SAHP check in 7/24

[penguin129]

How long you've been staying at home:

Age(s) of your LO(s):

Recent Milestones:

Recent challenges:

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun?

How are YOU doing?

Have questions/need advice?

To Do's:

GTKY: How do you decompress?

***What type of threads would you like to see posted? Would you like to run any of them?***

[nerdalert]

Hey, I haven't posted here in quite a while, but here goes:

How long you've been staying at home: Since DD was born

Age(s) of your LO(s): 1 DD, 20 months

Recent Milestones: She just started pushing her own self down the slide at the park, haha. She's also started communicating with words a lot more. Only me and DH can really understand at this point, but it's really exciting!

Recent challenges: Sometimes she just gets in a whiny mood and it annoys me so much. I hate listening to whining.

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun? Organizing our new house to get it to be totally the way I want it.

How are YOU doing? Can't complain lol.

Have questions/need advice? I'm agonizing over when to have a second baby. I've even made pros and cons lists. DH is ready anytime I am. How did you decide when it was the right time? I know it's different for everyone. I just like to hear other people's reasons.

To Do's:

GTKY: How do you decompress? Listening to music

***What type of threads would you like to see posted? Would you like to run any of them?***
I like specific topic threads. I always stop by this board to see if there are any posted, and I mostly just see stuff like daily randoms threads, and I can't keep up with that.

[younglove316]

nerdalert my girls are 20 months apart. For us, we knew we wanted them close together and we only want to have two. So as bad as it sounds, we kind of wanted to just get it over with because I'm not a huge fan of the newborn stage. I love my girls but I also love sleep haha. It's been tough but overall great!

[younglove316]

Almost 2.5 years

DD1 is 28 months and DD2 is 8.5 months

DD2 is pulling herself into a sitting position at a very quick rate and is moving all over the place. DD1 is increasing her vocab and sentences are getting longer. Plus she is learning most of her shapes.

Still the same, getting DD2 into her crib

Hosting playdates so we can have company and going to the zoo

Pretty good!

1) Finish putting laundry away
2) Go through both girls clothes and pack up the too small stuff


Either watching TV or playing on my phone

***What type of threads would you like to see posted? Would you like to run any of them?***
I love the meal planning thread- I am always looking for new ideas

Maybe a activities thread? Just different projects and boredom busters we are doing at home. It might be especially helpful on rainy days or when winter hits.

[nerdalert]

Thanks, younglove316! I can relate. I am SO not looking forward to going through pregnancy and the newborn stage again, but I know I want more kids.

[ashiscute]

I've been at home since DD was born

DD is 5, DS is 3 and the baby is 12 months

The baby has started standing on his own for up to 10 seconds at a time! The big kids love it.

Big kids fighting and DD's anxiety in general.

Playing on the swings, bubbles, pool outside and the real pool

Better after a good weekend

Nope

Finish sanding and painting kids picnic table. Clean whole house.

I decompress by reading.

[namastebiotches]

How long you've been staying at home: since before DS was even born

Age(s) of your LO(s): 5 next month

Recent Milestones: this has overall been a fun stage. DS is hilarious

Recent challenges: though sometimes he can be sassy/over emotional

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun? I follow several local sites that post events around town, etc so summer is usually super busy besides DS' busy activity schedule. 

How are YOU doing? pretty good

Have questions/need advice? nope

To Do's: nope

GTKY: How do you decompress? usually fumbling around on the internet/watching my shows

***What type of threads would you like to see posted? Would you like to run any of them?*** I do like gtkys, no suggestions though lol

[oreobitsy]

nerdalert I'm not sure that anytime will be the "right time" for additional kids... all age gaps have their pros and cons. Our boys are 2.5 years apart but we started trying once my son was 1. It took a bit to get pregnant because of schedules and timing. I know it was easier for me at that point because I felt like my older son had a lot of developmental changes between 2 and 2.5 that made him more independent. I'm guessing if kids are closer together it is tough in the beginning but they probably play well because they are closer in skills, etc. Good luck!

