Hmmmm was it your kiddos at my door the other friday night? I won't lie...I'm not comfortable encouraging this behavior. I think it's one thing to acknowledge that kids are going to want to do kid things, but it's important to consider the impact on our neighbors and friends. Disturbing others in the name of fun isn't appropriate. I often find myself home alone, and I was putting down my babies when the doorbell rang by a group of boys I don't know with intentions I don't know. I'm not aware of any potential issues with your neighbor, but it's clear they were upset by the situation. Given their reaction, I would say this behavior isn't acceptable

Well first, just like when you first had your baby compared to now, it takes time to get "good" at something. Those first couple of weeks or months might feel overwhelming because it's a whole new skill juggling your work needs and timeline with a baby. Here are a few of my tips and I'm happy to expand on anything:

1. outsource whatever feels painful or is accessible for you financially. get a housecleaner, a mealprepper for 2 nights, a babysitter/mother's helper to help on key nights, etc. It doesn't have to be full time, but you can be strategic. Maybe in those first couple of weeks, hire something like Dinner Elf to make 2 meals a week, just to take it off your shoulders.
2. Enact a system that keeps you and your partner on the same page - a paper calendar, a digital to do list, whatever makes sense for you. For me, I have a paper calendar, I write the daily meals, appointments, when my husband or I will be out of town, things that we all need to plan around.
3. See if your work will cover breastfeeding shipping if you need that. I've used milk stork when traveling for work and it was great.

I've never really known what normal protocol looks like. Occasionally I have ordered a pizza or something, but does anyone have a standard practice on this?

I don't necessarily want an "upgrade" per se, as mine is/was perfect for me at the time. I love it so much and don't really want to get rid of it, but it does feel very youthful and reflective of the time that we got engaged. I've been non-stop thinking of a more mature and classic style but I don't want to offend my husband by making him think I don't love what he gifted me all those years ago. Has anyone done this and can share their experience?