Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Caden's World

I can't help but feel a little sentimental these days. I know how much Caden's world is going to change in the next few weeks, and it makes me a little sad.

The past few weeks I've been obsessed with getting the entire house clean from top to bottom, and finishing some decorating projects.

As wonderful as checking things off the list have felt, it dawned on me that I need to be spending some quality time with this little guy.

Before his entire world is turned upside down.

So today we went to the park, had a cookie together and built train tracks upon train tracks. He helped me wash some of the baby's clothes, fold them, and match up socks. To cap off the day, we read books, sang wheels on the bus about 1600 times and counted to 6 about 1200 times.

It was a good day and now I don't feel so bad.

I know he won't be the only one with his world turned upside down, and honestly, I don't feel prepared for this baby at all. I'll admit I am concerned about having more than one child and being able to handle all that's on my plate. And most importantly, being able to be a patient and somewhat rested mother.

With Caden no longer napping, I don't know how it's all going to work. My goal is to work to have a more structured quiet time for Caden so we can all have about 1 1/2 hours down time. I figure Caden can have a quiet time basket with activities and/or toys that can only be played with during quiet time. (i.e. special books, movies)

Do you practice quiet time in your home? If so, where do you have it (Caden & the baby will be sharing a room)? What activities do you allow during this time? Any tips you can give would be so very helpful.

10 comments:

Kristine said...

Life will change, but remember this is good change! Caden wiill LOVE being a big brother. Honestly, none of my kids have had issues with a new addition and I hope this is he case for you as well! Just make sure you involve Caden in as much if your new routine as possible. Unfortunately I have no ideas for quiet time because my kids had a difficult time entertaining themselves for a long period of time at that age. But I know many who have had great success with it and I'm sure you will be one of them! The change will be wonderful and you are such a great mom-- totally up for the task! Best if luck during the last bit of pregnancy! :)

oobbles said...

Hmm, Elsa still naps all afternoon, but even if she didn't, I suppose I'd have her play in her room for awhile? I know how you're feeling- I felt so guilty for awhile before Nova was born but it has been SO awesome. Seriously, Elsa loves spending time with Nova- it's been like a gift for her, not a curse. Your new baby will sleep a lot too, so keep in mind you will have some time to transition into a family of four. You can do it- it will be great!!

Hilary said...

Quinn is still a great napper so I don't have advice on that part. But I do feel your anxiety. My only saving grace right now is that I've been so tired throughout this pregnancy that Quinn had to learn to play by herself while mommy shut her eyes. I blew up a bed and put it in the playroom so I could be in the same room while she entertained herself. I'm so thankful she loves to "read" books.
I wish we lived closer to one another as well. But you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Courtney said...

My kids have all shared a room with each other (up until a month ago all 3 were in the same room). I did split them up for quiet time. I would keep Caden in his room and then have a pac'n'play set up in your room for the baby to nap. Honestly, my kids all learned to sleep through each other once we got a routine down.

Nicole said...

First of all, I would say to talk to Tammy. She told me what she does and what her mom did and that helped me go from one to two and later three.

Second, quiet time rocks! I am sorry Caden doesn't nap for you anymore. I try to give each child his/her own space for quiet time (Elijah naps in his bed, Lily naps in my room, and when Alexander is awake he hangs out in the living room (at least until we get a bigger place with more spaces)). I set it up so quiet time goes from 1-3 every day (but that might be a lot for a 2-year old). I would give him some toys and books to entertain himself with but if you can, I would limit the amount of things so there isn't a giant mess. It will be hard at first but as he gets the routine down it will be easier.

Don't underestimate the power of a baby gate.

Good Luck!

Marisa said...

You will be surprised at how easy it really can be to go from 1 to 2. My kids all have naps/quiet time until they are in kindergarten. I agree with Courtney, and start now. The kids were (still are) all required to go to their rooms, or maybe mine when we ended up with 4, and stay there for about 1 1/2 hours. Some slept, other's read books. Sometimes we'd watch a movie, but all must be quiet.

Deb said...

I love hearing all your ideas. Thank you so, so much!

wendysue said...

Hey Deb, Caden is going to be great big brother, and probably a lot of help (more than you realize. . .my kids always were.) As far as quiet time goes, my kids always shared rooms too, so once the older one wasn't napping, usually it was books, or puzzles, or now when I need to get something done it's Legos for Simon! The one way that I can get Whitney to have quiet time now is to put her down in our room! It's amazing how cool it seems to lay down in Mom and Dad's bed instead of your own (since she and Simon share a room now). He may even fall asleep now and then! Good luck! It will be great!

Unknown said...

Hmm, what worked best for us with quiet time for Olivia was we set a timer so she could watch it get closer and closer to zero (even though she couldn't tell time). That took responsibility off of us and kept her from asking us all the time when quiet time would be over (hence violating the rules of quiet time)

Another thing that worked well was we told her quiet time was for the new baby so we had to be quiet. This helped her start a bond with Aubrey because she wanted to be quiet for Aubrey not for us.

hope that helps!

Unknown said...

Hmm, what worked best for us with quiet time for Olivia was we set a timer so she could watch it get closer and closer to zero (even though she couldn't tell time). That took responsibility off of us and kept her from asking us all the time when quiet time would be over (hence violating the rules of quiet time)

Another thing that worked well was we told her quiet time was for the new baby so we had to be quiet. This helped her start a bond with Aubrey because she wanted to be quiet for Aubrey not for us.

hope that helps!