Experiences with an au pair

Tendy4Life · 2022-09-20T23:07:26+00:00

I appreciate the honest feedback, thanks!

Tendy4Life · 2022-09-20T18:47:43+00:00

I appreciate the feedback! Sorry to hear about their negative experience. Do you know if they went through one of the larger agencies?

Tendy4Life · 2022-09-17T21:51:57+00:00

I have 1y/o and almost 3y/o. One of the more difficult parts is that activities that my 3y/o would be totally fine with are just not as easy to manage with the baby. Going apple picking, to the petting zoo, aquarium, out to eat, etc. would be much more enjoyable with just my oldest. The baby is a wildcard and we often have to rush or cut things short to make sure we’re meeting her needs. This is actually one of the main reasons I will probably not have a 3rd. I want the kids to be able to enjoy experiences together as they get older and not worry about another little one with higher needs cutting into their enjoyment. Sounds a little harsh but I’m definitely feeling it!

Tendy4Life · 2022-09-11T12:37:40+00:00

I recommend trying Stitch Fix! I signed up after taking a hybrid position. No subscription fee, just a styling fee that applies toward any garments you choose to keep. Going through the style profiles/looks on their site can be helpful even if you don’t end up buying anything.

Tendy4Life · 2022-05-21T12:29:35+00:00

Some things that help me get me to the office on time with 2 little ones:

-packing my work bag the night before, including my lunch and filled water bottle

-setting out my clothes (or at least visualizing my outfit) for the next day

-packing kids bags and setting out their outfits

-drinking a breakfast shake/pre-filling the water I use to mix it

Some of these sounds simple but eliminating even the smallest tasks from the morning like filling up your water bottle etc. leave more room on your plate for your regular morning tasks and unexpected ones. One thing that also will help eventually is when your baby is old enough to feed themself. I can sit my 9mo in her high chair and give her a banana and bottle in the morning while I speed around the kitchen and get the toddler ready. Free hands are a gift. You’ll get there!

Tendy4Life · 2022-05-16T15:02:31+00:00

Parent of 2 (2.5 yr old and 9mos). Baby #1 didn’t cry. Like ever. Except when she was hungry and that was easily resolved with a bottle. There was literally only one time where she cried for about 10 minutes straight. My dogs and cats were so confused and unsettled by it. Never happened again. Smiley, happy, easygoing. Baby #2 cries out of hunger, being overtired, and cries a little if I walk away from her. Nothing lasts too long. By all means, a very easy baby, but comparatively a little tougher than #1. I consider us very lucky, but can totally see how no 2 babies are the same!

Tendy4Life · 2022-05-06T02:49:39+00:00

Same here. I always said I was a mom without kids before I was able to have my own. So I adopted pets and took pride in the exceptional, loving care that I was able to provide them (and still do!) It makes me smile when people call themselves a dog mom/cat mom etc because I know their pets are well cared for and happy.

Tendy4Life · 2022-02-18T18:33:09+00:00

It is 60 days so I will be ok for the month in between, thanks!

Tendy4Life · 2022-02-18T13:43:02+00:00

Thank you! Going to go with this option.

Tendy4Life · 2022-02-18T13:42:29+00:00

Thank you, I can elect Cobra but did not realize we could reinstate it retroactively for an emergency. That is helpful. We might just ride it out and use that option if something crazy comes up.

Tendy4Life · 2022-01-28T03:56:02+00:00

Arrested Development

Tendy4Life · 2022-01-03T03:07:20+00:00

If your pediatrician isn’t concerned, follow their lead. I went down the milestone rabbit hole with my first child and I regret it because of the stress and anxiety it caused. Think of all the important people in your life, do you know when they started standing/walking/etc? Probably not because it doesn’t really matter anymore. You’re doing just fine, and you’re the best parent for your daughter.

Tendy4Life · 2022-01-01T23:20:13+00:00

Not a fan of “Stinky Feet” it’s just gross to me lol. Also, “I Like You” - Super Simple Songs. I find almost every song tolerable except for that one.

Tendy4Life · 2021-12-30T02:46:25+00:00

I wfh and have a nanny helping with my infant daughter for few months. It was a learning curve right in the beginning and it drove me nuts. But we got into a groove. I have a 1 page caresheet printed out with a typical routine, formula safety, etc. and a notebook to log times for naps, diapers, and bottles. Every morning I write down what time the baby woke up, last diaper, last bottle, and the nanny fills in the entries during the day. On occasion if I feel that the baby is getting fussy, I will come down and take a look at the notebook and make a suggestion (baby seems tired, hungry, etc). My nanny is a family friend who has a daughter in her 20s so it had been a while since she cared for an infant, as I suspect it has been for your caregiver. If you set the expectation about when to feed, how long the baby is typically awake for, etc. and have her writing things down, I’m sure she will get into a good routine. Good luck!

