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Organization

Okay I have decided that now that my daughter is 1 1/2 years old, I want to broaden my supermom-ness to a consistantly organized clean house, and I want to look glamourous too! So when I open the door to a surprise guest or have to run to the grocery store for milk, I already look like a hot momma, and I don't have to toss stacks of paper where they won't be seen. I know of a few moms, who just seem to have it all under control, and it seems to come easily...I still need to nap most days, so I have enough energy, and patience later in the day.And some mommies are these wonderful hostesses that are so thoughtful and welcoming and prepared to handle any surprises. How do I get to this point? I never learned it in my home growing up, and I want to know how now...Any pointers...what kind of schedules do the rest of you supermoms hold each day...do you throw in some yoga, or fitness routines as well?...Let me know your thoughts : )

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Permalink Reply by Crystal A Schultz on January 19, 2010 at 12:51pm: I have a 4 month old daughter, and for being so small she sure takes up a lot of time! I know what you mean about wanting to be all ready and have a nice clean house for suprised visitors. I live in an apartment that is central to the apartments of 3 other friends and their small families. Since mine is the closest to all of them it always ends up being the meeting place and I always want it looking nice and clean.
First I had to realize that it will nearly never be perfectly clean, but for the most part it's nicely 'picked-up'. I try to make sure that at night before bed, or in the during the morning, the areas that will be seen the most (which is half of our living space) are neat enough for people to have a place to sit and feel comfortable. Also, I've found that my baby usually gets up around 9am, well I really like to sleep in that late, but since I need time to eat and all I try to get up at 8:30am, and after baby wakes up she eats, and then is happy playing or watching a show for a while, that gives me enough time to shower and get dolled up for the day. If she needs constant attention that morning, then I wait 'till she goes back down to bed, which is about 1 1/2 hours after she gets up and I get ready then. I try to make her fairly self relient so that I can still get things done. I don't know if that helps, but I hope it does. I'm sure others have much better advice, but that's what I do to try and be slightly organized. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Trudy Cartier on January 19, 2010 at 8:02pm: Yeah, I guess that is what I do now.I think I am just to hard on myself, and worry too much.But I'd rather know that she is getting the love and play and attention she needs than a clean house. I think I've come to a point that if the dishes are done, I seem to feel better, that my life isn't chaos-I think the mess makes me anxious some times.Also, if I have a scheduled playdate at my house, than I make sure to put in more effort to keep it tidy, and clean.
Thanks, it is comforting to know most other moms go through the same.

Crystal A Schultz said:
I have a 4 month old daughter, and for being so small she sure takes up a lot of time! I know what you mean about wanting to be all ready and have a nice clean house for suprised visitors. I live in an apartment that is central to the apartments of 3 other friends and their small families. Since mine is the closest to all of them it always ends up being the meeting place and I always want it looking nice and clean.
First I had to realize that it will nearly never be perfectly clean, but for the most part it's nicely 'picked-up'. I try to make sure that at night before bed, or in the during the morning, the areas that will be seen the most (which is half of our living space) are neat enough for people to have a place to sit and feel comfortable. Also, I've found that my baby usually gets up around 9am, well I really like to sleep in that late, but since I need time to eat and all I try to get up at 8:30am, and after baby wakes up she eats, and then is happy playing or watching a show for a while, that gives me enough time to shower and get dolled up for the day. If she needs constant attention that morning, then I wait 'till she goes back down to bed, which is about 1 1/2 hours after she gets up and I get ready then. I try to make her fairly self relient so that I can still get things done. I don't know if that helps, but I hope it does. I'm sure others have much better advice, but that's what I do to try and be slightly organized. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by sarah e. zabor on March 13, 2010 at 11:21am: I find the best time to take care of things besides baby is when baby is napping, and after baby goes to bed, for parents/caregivers who do not have a baby sitter, nanny, or someone to help. Also when I have a to-do-list and baby is awake I put them in a play pin or their crib, somewhere safe and fun for baby. I make sure all outlets are covered, table corners are guarded and there is nothing to choke on where baby can get to like the floor... I've closed off a room for baby downstairs using old crib railing which stays in place and a dog gate which extends to enter/exit. The crib rail and gate are secure to they wont fall on baby. This is for my 10 month old who can crawl and stand but cannot walk yet. There are toys in there to play with while I do what I need to. I can come check on her and see her as I walk by. I can put a monitor there if I'm going to be away for a longer period of time but, still be sure to check on baby myself. While baby entertains herself you can do chores. Make sure baby feels safe and isn't lonely. Let her know you're around by checking on her and giving her what she needs when she asks for it. Stay with her and do chores later if you need to. To save time take a bath with her. Do minimal makeup. No need to worry about other peoples comments. Nap when baby naps. Being a mom is fun and doesn't leave much room for yourself when your schedule is packed. Others may share this and should have some understanding. If you pick your child up from school in your nightgown, does it really matter what somebody else says? Smile and move on. It happens sometimes ;-) Don't worry about those moms who it seems to come easily and everything seems perfect. We don't have to be like them. Just be nice to guests and they'll come back. In the morning after you have the most energy in the day from sleeping, do 10 minute at least of exercise and do them with or next to baby. You'll be with baby and feel good after some movement. Stroll with baby outside or hold them in your arms while you walk. Do the dishes before its a huge pile. Do them after you eat off them. Each one each time one by one.. they wont build up this way and drive you nuts. Make it a habit and part of your routine and it will be second nature. There IS time for it, just do it. Don't worry about being perfect, or you'll drive yourself nuts. just be good enough to be happy with what you do. Tell yourself one slip is OK then get back to it. It will seem under control picking things up as you go vs. later and ending up with a giant mess. Eat after baby eats or while baby eats if baby can feed herself. Hope this helps.; ▶ Reply to This