Having Trouble Adjusting to Life With Baby

[Anonymous]

Same boat here. Once they hit 6 months, you can get a hiking backpack, which will help you get out. As for dinner, we go out at 5pm and take turns holding our son so the other can eat (he doesn't like the carseat for too long and is about to outgrow it). Good luck. This weekend we took a walk to CVS just to get out since I knew he was overdue for a nap. He fell asleep in the Ergo and then I put him in the crib when we got back. Plus, I felt good because we got some errands done.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, everyone, for your words of encouragement and advice. I was expecting a lot of: Duh, what did you think was going to happen when you had a baby??? But it was nice to have a place to vent and get some helpful feedback (there were some really great tips here). In retrospect, DH was probably tired of hearing me say "this is haaaaaaard," and was doing what men are prone to do (offer solutions), when all I needed was someone to say "yah, this sucks" and offer up a hug.

Anyway, we actually do have a nanny (I work from home and we just started a nanny share for 30 hours a week), and DH is a really helpful husband (I feel bad if I made him sound like he wasn't). That being said, I think every husband could benefit from a week at home alone with the baby. We're also planning to alternate our sports nights (I'm starting a league this week), and we have our first "date night" scheduled for next week. So these things should help a lot. And I could use a little help from the weather Gods, too. Geesh, this heat is killer!

Oh, and DS started laughing (REALLY laughing) last night. I recorded it on my phone and have already watched it a million of times. So maybe I can put up with his rigid nap schedule and car seat crying if he can throw in a good long laugh session every now and again (and maybe wait a few years to have his first really big tantrum).

[Anonymous]

I have not read all the posts, but one thing you can do is try to change your schedule a little. We have found that it is easier to go out for lunch instead of dinner. Better time of day for DC and more relaxing for all involved. Then, you are home to get DC in bed on time in the even. DC will probably get more flexible later on, but at 3 months it can be very hard. Also, I suppose you can try to get him/her to bed at the softball game. Have you tried to just put the baby in pjs and just feed bottle or nurse of whatever while you are there and then walk around with stroller until he/she falls asleep? Just an idea. Don't stay holed up all day. That is not good for anyone. You will feel worse and then everyone feels worse. You just have to be more creative with your outings and schedule. It will get better. Good luck.