Managing two kids & spring video of dan and ben

Posted by spots (Singapore, Singapore) on 16 May 2007 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.

My mom's sister & niece flew over from Maryland to visit the past few days. So while my mom went out with them to relax and catch up, I had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to handle an infant & a toddler all by myself. Thankfully, Husband was still at hand to help out in between his busy class schedule, (and he was a tremendous help!) but as he couldn't be around all the time, I still had to handle the two kids some/most of the time.

The experience was... surprisingly manageable! Dan was very good about letting me feed the baby while he played (somewhat) quietly in the room. Ben was also thoughtful enough to fall asleep at (around) the right times so that I could feed Dan unencumbered. What considerate brothers! Here's roughly what I did:

7.30am Feed Ben
8am Pick Dan up then continue dressing Ben while Dan stood around
8.30am Start breakfast for Dan while Ben is in the playgym
9.30am Leave Dan to finish his breakfast while I put Ben to bed
10.30am Wake Ben up
11am Feed Ben while Dan plays around
12pm Start lunch for Dan while Ben either falls asleep in chair or plays in playgym
I ALSO WOLF DOWN LUNCH HERE
12.30pm Put Ben to sleep while Dan finishes lunch
1pm Put Dan to sleep
THEN I GET TO REST
2.30pm Feed Ben
3pm Pick Dan up from nap then finish up with Ben then give Dan a snack
THEN WE ALL PLAY TOGETHER
4.30pm Put Ben to sleep
5.30pm Pick Ben up
6pm Start dinner for Dan & feed Ben
(Thankfully Husband is back by then - otherwise this part is quite difficult - i.e., feeding 2 kids at the same time!)
6.30pm Bathe Ben
7pm Bath Dan (done by Husband)
7.15pm Feed Ben - suckle to sleep - good night!
7.30pm Adults have dinner
8pm Give Dan his milk - good night!
....

Between 3 and 4.30pm, we've been spending more time outdoors since the Spring weather has been so lovely. Watch this video of us outside, including Ben in his chair & wearing a thick blanket!

Well, thankfully, my mom is back at home now. But this experience has given me a bit more confidence that it is possible to handle both kids together. I also have a renewed sense of respect and awe for all the mothers out there (including some friends) who have managed to raise 2 kids all by themselves! Praise God!