Hello Ladies,
I need some advice on how to deal with being tired. I have a very active 3 year old son and an 11 week old daughter. My son stopped napping when I was pregnant, so I can't lay down when he is asleep. We usually are able to get both kids to bed around the same time and I go to bed as soon after that as possible. My daughter typically wakes up between 12 and 12:30 and then again around 4 or 4:40 to nurse. I am usually up with her for 40-60 minutes. After the first feeding I can go back to sleep, but after the second feeding I can't sleep (dealing with anxiety issues and taking meds for this). Having my husband feed the baby at night is not an option during the week because he wakes up very early for work. I do try to rest on the weekends, but that is a bit tough too. I just need to know what you all do to make it through the day to not feel exhausted. Coffee? Tea? We have all been sick and haven't been able to get out of the house due to this and due to very cold and wet weather. Any advice would be great. It is much tougher having two little one's than I thought it would be.
Thanks so much!
The only way I was able to get through it was to invite my mother to stay for a week every couple of months and let me sleep until I couldn't sleep anymore. Waking up to a fed kid, a clean kitchen and a happy grandma is priceless.
Oh, the memories. :) Just a few ideas for energy. Sip water with yummy lemon all day, as it's easy to get dehydrated when you're caring for others. Grab a small handful of plain almonds in between meals, as they give you a great boost and are very healthful. Avoid sugary or carbo snacks (cookies, crackers, pretzels, granola bars) because they spike your blood sugar making you feel energetic, but when they are quickly digested, you have a real energy low. Put on the oldies and have a crazy dancing and singing break with your family, providing exercise and laughter, both of which will energize you. And lastly, while I appreciate your consideration of your husband's schedule, you may wish to have him consider doing the last night feeding for a while. Your job is 24/7 and your family needs you to be a priority, too! Best wishes.
well, this might not help but i'm still tired. i have a 3 yr old and 2 yr old and also don't get to nap and am in charge of the kids when they wake up at night. but, that being said, i do notice i feel better when i'm eating right and doing a little exercise. i take the kids on walks 3-4 times a week (when they are in the stroller so i get a good walk in). i do drink coffee in the morning but eating an apple or other fruit gives me a natural boost. sounds very granola i know, but it's true. it helps me. good luck, it will get easier, at least that is what i keep telling myself. :)
First, good luck to you! I have two boys about the same age apart and until my little one was 6 months old, it was truly exhausting. Fortunately at 6 months, the little one slept through the night so we got a break.
One idea might be to compromise with your husband. Perhaps you pick two nights where he'll take the Midnight or 4a feeding for you so you can grab at least 6 hours straight. It's important restorative sleep and while you'll still be tired, you won't quite feel so out of your mind. And I agree with the other mom about going for walks. In the winter months, you can take the kids to a large mall and just walk around too if you have a double stroller.
I can only imagine how tired you are! Since your 3 year old doesn't take naps, maybe you can institute quiet time. This would be an hour or more where he either plays quietly in his room or maybe you could put on a video and you and he could snuggle quietly on the couch and watch the video while the baby naps. Even if you can't go to sleep, the down time will be very beneficial! Hang in there. They will grow up faster than you think!
We have quiet time. Basically, the kids don't nap, but everyone has to spend at least one hour playing quietly in their rooms. The 2yr old naps sometimes, and the 4 yr old puts her toys all over the floor, but I get a sanity break and/or a nap as I need.
Another thought is to look for a mom near you who might be able to trade kids with you to give you a break. Even if they just take the older child, you and the younger could try to nap.
Finally, see if you can find either room in the budget or help from somewhere for preschool for the 3 yr old. It has made such a difference with my 4 yr old. She understands that there are behavioral expectations, gets tired out at school and is just a better more balanced person now. (ask for a scholarship, the schools need enrolment and often offer them to help you out.)
S.
When my kids were small like that when I was really tired during the day I would take the kids into my room and turn on a show or movie for my toddler(s) and nurse the baby. The baby and I would fall asleep while the kids watched a show and were contained in my room with me.
You might want to ask for a little help if you can from family or friends if that's an option, esp while your little one is so little...it's just exhausting taking care of little ones so you're not alone...I can just remember when I was just about done, like I couldnt go on any more and then it happened...the baby started sleeping thru the night! Whew! Maybe your 3 yr old is ready for some preschool so that he is getting some activity away from home giving you a chance to nap when baby does. Or maybe some school time in the am, might bring on the older one taking a nap after lunch. Even if the older one doesnt nap again, it's still ok to have "down" time where he has to be quiet and at least you can relax a little. PS A Rockstar will give you a boost if you can drink those, but I"m sure they're not good for you! (however once in a while.... :)