[oreobitsy]

My two boys are 3.5 and 1 and I've stayed home for 3 years.

Recent milestones: DS1 is starting swim lessons today... first class setting without us there!

Challenges: Nothing new other than brother squabbles

Staying busy: We colored some rice and my DS1 could do some tools with that, he loves it. It's been hot so pool and avoiding the heat by staying inside during the hot part of day... baking and cooking together.

Me: All good here. I like having a nice routine going and have finally gotten some sort of plans for the rest of summer.

No questions

To-do: In the words of Daniel Tiger, "Clean up, pick up, put away... Clean up everyday!" Haha but seriously I want to go through some closets and see if we feel like throwing some old stuff on a blanket and doing a half-hearted yard sale where everything is $2.

I like topic threads because it's easier to jump in later if I haven't (am realizing I am in a later time zone so I post late). Maybe some thing not kid related?

[cam]

No changes for most of the categories, so I'll jump in at the GTKY.

Decompress? Hobbies, playing games or something with LO, getting together with friends, etc.

I like more specific posts than just randoms, not that randoms are bad, just nice to chat beyond small talk too.

[ashiscute]

nerdalert like PP said there is no right time. If you ask a group they'll probably tell you the age gap they had was a good one because that's what they know.

My big two are 19.5 months apart and my middle and youngest are 34 months apart. so far I prefer the 19 month age gap but they both have pros and cons.

[nerdalert]

Thanks for the input, guys. It's not really the age gap that I'm trying to decide on, it's more life situation-related. DH is in the military and we have no idea even what country we'll be living in a year from now. Like, I know I want another kid anytime now, I'm just afraid of ending up giving birth alone in a foreign country with no family and a deployed husband. Worst case scenario, but possible. So that's where I'm at.

[penguin129]

How long you've been staying at home: 3 years

Age(s) of your LO(s): 3

Recent Milestones: Making sure DD goes potty before her naps and bedtime.

Recent challenges: I see some Threenager starting to surface at times, we'll see how that goes

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun? Prepping stuff for the new baby

How are YOU doing? Well

Have questions/need advice? nope

To Do's: Start DDs's baby blanket

Decompress: watch TV, interwebs, take a soak

[penguin129]

Jul 25, 2016 13:01:04 GMT -5 nerdalert said:

Thanks for the input, guys. It's not really the age gap that I'm trying to decide on, it's more life situation-related. DH is in the military and we have no idea even what country we'll be living in a year from now. Like, I know I want another kid anytime now, I'm just afraid of ending up giving birth alone in a foreign country with no family and a deployed husband. Worst case scenario, but possible. So that's where I'm at.

I understand why you are having such a hard time figuring out when given the circumstances. The only thing I can say is you don't know how long it will take to get pregnant, it could be a month, 6 months, a year. I'm not sure if there ever is a perfect time. You just have to trust things will be ok.

[penguin129]

Please feel free to start any thread you want ladies. I'd love to see more topic threads. I agree the randoms can get to be a bit much and sometimes a topic is better to discuss. Anyone of you can post the SAHP Check-in, just use the same format, or change it a bit now that we are used to it. I'm trying to rework Money Monday and will post in a bit. A crafting thread might be nice. Maybe you can do that cam

[cam]

Jul 25, 2016 13:09:22 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

Please feel free to start any thread you want ladies. I'd love to see more topic threads. I agree the randoms can get to be a bit much and sometimes a topic is better to discuss. Anyone of you can post the SAHP Check-in, just use the same format, or change it a bit now that we are used to it. I'm trying to rework Money Monday and will post in a bit. A crafting thread might be nice. Maybe you can do that cam

I'd be happy to run crafting. I know we had tried it with limited success, so it fizzled. I think it having been monthly was just too long of a span though, so I'll try weekly. Plus if some of these new faces stick around (and are crafty), that may help too.

