How do you do it?

viktory

I can't believe the OP only has one set of bedding - especially as she co-sleeps. The duvet and sheets must be hanging! There are a ton of excuses here, but no real action. Buy a play pen for baby or use the time when s/he is sleeping to get some cleaning done. Any job requires a degree of organisation in order to achieve the goals that are set - you need to stop making excuses and start applying the same discipline at home as you did at work. How on earth do you think you are going to be able to run a business from home if you can't even keep it clean?

mildred1978 wrote: »

It takes about 3 minutes to get the mascara off.

So what's stopping you? Honestly, sleeping in your clothes and make up is disgusting. Sorry, but you must smell.

Alternatively, you can accept you are not a natural homebody, would rather spend your time with the baby and live in general filth and squalor. Choice is yours.

starrystarry

mildred1978 wrote: »

I used to spend 40 minutes each morning putting my slap on. Now it's a flick of mascara (about 10 seconds) and a dab of creme blusher (another 10 seconds) and it helps me to feel human. I don't do it every day but maybe 4 days out of 7 (if I'm expecting a food delivery or a parcel ).

It takes about 3 minutes to get the mascara off.

Get a different mascara that's easier to remove. Are you using one of those "tube" mascaras? The ones that only come off with hot water and the mascara comes off in little tubes? I used to have one of those, they're a real nuisance to remove. Get a normal one that'll come off easier. I'm not suggesting that you don't wear make up, it can help your confidence, but there really is no excuse for not removing it at night.

mildred1978

Be_Nice wrote: »

Is your baby in a routine? If they go down at a reasonable time at that age mine were sleeping 7pm-7am, you have all evening to yourself, especially when your husband is away. If they are not I would suggest working on this so that you actaully have some time.

He goes down any time between 10pm and 11.30pm and gets up at 9/9.30am. We're a family of night owls so this suits us. I try to be in bed by midnight and up at 8am so I can shower etc before he wakes up. He then has 2 or 3 30 minute naps during the day.

Be_Nice wrote: »

As for the bedding, strip the bed as soon as you get out of it and shove it all straight in the machine on your way down to put the kettle on, it takes seconds to put the powder in and press go, you then have all day to transfer it to the dryer, hang it on the line etc.

I'll try this, thanks. It's a superking though so I'll have to get in it to make it!

Be_Nice wrote: »

They don't stay babies for long though so enjoy!

True, but don't they get messier as they get older? :eek: :rotfl:

pigpen

but it takes less than 10 seconds to strip the bedding!

I lay the baby in the middle of the bed.. untuck the corners.. she loves wriggling about in it like a woodlouse while I flick sheets about her... I pick her up in one hand.. easier said than done!! Then drag the sheets with the other..

Sometimes I'll lay her in the cot and throw them over the bannister so they are in the hallway.. carry her down and put her to play somewhere.. jumperoo, floor (she isn't crawling but bum shuffles) highchair... and stuff the bedding in the washer.. The clean stuff is always in the same drawer so I can say to OH to remake the bed.. he is much bigger than me and making a superking size bed is much easier for him than me!

When they get to about 18 months they should be helping clean and tidy.. so while they do get messier they also lean to put away their mess.. and help with laundry, dishwasher etc. My 2 y/o grandson was emptying and refilling my washing machines and dryer just before his 2nd birthday. I also make him put away the toys he has had out before he goes home..

janninew

I cannot believe that you don't have time to get undressed in the evening OP! I have 2 children under 2 years old, a full time job, a hubby who works away, 3 dogs and a house to keep in order and I manage to get undressed! You have to be disciplined, does your baby have a nap during the day, can you not do some housework then?

My life is hectic most days and I'm very good at tidying up as I go along, keeping on top of things seems to work very well for me, I do housework for short periods, but several times a day.

I do accept some people aren't very good with housework, how were you at keeping things tidy before the baby came along?

mildred1978

Be_Nice wrote: »

That should be your first task, at 10months old little one needs to be on the floor building his/her strength learning to roll/crawl/walk......if nothing else gives you the motivation your baby's well being should.

Downstairs floors are clear - it's upstairs where there are issues.

Be_Nice

mildred1978 wrote: »

True, but don't they get messier as they get older? :eek: :rotfl:

Yes, they do get messier, you have to train them.......and you would think it gets easier but in fact its just different you have to then fit everything around school runs, part time jobs, after school clubs..........Good luck!

pmlindyloo

I don't think you are depressed (still got a sense of humour!) I think you are exhausted!

Having a baby is blooming hard work and those of us who are long over it forget how hard it is.

Lots of great ideas here and I'm sure you will try most of them when you get a moment to yourself!

So, my twopenny's worth! Sounds like you can't get round to doing much because everything is a mess - clutter everywhere and the incentive/motivation to do anything is not there because it's all too difficult to clean round the clutter. Am I right?

I totally agree that life is too short to worry about cleaning, but it sounds as if it is worrying you so my suggestion would be: ask the OH to take the baby for a long walk (obviously in the pushchair for baby!) and then tackle one small area and declutter/put things away etc etc. You will feel so much better.

Only an idea - if you want to spend this time curled up with a book and gin and tonic then good luck to you!

mildred1978

viktory wrote: »

I can't believe the OP only has one set of bedding - especially as she co-sleeps. The duvet and sheets must be hanging! There are a ton of excuses here, but no real action. Buy a play pen for baby or use the time when s/he is sleeping to get some cleaning done. Any job requires a degree of organisation in order to achieve the goals that are set - you need to stop making excuses and start applying the same discipline at home as you did at work. How on earth do you think you are going to be able to run a business from home if you can't even keep it clean?

Which was the point of my thread. I've never been a naturally tidy person, but it never mattered before.

viktory wrote: »

So what's stopping you? Honestly, sleeping in your clothes and make up is disgusting. Sorry, but you must smell.

Of what? I wear deodorant and shower daily. I get in the bath with the baby every other day (although that's for his benefit rather than mine).

viktory wrote: »

Alternatively, you can accept you are not a natural homebody, would rather spend your time with the baby and live in general filth and squalor. Choice is yours.

I suppose so.

mildred1978

starrystarry wrote: »

Get a different mascara that's easier to remove. Are you using one of those "tube" mascaras? The ones that only come off with hot water and the mascara comes off in little tubes? I used to have one of those, they're a real nuisance to remove. Get a normal one that'll come off easier. I'm not suggesting that you don't wear make up, it can help your confidence, but there really is no excuse for not removing it at night.

Wish I could. It has to be waterproof and I haven't found one that hasn't irritated me yet. I stick wih the tube one because it works for me.