How to get time to take care of yourself

Abbe - posted on 11/12/2009

Jocelyn, you are a wonder! I cannot imagine twins. But I am with you on the quick shower after they go to bed. I have a 2 and a half year old who does not nap and my 7 month old. Luckily I can get them to bed early enough to shower then. As far as hair, I just did the ponytail too until a week ago when I chopped it to chin length so I don't have to do anything!

Abbe - posted on 11/12/2009

All great advice and I love your 'babysitter'. What a sweetheart:-) My cat is actually good at meowing when she notices our baby is waking up from her nap. It is amazing how in tune the animals can be:-)

Jocelyn - posted on 11/09/2009

I usually do the same thing, wait until the first nap to take a shower. Some days I can get one in before my husband leaves for work, but it's usually during naptime. If I really need a relaxing one with extra time to shave or something, I usually wait until they go to bed for the night. And as far as getting ready, I've gotten into the bad habit of pulling my hair in a ponytail and leaving it. I usually throw my twins in a plaything and do my make up after they wake from their nap. And I usually wait until the last nap before my husband gets home to do anything around the house, like washing bottles or dishes or whatever. I take the other 2 naps and do stuff for myself. It was harder in the beginning with 2 but now that they can keep each other company, Don't feel bad leaving her "alone" for a few minutes. She'll be fine!

Jenny - posted on 11/05/2009

I have a 7 month old and when I need to get ready I make sure she is fed and changed and then I put her in the exosaucer (I probably spelt that wrong) or in her swing and give her toys to pay with. I put her right outside the bathroom door and just leave the door open so I can check on her and she can see me. Not too relaxing of a shower time but it gets the job done and I can get ready.

Star - posted on 11/01/2009

Showers, he goes with me. It looks like a circus in there, but it works. He sits in his diaper, in his bath chair(one that sits on the bottom of the tub, but hooks onto the top side of the tub) while I shower & he plays with his toys. Then I give him a shower too, he loves them. Set him back in the seat while I get out, dried off, & toweled (no water for him to drown in), get him out & ready. Then he comes back into the bathroom w/me into his Johnny Jumper whilst I do my hair, makeup, & ect. He gets a shower & lot of exercise & I get ready. Usually from start to finish, only takes me an hour or less now.
While I do household things or time to myself...I have a babysitter while he plays on the floor. Loves being in the open(child safe) space in our living room since he's crawling & pulling himself up to stand. Babysitter is my 2 1/2yr old pitbull Josie...she's a regular old nanny if I do say so myself. No, I'm always where I can see him or check on him ever few minutes. Our pitbull barks or comes & gets me if Kevryck gets into something/where he shouldn't. Some days if I have to do dishes, laundry & bills, he might play on the floor for 2hrs with toys, listening to music, or playing w/the dog. Love that he enjoys time to himself now that he's mobile. Before then, I'd be lucky to get a shower 1-2xs a week.

Stephanie - posted on 11/01/2009

I agree with Lise, when my 1st daughter was born it seemed days would go by that I could take a decent shower! I would fly in and out so quick when she went down for a nap and I wouldnt give myself any decent time for ME. As time went on, (and another daughter later) I found that there is no harm in the little one hanging out in his or her crib playing while I got some time for me. Also, as Lise had mentioned put your little one in the exersaucer and let him or her watch you as you get ready. My 6 month old now is in the phase of screaming if mommy leaves the room so I know how you feel! As your little one gets older you can try other tactics other than waiting on naptime. For example, my two year old will come in the bathroom with her crayons and coloring book and lay on the floor and color while I shower. I can keep an eye on her while she enjoys doin what she loves! Movies are also a good distraction. I allow my daughter ONE movie a day for mommy to get a good hour to do what I need to do! Good luck :)

Lise - posted on 11/01/2009

I have a routine going that i just kind of stumbled into...it isn't really planned. I wait till my little guy goes for a nap and the second he is out, i jump into the shower. I usually get enough time to get ready also, but if i don't, I just bring him in his exersaucer so he can see me and do whatever i need to do. I find if he can't see me, he is more likely to fuss. Or, take whatever you need to do to him....put your makeup on sitting on the living room floor with a little mirror.....as my little guy gets older i find i can leave him to entertain himself for longer periods.....but my best advice is...just do it whenever you can...if it means eating lunch a bit later on because you need a shower first...do that......