tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post2916125935029757222..comments2023-05-27T02:45:24.476-07:00Comments on Chasing The Gerber Dragon: Commiserywottadollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527435736562324563noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-16259996657480578372014-01-12T16:52:17.720-08:002014-01-12T16:52:17.720-08:00I'm another that could never be home all day w...I'm another that could never be home all day with my toddler! I'm thinking seriously about being with her full time this summer, when I'm off from work, and I'm already nervous about it!<br /><br />I also absolutely HAVE to get out of the house with her. Every. Single. Day.<br /><br />Frankly, even when she has a fever, I drag her out. To be fair, she gets a fever with the slightest runny nose. If she's truly SICK... well, scratch that, we still go out. At least to get a cup of tea at the coffeeshop.<br /><br />I agree with the idea of finding SAHM moms and doing little playgroups. Having another adult or two or three to talk to is so helpful. even if it's just Mommy Talk. And when you are all comfortable, then you talk about swapping childcare. I do this a lot with my two closest friends. It's FABULOUS. I love free childcare. And it's not like i get a lot done when C is around, so watching another isn't that much worse.<br /><br />I can't imagine having a toddler who doesn't nap!!! My heartfelt sympathies. That would be terrible.Abbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08856563547693346602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-63277929077634077742014-01-12T06:46:55.609-08:002014-01-12T06:46:55.609-08:00I wish baby kennels existed where I live, but I do...I wish baby kennels existed where I live, but I don't think they do. If they did, I would use it, no question. <br /><br />I absolutely, positively, 100% get it about being with a toddler all day. While I desperately (and I mean desperately) wanted to be a stay at home mom when Jordyn was a baby... I don't still feel that way. If I weren't working (and I'm only working part time now), I'd be slowly - or maybe not-so-slowly - losing my mind. <br />I need the break, and I think I'm a better mom for it. So I think using the baby kennel is a fabulous idea, just for the break, both before and after the baby comes! <br /><br />I also think a routine will do you good. It'll allow you both to anticipate certain things, which should help with the feeling of just "making it through til bedtime". Around here, while we don't have baby kennels, we have indoor play spaces, which are fantastic for the cold, snowy winters. We went to one just the other day. While not free, they don't charge too much, at least most of them. Maybe $6 per visit or something, and I bought a groupon for 50% for 14 visits or something, and the card never expires. Maybe look for something like that? Or what about maybe finding other SAHM moms and setting up regular playgroups, maybe rotating who hosts at their house? Then it's free, but you still get out of the house (most of the time). <br /><br />It's not all fun and games. I know I do a LOT of venting on my blog. I started it for me, not really the readers, but it's a nice bonus to know people read it and to get the comments. But it's a place I use for an outlet, to talk about the not-so-fun stuff, sometimes. And it helps. So don't feel like you can't talk about it, if you want to, and if it helps you. We get it. Even if people don't say it, I guarantee they get it! <br /><br />Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12437548841903850607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-14947878996260710932014-01-11T20:29:44.479-08:002014-01-11T20:29:44.479-08:00Both of my degrees are in Child Development/Early ...Both of my degrees are in Child Development/Early Childhood Education and my kids still nap and I get it. My first day back and being responsible for meeting all their needs again (I gladly hand over the reigns to my mom when she is around) kicked my butt. <br /><br />I think the drop in place sounds miraculous. If it were closer I would want to use it too. We're available again here too (except Wednesdays).Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07341444268342551783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-15836426646923149932014-01-11T06:41:28.052-08:002014-01-11T06:41:28.052-08:00I totally hear you. Sometimes I dread the weekend...I totally hear you. Sometimes I dread the weekends because I have Sidekick for 48 whole hours! (That sounds awful.) I think I would be in the poor house if I drank coffee. : ) I can't stand being cooped up... never have... unless I was cooped up with a great book, a glass of wine, and no kid. Ha! Right now, it's cold AND he's kind of at that awkward age where he's too young to go to certain "kid" places, so I feel limited what we can do outside the home. It was so much easier being able to walk out the door and play outside or go to a park. Entertaining a toddler can be a challenge, but I am thankful Sidekick plays well alone and can read books with me or by himself for hours. Maybe when baby comes along, you will want to get him a on really strict schedule as soon as possible so that your days are more predictable/pleasant juggling two. Sidekick's strict routine makes for a happy momma and a happy baby/toddler and a great sleeper. By the way, baby kennels are not bad places, and it sounds like a great alternative for you! SMC in STLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15567096902374866062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-82008118945914240742014-01-11T05:14:41.407-08:002014-01-11T05:14:41.407-08:001. I get it. I love my kids. But early childhood...1. I get it. I love my kids. But early childhood education is NOT my area of specialization; it's not what I'm particularly good at, and there are many aspects of it I simply don't enjoy. I'm much happier WITH my kids because my days are largely spent WITHOUT them. And time-use research indicates I'm probably spending as much "quality time" with them as I would if I were home all day...<br /><br />2. Free places to take kids are great. And schedule. We have a membership to a local kids' science center. It's like $70/year, but given how often we are there comes out to less than $5/visit, for 3 people.gwinnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04840990153103781272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2688810272914203813.post-28797454808600888642014-01-10T23:20:59.424-08:002014-01-10T23:20:59.424-08:00I absolutely couldn't stay home with a toddler...I absolutely couldn't stay home with a toddler all day! You're right, it's a constant cycle of killing time till the next nap/meal/bedtime and it's exhausting. I think past women survived it because they weren't alone. They had other women around, extra hands, for when things got tough. They also nursed each other's babies. :)<br /><br />cmgrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08005743027324957289noreply@blogger.com