[penguin129]

cam I know I'll be working on crafts off and on until DD2 comes. I think weekly is better too

[younglove316]

Jul 25, 2016 20:18:40 GMT -5 cam said:

Jul 25, 2016 13:09:22 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

Please feel free to start any thread you want ladies. I'd love to see more topic threads. I agree the randoms can get to be a bit much and sometimes a topic is better to discuss. Anyone of you can post the SAHP Check-in, just use the same format, or change it a bit now that we are used to it. I'm trying to rework Money Monday and will post in a bit. A crafting thread might be nice. Maybe you can do that cam

I'd be happy to run crafting. I know we had tried it with limited success, so it fizzled. I think it having been monthly was just too long of a span though, so I'll try weekly. Plus if some of these new faces stick around (and are crafty), that may help too.

I want to start being a crafty person so I may start off stalking it

[sanibel21]

How long you've been staying at home: just over 2 years

Age(s) of your LO(s): just over 2 years

Recent Milestones: I feel like she's ever so slightly warming up quicker than she used to at play dates and activities.

Recent challenges: Constant need for interaction and stimulation, not a solo player, so it's difficult to get stuff done.

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun? Swim class, pool in the yard, playdates, playground/splash pad

How are YOU doing? Ok, I've actually been going to therapy, which A. is like me time and B. is helpful in its own right. A couple of decent nap days in a row have been helpful too.

Have questions/need advice? Just curious how much you/alone time you all try to get in weekly/monthly. DH is home for like 1.5 hours per weekday of DD's awake time. And then Saturday and Sunday. So I always feel bad spending any of that time not as a family. But then I literally have zero me/alone time. Nap time somewhat counts I guess, but half the time I'm doing chores, and if not, then it's only me stuff I can do at the house, you know? Like I barely go get haircuts, manicures, never shop by myself, never meet friends for coffee or a meal. And I really think I need to start doing some of that, but just feel guilty. DH rarely does things either, but never seems to mind, and denies being bothered by it when I ask him.

To Do's: Washing, drying, putting away DD1's baby clothes for DD2

GTKY: How do you decompress? TV, crocheting, sitting on my back deck during DD's naps.

***What type of threads would you like to see posted? Would you like to run any of them?***

I would chime in on the crafting thread. I really need to learn how to PIP though.
I don't meal plan, but could/should chime in with whatever we're doing at the time.
I think maybe a self care thread might be good.
I always feel bad not responding individually enough, so sometimes I shy away from posting altogether.

[Deleted]

How long you've been staying at home:3 years

Age(s) of your LO(s): 3

Recent Milestones: DD hasn't had any pee accidents since the beginning of the month! Now to work on not pooping in her underwear...

Recent challenges: The attitude! She's been having an attitude for a few months, but now it's accompanied by whining.

What are you doing to stay busy/or for fun? Trying to stay cool! Going to the library, bookstores, pretty much anything that is inside. The only outside things we have been doing lately involves water.

How are YOU doing? No complaints

Have questions/need advice? Not really.

To Do's: Finish mowing the grass, laundry, and pull out Halloween music to start practicing.

GTKY: How do you decompress? Reading, cross stitching.

[Deleted]

sanibel21, I joined a community band when we moved so I take Monday nights for myself. I let my husband come up with dinner for him and DD, and I usually try to meet some friends for dinner before practice. Sometimes if I feel like going shopping or something I want to do by myself, I'll try to do it on the weekend when DD is taking a nap and let DH stay home with her. I would really suggest meeting friends or getting some alone time....or even getting a babysitter and going out with your husband. I find if I don't get some me time I start getting really short tempered.

[penguin129]

sanibel21 I wish I could say I got me time, but I just don't. I mean I get a few minutes here and there when H does bedtime or gives DD a bath. It isn't long enough to really relax so I usally just watch some tv or tcf. I get time when DD naps, but most times I am making and eating my lunch so I consider it more of a lunch break. H likes to stay home so we don't really go out much. I'd like to go to the beach or something just the two of us before DD2 comes and things get crazy again. I will make it a point to get a haircut and pedicure before baby comes so I guess that will be my me time.