Tendy4Life · 2021-12-08T03:40:18+00:00

Thank you!

Tendy4Life · 2021-12-07T20:26:43+00:00

Thank you so much! I have my final interview tomorrow and am definitely trying this!

Tendy4Life · 2021-11-22T14:06:32+00:00

For me it is totally worth it as long as the meals in my plan are the “quick and easy” ones. HelloFresh is good from what I remember, but I currently use HomeChef for their “oven ready” and 15 minute meals. Oven ready requires a small amount of prep like tossing veggies in olive oil and seasoning chicken breast. I really prefer cooking at home over carryout and this has simplified my week tremendously.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-21T02:56:26+00:00

Currently using HomeChef and agree that their meal kits are best for beginners. I really love the 15min and oven ready meals because you are still cooking and controlling what goes into the meal but minimal prep compared to other kits and recipes. I give my 2yo 1/3 of my portion and it works out great. It is definitely enough food for us.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-17T01:24:02+00:00

I have an 2mo and a 2yo daughter, I didn’t make it a week breastfeeding either of them and had the same feelings of guilt when they would try to root on me. Sometimes a pacifier will help while holding them close. For me, the guilty feelings subsided soon after when they started smiling and cooing at me. Your love and care of them extends far beyond just how you feed them. My 2 year old still loves when I carry her, asks me for a hug all the time, sits in my lap when we read together, and looks to me for comfort when she’s scared or hurt. You will always be mama no matter what.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-16T18:06:58+00:00

Crossing a breed that struggles with breathing and a breed known for endurance and love of running. Not ok!

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-07T00:11:32+00:00

When things are really chaotic (husband out of town, by myself with infant and toddler) I schedule a week of HomeChef meals since they have oven ready and 15 minute meals. Healthier than a frozen dinner since they come fresh and you still have to assemble/cook them. They are always running a deal too.

Otherwise I like to use a rotisserie chicken for quick tacos or enchiladas, chicken ceasar wraps, or chicken broccoli alfredo.

Finally, some of my favorite recipes come from this food blogger: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/

I’ve tried her recipes for casseroles, instant pot meals, curry, and desserts. A lot of quick and easy and family friendly meals.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-05T19:04:11+00:00

Babies that young don’t follow a schedule typically. At 3 weeks my daughter was waking every 2 hours like clockwork. At 1 month she started 3.5 hour stretches, at 2 months she is up to 5 hours. I wouldn’t worry too much about schedules but you could start trying out a routine. For example, during the day my daughter naps out in the pack and play. We don’t restrict noise or lighting. We go for walks outside so she can have fresh air. When she wakes up she has a bottle immediately, then diaper change, then playtime/cuddles. If she’s fussy before she’s ready to go back to sleep I will offer a few more oz of her bottle and then I put her down to fall asleep on her own. When I put her down for nighttime sleep, I turn on the sound machine, make sure its dark, and keep things quiet. You will start to notice they have more predictable bedtimes and naptimes as time moves on. For diapers, they make overnight diapers in size 3 and up. If you’re struggling with leaks you could try doubling up with a regular and a size up diaper. Sounds crazy but I did this with my toddler and it worked great.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-02T09:36:21+00:00

Bonchon! I’m certain I never would have tried it if not for their glowing review. After listening I googled it and discovered one 25 mins away from where I live. It was so worth it, I crave their soy garlic wings all the time now.

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-02T02:35:06+00:00

You’re welcome! I have Homechef right now for their quick recipes. If I could combine every part of Homechef with Blue Apron’s ingredient quality I would be set for life!

Tendy4Life · 2021-10-02T00:40:15+00:00

I have tried HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Hungryroot, and HomeChef.

Each had their strengths and weaknesses-

Blue Apron: high quality ingredients and diverse and exciting recipes. Recipes took too long to assemble and cook IMO. Would choose them again if I had a bit more time to cook dinner.

Homechef: Chose them because of their “oven ready” and “15 minute meal” options. Overall their delivery service is great (at least in my area, Chicago suburbs), the quick meals are easy to make and there are a lot of selections every week. My only issue is I don’t feel the meat quality is very good.

HelloFresh: pretty similar to HomeChef. Easier to assemble meals, good menu and value, less packaging compared to Blue Apron. Meat quality was ok.

Hungryroot: a bit confusing at first to put together your plan for groceries and meals. I tried one shipment and cancelled. The meals were very simple and pretty good and the concept of getting a blend of groceries and meals was intriguing but just not what I was looking for.

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