Lifting restrictions

[judecorp]

Next week is school vacation week. My mother is coming to visit at the end of the week and Jen is having gall bladder surgery on Friday, a week from today. I'm more than a little concerned about the lifting restrictions. She said she was told not to lift anything more than 10lbs for 4-6 weeks. 4-6 weeks of no help with the toddler? Are you freaking

Comments

[marshmelococoa]

Come up with a plan now - figure out the things she will be able to help out with that don't interfere with the lifting restrictions in case she doesn't handle it so well. If she handles it better and can help sooner - bonus. Also, find where you can enlist August for help.

examples - can maybe help dress him if he's not a wrestler like Lucas - even if she can't do the bathing. Can prepare meals. Sit and sort/fold laundry - you and August can help carry/push baskets to designated rooms. Prepare backpacks and diaper bags. handle feedings of kiddos so you can get ready. Come up with good distractions that she can do to keep them busy, even if not productive in general, but enough that she's not compromising her health but giving you time to get done the things you have to do. Plan some table crafts or drawing time, give Elias a broom or damp rag for 'cleaning', MEAL PLAN AHEAD OF TIME!, shop for as many groceries ahead of time that you can so you can save time from doing that plus meal plan and have things handy for Jen to prep for dinner before the rest of you get home. Have a crockpot? Learn to love it! Eat off paper plates for easy cleanup, even if wasteful - it's just a short period of time.

I'm a really great idea person. Not always great in practicality or follow through - but I like to brainstorm. :)

[judecorp]

Thanks for all of your great ideas.

I don't think she'll really be able to manage him at all. He is incredibly rough and squirmy and did I mention rough? Lots of pushing/hitting/kicking. Climbs on things and needs to be taken down. Good times.

Jen really has a difficult time recovering from things and I am worried that by the time she gets home from work, she's not even going to be up to standing. Perhaps I can get her to make the kids breakfast so I can grab a quick shower if I can get Elias into the high chair. My biggest worry is the early morning. Usually Jen is up with Elias from 6-7 while I catch an hour of sleep - sometimes the only real sleep I get. If she is not able to take him, I am going to have to get up with him in addition to sleeping with him. For 4-6 weeks. That is not going to be pretty.

[marshmelococoa]

Lucas is rough and wiggly too - I hate it. He makes all kinda of things uh harder than they need to be. I'm no help on getting the baby to sleep more either. We keep trying all kinds of things. Some things work for a day or two and then he reverts. It's really frustrating. And I know you and I agree - sleep is everything. If we got more/better of it - south would be so much easier. It's 11pm and Lucas is still running manic while fussing from exhaustion. Shoot me now. James has to get up in 6 hours which means we will all be up. Wish I had more ideas. I hope it all goes smoother than expected for you all!

[judecorp]

It's good to know that we're in the trenches together. xoxo