Temporary SAHM

Right now, I am basically being a stay-at home mom. I still am teaching a night class two nights a week, but for the most part, I am getting to experience what SAHMs do.

Owen still gets a lot of "schooling", just not in the same way he did before. We eat breakfast and then I feed Quinn while he watches Curious George. Then Quinn generally plays on her playmat while Owen and I play memory or play with flashcards. When Quinn lays down for her nap, Owen and I do a few household chores, like laundry and cleaning the kitchen. Then he usually plays with blocks. When Quinn wakes up next, I feed her and Owen watches Sesame Street. Sometimes we go for a walk after this, but it has been pretty hot for that so more often Owen will play with playdough or draw while Quinn sits in her bouncy seat or has tummy time. I try to get lunch done during this time and then I can lay Quinn down and Owen and I can eat together (though this timing isn't always perfect and sometimes I eat a bit later). After lunch we Owen generally does puzzles while I get a bit of computer work done (and of course, some play time for mommy too). Quinn then eats again while Owen watches Clifford or Word World. Then Owen lays down for his nap and Quinn and I enjoy a bit of mommy and me time and I play with her on her mat, sing and/or read stories. Then I put her in her bouncy seat for a bit of time by herself while I get some more cleaning done. When she lays down for her nap, I either shower or nap myself most the time. I sometimes even watch a Criminal Minds.
At this point, Daddy generally gets home and things aren't as consistent then, but then I have help and let him do what he wants to (as with Owen or Quinn).

Night time has been a roller coaster. Up through Sunday night, Quinn was getting up about every 3 or 3.5 hours to eat and went right back to sleep. Monday night we went 4 hours in a stretch. Tuesday night, we went 6.5 hours without eating (about 5.75 hours of sleep)! Wednesday night, we went 6 hours without eating (about 4.5 of sleep) and Thursday night was about the worst night since she has been born. Laid down at 11:30; 3 or 4 re-insert pacy; up at 1:15 to eat; laid down at 1:40; 3 or 4 re-insert pacy; up at 4:15 to eat; laid down at 4:40 - couldn't get her settled at all - finally got her to sleep at 6.

We'll see how things keep going - I'm home totally for 3 more weeks. When I go back to work, I think I'll try only taking them to daycare for 3 days a week the first 2 weeks before I have to be back full time!