Staying sane...

[chaoticangl25]

Hello,

I am new here and desperate for advise! let me start by saying that I am a stay at home mother of 2. I have an amazing 9 year old daughter who is full of life and love. I also have a 9 month out son who bless his little heart is as spoiled and stubborn as he can be, but that smile makes it worthwhile.
My problem is this, I became a sahm out of nessesity and job shortages in my area. I am starting to feel like work would be a vacation. The biggest problem I am facing at this time is that I am 6 1/2 months pregnant. The 2 littlest will be lucky to be a year apart. I am dreading this. If there is anyone that can relate and has any tips or anything on how to stay sane at this point please let me know!!!

jennifer

[Clare]

Welcome to OUAL :)

I'm a SAHM too and can totally relate to your post. My 3 are all 2 years apart so I don't have as close an age gap as you will have though. Have you joined a playgroup or MOMS club or anything? Having other mums around in a similar situation can help a lot. You might think getting out of the house with 2 little ones seems like too much hassle, but a change of scenery can do the world of good for everyone. I have my youngest in daycare a couple of days a week so that I get some time to myself. If daycare isn't an option, do you have a relative or friend who can watch them for a couple of hours a week to give you a break?

It will be tough at times but they way I look at it is it's only a few years of misery! :lol: In a few years time you'll be glad that you had them so close together :) Good luck!

[chaoticangl25]

Believe me, getting out is not a hassle to me its a lifesaver. Thus far I have run out of places to get out to. As far as moms groups or playgroups, I have always worked and havent the first clue how to go about locating something like that near me. I'd love suggestions on that though. My mom helps every once in a blue moon, but that usually gets used by my Dr. Visits. I havent been out or eaten a hot meal or slept for more than 3 hours at a time in months and its all starting to catch up...lol.

[Nichole]

Welcome to OUAL, Jennifer! :wavey:

I found a local playgroup by looking online. Mine is through www.meetup.com (http://www.meetup.com). I think you can also search through something called Meeting Moms (or something like that). If you google for playgroups in your area, you should hopefully find something. :)

What about the library? Does yours have weekly story times?

I feel for you with that spacing between your youngest! Mine are 21.5 months apart and it is hard in the beginning, but now that they're getting older it's nice to have them as close as they are. There are quite a few moms here with kids very close in age, so there's a good support system here. Good luck! :)

[Shanna]

:wavey: Welcome! Where are you from? :)

[Dawnie]

Jennifer I feel your pain. :hug99: My son and youngest daughter are only 10.5 months apart - Alex was born in January 2003 and Lauren in November of 2003. There were times that I did not think I would survive but so far I have. My motto was/is: One day at a time. I do work so I do get a break that way.

Our last sitter would take the kids to a playgroup at the local community center so there's another place to look. Are you friendly with any of the parents from your daughter's school? They may know of one in the area from when their kids were young enough. The library is a good resource too. Our's has all kinds of story times for kids of all ages during the work week. If you go to one of those you could ask the moms of any playgroups in the area.

Good luck. The first few months of having two so close are really hard but I'm sure you will make it. I didn't plan my pregnancies that way, Lauren was a complete surprise, but I don't think would change it if I could. :)

[Mary DK]

Welcome to OUAL! :wavey:

I belong to a MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers) and love it. I'm sure there is one close to you :nod: The website is www.mops.org (http://www.mops.org)

[Theresa]

I belong to a MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers) and love it. I'm sure there is one close to you :nod: The website is www.mops.org (http://www.mops.org)
:welcome: I was going to suggest MOPS, too. It's a great organization and I'm sure there's a group near you. Most break for the summer, so I would contact someone now about starting in the fall. MOPS has really been a lifesaver for me.

[Mary DK]

Yeah, I would call the MOPS groups near you anyway and check to see if they have some activities plan for the summer. I know my group is planning a few get togethers for the summer :nod:

[Cami]

Jennifer~ my mom's group is what kept me sane through three little kids. In addition to MOPS, there's MOMS Club all over the US too (momsclub.org, although it doesn't list every club). And storytime, like someone else suggested. Or even just go to the mall and start chatting with other women.

It helped me a lot to have a routine... like get up, take a shower, feed the baby, go somewhere each day (grocery, mall, storytime, park), come home, baby takes a nap, etc...

Good luck :) And OUAL is a big help too!!