I am mom of 2 girls (3 yrs & 10 months). I was luck enough to work from home and have a totally flexible part-time schedule, up until about 2 months ago. I went back to work full time- outside of the home. in addition to the challenges of the tyrannical threes and a relatively new baby, I am trying to figure out how to handle and do it all.

I hired a young family friend as a nanny, and there is so much training and time to put into teaching someone who has never kept a house or children on what and how to do, everything. It has been a learning curve but seems to be leveling out. 

My husband works out of the house, but travels for most of the work week. I feel overwhelmed with the changes and constantly bombarded with "helpful" people telling me what I am doing wrong. 

All of this in addition to a newly 3 yr old, who is used to always having her and wanting her mom. She had transition troubles with the baby getting too much attention and now there is even less of me to go around. 

is there anyone else out there in my boat or on the other side of it. I need positive reaseuance and guidence. 

Thanks, Cynthia

Cynthia,

I definetely know how you feel.  I have a 2 1/2 year old little girl and a 3 month old boy.  I work full time (with a long commute).  My husband has better working hours than me, but he is also in school at night.  Sometimes I feel like I am hanging on by a thread.  It is so hard to manage it all...my kids, work, my house, time with my husband, friends, sleep...it is all too much sometimes!  Don't worry about the unsolicited advice.  Take what's useful and let the other stuff roll off your back.  Everyone's situation is different and there is no right or wrong way to do this. You just have to do what is right for you and your family.  Forget all the rest.

As far as time with your daughter.  I also feel like I do not have enough time with her.  The only thing that has worked for me is to make sure I spend some quality "Mommy" time with her everyday (even if it is only 20 minutes or so).  We'll cuddle on the couch when her brother is sleeping or read stories in bed.  I know she would rather have me all day, but it makes us both feel better to be able to "connect" with her at least once a day. 

I wish I had some true words of wisdom for you, but I am trying to figure this whole thing out myself.  I am glad you joined this group. We all need support durning this crazy time!!

-Stephanie 

Thank you, I know this precious time when they are so young and will actually let you cuddle with them is so short and with each milestone will come challenges. I am trying to hold on to this time and enjoy every moment, even the trying ones. My girls are truly my heart and make it all worth while in the big picture. 

it is so nice to hear I am not alone in feeling like I don't have it together and that it really is not an easy thing we do. but rarely are the mot important things easy. 

hang in there yourself... some days, minutes, hours, that thread my look like it is about to break and sometimes it is a big as a tree.