I recently had a friend ask me if I had any advice to give her on preparing to have her third child. She went on to mention that she thought I really seemed to be coping well and have my life all put together. I am flattered, but, if only she really knew... No, really, the times that I am not screaming in a pillow and ready to pull my hair out, I think I have found ways to cope and survive.
10. Bath Time
The kids love the bath and would play in the bath for hours if I let them. I often put Taylor and Luke in the tub in my bathroom so I can watch them while I fold clothes or just sit and watch t.v. They are so content in the bath that it gives me some time to re-group and have some time to myself.
9. My Kids Clubhouse
This is an indoor play place that goes beyond McDonalds. I often go there with a friend or by myself and the kids play and play and play for hours. I can sit and talk with a friend or read a book or magazine while they play. It's great!
8. TOYS!
I keep some toys upstairs and downstairs. When they are tired of certain toys I rotate them and it's like having a new toy all over again. I have even swapped toys with a neighbor. This is an easy way to get new toys without breaking the bank. I do admit, however, when it seems they have lost all interest in the toys they have I do (sometimes) buy new ones. Is it possible to have too many toys?!
7. Bubbles, Sandbox, Chalks, Bikes, playdoh, arts and crafts, and Books
These are all activities that can be done at home! I think the difficult part of having 3 kids is going places. So, the more we have to do at home, the better. It also gets them outside to enjoy the fresh air, which is good too!
6. "Quiet Movie Time"
When Luke stopped taking naps, I invented this as a secret way to get him to sometimes fall asleep and let me sleep as well. I put Blake down for a nap and then tell them it is "quiet movie time." We all head up to my room, I put a movie on, and we all lay down to "watch" the movie. More often than not, Luke (and sometimes Taylor) will fall asleep and I get a nap too! I love quiet movie time.
5. Avoid Target, the grocery store, and other shopping as much as possible
Loading 3 kids into the car, all in car seats, and dragging them around to do shopping is so much work! I always break a sweat. Now that Blake is older, it is a lot easier, but at the beginning I just told myself that we wouldn't go anywhere, so when we did I was really proud of myself!
4. Tivo
This is a magnificent invention! It records all of mine and the kids favorite shows and they are always available with the click of a button. Later afternoon is when all of the cartoons are over for the day, so if the kids are whining or if I'm trying to make dinner, I just turn on a show! I never miss any of my favorite shows either. After the kids go to bed, Devon and I spend time watching some of our favorite shows. If it wasn't for Tivo, I would always miss American Idol! I love Tivo!
3. Learn to let go!
Of course, this is something that I am still working at! But, the days that I relax and let go, I am much more calm and happy. Even though a messy house and dirty laundry still drives me crazy. I have to remind myself that one day the kids won't be little anymore and I will have time to get all of these things done. So, I should enjoy them while they're young...they're already growing up so fast! So, put off housework and laundry occassionally and laugh and have fun!
2. You Time!
I find that Exercising with an ipod with all of my favorite songs is what makes me the most happy. Devon recently reminded me of a quote from my favorite movie Legally Blonde where she says: "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill their husbands." Well, this is so true! The days I exercise and find time for myself, I am a happier mom and wife and don't feel like "killing" my husband or kids!. Working on my blog fills that too! Some songs that I really enjoy to listen to that help me escape, while exercising, doing dishes, or whatever (to name a few) are:
1) Irreplaceable--Beyonce
2) Dierks Bentley (I love him)
3) Every Time I Hear Your Name--Keith Anderson
4) Red High Heels--Kellie Pickler
5) Kenny Chesney (I love him too)
6) Mr. Mom & Front Porch Looking In--Lonestar
7) Just Another day in Paradise & In a Real Love--Phil Vassar
8) The Taliban Song--Toby Keith
9) Hot Mama--Trace Adkins
10) The Sweet Escape--Gwen Stefani
11) Don't Matter--Akon
1.!!! Keep the Romance Alive
Devon thought this one was hillarious and thought we should definitely do this one more often. However, his and my idea of "keeping the romance alive" are totally different. I told him that keeping the romance alive includes all of the little things that keep you connected. So, now, whenever we do little small gestures for each other (like me ironing his shirt in the morning or him taking the kids in the morning so I can sleep in) we say "now that's keeping the romance alive!" So, this one's for you, Babe, thanks for keeping the romance alive!
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8 comments:
Sounds like a pretty good "mommy survival list". Isn't it funny how romance means only one thing to a man and about 100 things to a woman?! It's good to keep them guessing!
I LOVED THIS BLOG! Someday when I'm getting ready to have my third baby, you'll probably be done having kids and will laugh at me having to conjure up things like "quiet movie time". You really do have things together!
Awkward girl conversations again...
Also, I just downloaded the Akon and Trace Adkins songs on your play list.
Very good list!!! Is it bad that I already do quiet movie time...I am hoping it is mostly a pregnancy thing...but man i am worn out in the afternoon! There is a really good book called something like 100 great nights of romance...you swap with your husband and the dates are geared for the guy or girl...they are way fun! I will have to tell you the exact title, you and Devon would love it!
What a great list! I so wish I had something like this when I had little kids- what a fun way to share great ideas and encouragement.
Hi Kimberly! I don't mind at all that you read my blog. I'm just glad somebody does.. and I actually read yours too sometimes. Robyn has talked about you so many times, and I've always wanted to meet you in person. I have seen many pictures of you, and of your beautiful family. You have gorgeous looking children! :) I bet living in San Diego is so much fun. I've actually always wanted to live in California, and my husband just fell in love with San Diego, when he was there earlier this year. New York is a neat place, and there's so much to see. But we miss the West a lot. :)
I LOVE this post, too! I am going to have to study it more carefully. My kids are going nuts with boredom this summer! Most of these things I do, but some not, so I'll have to add them to my repetiore!
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