Cook and clean?!

I clean during my baby's first nap because 1. It's usually the longest and 2. It's when I have the most energy. I have tasks I do daily (dishes, at least one load of laundry, and keep kitchen clean). And then the rest of the days, I have specialized tasks based off the day (dusting, wiping off surfaces, wash towels/linens,etc). I found that breaking down the tasks by day held me accountable and made it seem less overwhelming. If it gets super messy, I'll pick a room that day and clean that room. Afternoon naps are for relaxing once I get my tasks done. I cook only simple meals right now that take 15 mins or less. Lots of Trader Joe's microwaveable rice and vegetables with an air fried protein has been key for me

I also really struggle, know you're not alone. I am NOT a morning person, even with Vyvanse and caffeine so by the time I feel alive I panic because it's usually 1230. And my son only sleeps for 30 min at a time, and has been super velcro lately, always in the afternoon. And now my cat is peeing in random places and it's so hard to get go a point of maintaining a home and living in it, vs surviving and just trying to fix acute problems throughout the house. I don't have answers, just tears and solidarity. I feel like what I need is a friend who comes over and keeps me and baby company while I clean

My house gives me anxiety too. My husband helps a lot with the cleaning and watching the kids. I cook every night at 5..put some music on and I entertain my 7 months old with toys while my husband plays with my two year old. Or I give her something to munch on. We do hello fresh two nights and the other nights I try to make simple no more than 20 minute recipes and it works for us. I don’t go to the store anymore because I don’t have time so I just do instacart. I want to divide the tasks too so I can get everything done in different days. Oh and I work from home too all day! Some days are harder than others. I keep reminding myself that my babies are only little for so long and who cares if the house is a bit messy.

You’re not alone, mama. Since my LO was born, we’ve been eating off paper plates and bowls and using plastic utensils for almost every meal. It’s made kitchen cleanup easier. Since it’s warmer, the past two months we’ve been eating bag salads and frozen chicken heated in the air fryer for dinner. Takes less than 10 mins to heat up and prep, plus clean up is super easy. My husband does the dishes at night, and it’s usually under 10 dishes. Have you tried doing a casserole type dish for the week? We ate a lot of those through the newborn stage until our LO was 5 months. The initial prep can take a while, but once it’s cooked, you’re set for several days. I’d say if anything find way to simplify your meals so prep and cook time is easier for you. In this season, I don’t think complicated meals are necessary. Hope you’re able to find ways to help yourself and your fam 💗

We hired help for this stuff! I prefer to spend time with my son and get help on house tasks than have a nanny. When I do cook or clean, it’s when he is awake because I can do it with him around. I prefer to work when he sleeps!

@Kathleen Thanks Kathleen! I think I need to do that. Pick a part of the house I want to clean and don’t feel overwhelmed. Thanks for that! We usually clean when baby is sleeping but sometimes we are tired ourselves so we sleep when he sleeps.

@Emma Yes, I agree! I need some friends to come over and play with my son so I can clean! I might ask some of my girlfriends once he can sit up unsupported because my son is not super mobile yet and so he needs to be held. I’m sorry about your cat too! I hope that gets situated soon! Do you have anyone that can help you watch the baby while you clean?

@Valentina That is smart! Instacart or just simple meals that don’t take long! I’m also very Type A so I’m like AHHH! 😯

@Hannah Thanks Hannah! We are doing that too! Paper plates is a game changer! No I haven’t tried any kind of casserole. I have food restrictions and I’m lactose so it can kind of hard! Thanks for making me feel better though mama! Hope you and baby are doing great!

@Magdalena I love that you can hire help!! That is a a huge relief I am sure!

you are not alone, i clean up the living room/ vacuum before his first nap, workout during his nap, and then struggle the rest of the day because by then i’m already exhausted and he very much only ever wants my attention so i usually don’t get to the dishes until my husband comes home, we end up eating out so much

i’m really close to just buying paper plates & utensils so the only dishes are cooking dishes

@Samantha disposable plates and utensils have made a huge difference for us. It makes end of day kitchen cleanup much easier and less time consuming. One day we’ll go back to using our plates, but in this season, it’s helps us function better as a household.

@Jenn we moved to a country where we could afford it! Previously having lived on London, it was not possible. But we want to be the ones raising our kid and that meant making a choice like that.

@Samantha Yeah…it’s exhausting have to clean and drains all your energy! I don’t even know when I will be able to clean eventually. When baby is walking? Sighs. We do what we gotta do! It will be worth it in the end when our babies can help us clean! Eating out is the only way we get food quickly! Do it! We have paper plates and we just wash forks and spoons and bowls!

@Magdalena Best decision I am sure!!! I live in the U.S. and specifically California so it’s expensive to live here and definitely can’t afford help! I am happy you chose to live where you can raise your child and not someone else! My in laws take care of my son!

@Jenn thank goodness for in-laws 🙏❤️

@Magdalena YES! Idk what I would do without them tbh!