Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I will be going back to work on 11/26.

DS is in kindergarten & DD will be 8 wks.

I will drop them off at daycare around 7:15am and pick up around 5:30pm

Any helpful hints on how to get a schedule down with meals, cleaning, laundry, etc?

I've been home since DD was born 9/28 and we moved into our house on 8/28. I feel like things aren't even near organized and its my goal to get organized before going back to work.

Need suggestions on how to get on track, so I don't lose it emotionally!
TIA

Re: Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

Okay I'm not a FTWM and i only have one kid but if I were you I would use the next few weeks to stock your freezer. When I worked and now since having DD I've found this so useful. You can brown up a few pounds of ground meat and add taco seasoning to some and make some into meat sauce for quick versatile meals. You can use the crockpot for shredded chicken seasoned with bbq sauce or buffalo sauce for sandwiches, wraps, or pizzas. Casseroles, meatloaf, and lasagna also reheat well, just defrost overnight and then you can heat in the microwave. No prep or cleanup is so helpful.

Re: Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I wish I had 'the best tips' for you. I sometimes feel like I am drowning. I think things fall into place though and the more I try to think about it and schedule the more stressed I get. you will do what needs to be done and put aside what can wait on a regular basis. I think having a junk drawer or even a room if you are lucky to throw misc stuff is important. My whole house will look 'neat' because I threw everything into the "office" - its really a closet or my bedroom.
Reality is I do my makeup in the car, I don't shave my legs like I used to. I hardly watch tv. we eat frozen meals and sandwiches often. I pack the baby for day care the night before. I wash the kitchen and bathroom the night before after the baby goes to sleep. I make the bed in the morning if I am not late. I vacuum/dust (quickly) on weekend. I wash towels and underwear on weekends. on a good week Work clothes get dropped off at the cleaners - its worth the money for me - I don't spend on any extras anywhere else - they come folded perfect. Even if I don't get to put it away, its not wrinkled, in the corner.

good luck and congrats

Message edited 11/4/2012 3:39:34 PM.

Re: Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I have a prett strict schedule, which helps me. I pick out clothes for the week on Sundays (me and the kids). I cook 2-3 meals on Sunday so they just need to be heated up/finished during the week. I do lunches, etc. the night before. I keep a calendar with everything written on it, because I forget everything. I also have a cleaning lady, because it was too much for me to clean and work and take care of everyone here! Best thing ever!
Also, I do 1 load of laundry every day...start to finish, so I don't get backed up!

Message edited 11/4/2012 3:52:30 PM.

Re: Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I do EVERYTHING the night before so that I amnot scrambling in the AM. All bags are packed right by the door. I plan meals for the week...criock pot stuff and do any prep work the night before. Alll laundry is done by Sunday night - and I throw in a few loads during the week.

Re: Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I do makeup in the car too! (before driving).

I minimize. We minimize on toys, clothes, decorations, everything. IMO, the less you have the easier it is to put it away and the less mess you have.

DH cooks. We buy lots of fresh pasta and frozen veggies. We eat well and everything is 20 minutes or less to prepare. We shop once a week.

If you can get a cleaning lady, that's great! Otherwise get easy stuff... Like a duvet cover instead of a comforter. You just pull it over your bed. You don't really have to make it.

Questions for FTWM, esp those with 2 kids

I only have one but I prepare the night before. We have been doing this since February and have never been late. It's really not that hard once you do it a few days