[penguin129]

sanibel21 I think it is just a difference in personalities. My H is fine staying home when I need to get out. I go stir crazy at times.

[sanibel21]

Jul 26, 2016 17:04:28 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

sanibel21 I think it is just a difference in personalities. My H is fine staying home when I need to get out. I go stir crazy at times.

Yeah I think we prolly wanna get out more because we're home more. And even though it's work, our husbands may wanna stay home more because they get out more.
Thanks for your experience/perspective @auri. It's important for me to know others do have their time. Makes me feel less guilty asking for it. I'm sure it will get easier as the kids get older too.

[penguin129]

Jul 26, 2016 17:20:25 GMT -5 sanibel21 said:

Jul 26, 2016 17:04:28 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

sanibel21 I think it is just a difference in personalities. My H is fine staying home when I need to get out. I go stir crazy at times.

Yeah I think we prolly wanna get out more because we're home more. And even though it's work, our husbands may wanna stay home more because they get out more.
Thanks for your experience/perspective @auri. It's important for me to know others do have their time. Makes me feel less guilty asking for it. I'm sure it will get easier as the kids get older too.

Exactly this. I agree it is because they are away from home all day and just want to relax. We can't do that at home because it is our place of work. That's why we want to get out.

I just ran to the store to get out. Little things...

[oreobitsy]

Running to the store alone is probably the most frequent "me time" I get. I sometimes wish my husband would just take the boys to the zoo or somewhere for an entire morning or afternoon. Shopping for the family is not exactly cruising down the aisles at Barnes and Noble or some other fun place.

[ashiscute]

sanibel21 I get my haircut every 2 months or so. Sometimes I take a kid with me, sometimes not. I do a moms night out with my moms group probably every 2 months but I do go after the kids are in bed. It's easier since I nurse the baby at bedtime still. When he's a bit older I'll leave earlier.

Like @auri suggested we try to alternate who stays home during weekend naps and who can go out and do some shopping. But my oldest doesn't nap anymore so I have to take her with me. Womp womp to kids giving up naps.

[nerdalert]

sanibel21 I pretty much just use naptime as my "me time." I try to do stuff that needs to get done for the first 15-20 minutes and then do whatever I want for the rest of the time she sleeps. I meet up with friends during the day who are mostly moms too, and that's not really "me time," since I always have DD with me, but it kind of is because I get to hang out with other adults.

[namastebiotches]

Yea at that age, my me time was during naptime. DS would consistently nap so I'd get at least 2 hours to myself.
Me time definitely increased once he started preschool at 3.

[silv3rlining]

Jul 25, 2016 13:01:04 GMT -5 nerdalert said:

Thanks for the input, guys. It's not really the age gap that I'm trying to decide on, it's more life situation-related. DH is in the military and we have no idea even what country we'll be living in a year from now. Like, I know I want another kid anytime now, I'm just afraid of ending up giving birth alone in a foreign country with no family and a deployed husband. Worst case scenario, but possible. So that's where I'm at.

DH always said not to let his (military) career dictate when we have kids. Simply because it's always changing (for example orders/deployments can change). We had decided to TFAS around DSs 1st bday. We had actually started NTNP about a 2 months before his bday since 1. I hadn't gotten AF back yet and 2. With my history of PCOS figured it might take a while. We found out we were preg with DD shortly after DS turned 14 months (and just 6 days after he was weaned.) Ours are 22.5 months apart. I will say the 1st year was really really hard but it is getting so much better and I love the bond my kiddos share. DH had wanted a 3 year gap but now that DS is 3 I couldn't imagine having a newborn now (for us personally-others it is great). Basically if you feel ready than go for it. My DH is 12 years older than me so his age factored in to our decision too.