Yes I would agree that right now with little kids, we’re going for quality over quantity! Honestly it helps me to plan it out which I know takes out the “romance,” but then I know to get my mind right and try to get more in the mood vs. having him spring it on me when we’re done getting kids to bed.

I’ll agree with most here that the transition from 2-3 was easiest for me (with 0-1 being the hardest). I think though that 2-3 was the hardest for my husband in those early days because he was having to juggle 2 by himself more often while I was focused on the baby and our now middle was not yet 2 yrs old when the 3rd was born. But I love having 3!! And feel like I could focus on soaking up the newborn phase knowing it would be my last.

I order pizza or Torchy’s to be delivered to the house if she’s going to be there during dinner and putting them to bed. If it’s later, then no! But I also find the eating can be a good distraction for me to scoot out of the house in front of my 2 year old without her really realizing 🤪

Depends on where I am in my cycle and what kind of books I’ve been reading ️

There’s a “younger” Nancy Drew series that my almost 7yr old is loving! Also you can’t go wrong with other classics like the Narnia books or other Roald Dahl. I recently took all the Dear America books from my parents’ house that my daughter has also been into!

I felt the same way for a long time, but now that my youngest is 2 and I have some distance from the baby years (which I LOVE), I see how my family is moving into a new phase and we have more freedom with no one on a strict nap schedule and only one left in diapers. Now, the things we could only do with the oldest if we had a baby, are easier to do with more kids or as a whole family. It’s still sad but I’m also excited for things to come!

We also use it’s a 10 but also like So Cozy Kids leave in conditioner spray. Also try to let it air dry and spray with water in the morning if you need to brush it in!

A Stitchy Fix (adds a tiny plastic stitch) is usually under the price limit for a favorite things and the BEST gadget I have in my closet. I also think of things my mother in law calls “thought gifts,” like a nice bar of good chocolate, candle, pack of stationary, etc. Basically something you would enjoy but wouldn’t always spend money on for yourself.

I like the CBD from EarlyBird for sleep but also have recently tried the “calm” from Nama (order it online) that’s a CBD/THC blend and those are great!

These are all great tips! Another piece of advice I got was to start the year the same way you’ll continue it, so if your kiddo will be riding the bus, going through the cafeteria line, etc. do that from the first day to set the tone even though it’s tempting to make things “special.”

I will say I was prepared for a very tired kid (previously had done just a half day preschool), but she is such an extrovert that she was BUZZING when she came home and still found it hard to settle at bedtime for weeks (or months 🤪) after having been around her friends all day!