions, ready the night before and lay out clothes and everything so I can leave the earliest possible minute. Then, since my kids are also bears when they don't nap, I just push the nap back a little bit, they can usually handle an hour or so, especially if the trade off is time outside. Try feeding them a fast breakfast or breakfast on the fly, and try to leave by 9, then push their nap back to 11. That would give you two hours. They might sleep later in the afternoon, just make sure you wake them up so they'll still go down for the night on time. Good luck, I know exactly how you feel.

I am also stuck at home. I avoid all errands during the week, and save them for the weekend. My husband likes to get out so we tend to turn errands into family time. We all go together and that way Im not alone dealing with a cranky toddler along with a hungry baby. I wait for the weekends to go grocery shopping too because then I can go by myself, and leave the kids at home with dad. (ironic that grocery shopping became "me" time) I have started going on walks to the park just after nap-time, and I bring lunch with us. my 1mo dd usually just sleeps in the stroller because of the movement, but my son loves his afternoon picnics along with play time. I also had a friend asking for a play date, and had her meet us at the park for afternap lunch. It actually worked out really well. Everyone says it gets easier after the first 3-6 months. I really hope so.

J.,

Is your oldest (almost 12) mature enough to sit with one of your littler ones while you go someplace close by?
I think they have to be 12 by law, but if that is happening soon and the school year is approaching an end maybe that will help?

In any case, your 12 and 10 yr olds could certainly help with your littler ones while you just go out in the yard or chat with a neighbor... pay them a couple of bucks, bribe them with whatever it takes - they'll feel so grown up to be 'babysitting'! Just a couple of ideas for you.

good luck,

W.