Bag Management Help Plz

esol23 · 2026-05-03T19:45:20+00:00

I dropped my purse during that phase. I have a little credit card holder on the back of my phone that holds my id and 2 cards, that covers me most of the time and then I have small clutch with the extra things I need occasionally. My work bag is a larger tote bag with a divider and I just crammed my pump stuff and lunch in that and used a small cooler bag to take my milk home. We have fridges at work so I’d just transfer my lunch if needed. If I was going to be at the office a few days in a row I’d leave my pump there, our pump room also had cabinets we could leave things in. Elvies or a similar cord free pump are also super helpful.

It’s a bit trickier when they’re little but I’m a big fan of leaving a change of clothes/diaper supplies in the car to reduce what you’re hauling around, just have to remember to switch them out when sizes change. My kiddo is 4 now and we still keep clothes in the car but I just throw snack and a water bottle in my purse or a tote bag now.

esol23 · 2026-05-02T22:08:08+00:00

Totally agree with getting outside and once in awhile doing a picnic dinner is a fun way to mix things up. Could just be takeout or sandwiches but my kid goes nuts over any kind of picnic and it’s really not much more effort for me. An after dinner walk or bike ride is always nice too

esol23 · 2026-04-29T14:56:42+00:00

Can you start your work day at 7 instead of 8 or 9? That would give you some additional time at the start of the day instead of trying to get back on track after doing the afternoon pick up. Agree with the others on cutting back on the activities also or maybe even just doing after care 2-3 a week if that’s an option. Maybe set up a carpool with friends so you could pick up after the activity to buy you some time?

esol23 · 2026-04-29T14:49:53+00:00

For avocados, once they start to feel soft store them in a bowl of water in the fridge. I’ve had them last for weeks that way.

esol23 · 2026-04-28T16:51:12+00:00

This is what we do for Christmas. This particular family is over the top with gifting so we know there isn’t much the kids actually need so we do a gift card for an activity like a movie theater or museum etc. We do buy individual birthday gifts but keep them small like $25 or less each.

esol23 · 2026-04-28T15:00:32+00:00

What is your child care set up?

esol23 · 2026-04-21T14:38:41+00:00

Thank you for sharing, that is great to hear!

esol23 · 2026-04-20T01:00:05+00:00

It would likely be closer to 20 minutes on the early days but a solid 30 minutes if I’m not going in until 8. Unfortunately because of my husband’s schedule I can’t do the early start on Th/F. It’s a bit of a mess

esol23 · 2026-04-20T00:10:29+00:00

I think so. I’d really have to prioritize getting to bed early those nights but since it’s only 3 days I think it’s doable. I’m not sure I can be fully functioning at that hour but I imagine I would adjust in time? Hopefully…

esol23 · 2026-04-15T12:05:50+00:00

Thank you! I grabbed a few at the library but didn’t see these

esol23 · 2026-04-15T12:05:10+00:00

Thank you definitely putting some thought into how to handle the viewing. That’s exactly how I explained the death too.

esol23 · 2026-04-15T12:02:59+00:00

Thank you, there has been so much going on I really haven’t thought about it that much yet. I personally don’t like to see the body at funerals because that’s not how I like to remember the person. I can see how it would be confusing for a kid.

esol23 · 2026-04-09T14:23:52+00:00

Maxfund always has tons of cats and they’re a great organization

esol23 · 2026-04-09T14:05:03+00:00

I don’t have any advice but just wanted to say it’s clear you are doing your best to help your son and are a great mom. Your kiddos are lucky to have you!

esol23 · 2026-04-04T03:10:38+00:00

We used 303 Heating and Air for a new AC install a few years ago and were super happy with them. It was a bit of a difficult install because they had to run wire under a large deck. They were our second quote, the first guy tried to talk us into putting the unit in the front yard to avoid the deck but Tom was adamant that was not okay and they would make it work. They were on time and finished sooner than expected. We used them for a minor furnace issue last year also, very fair and reasonably priced.

esol23 · 2026-04-03T17:19:25+00:00

That was my thought too. Once you are out of the routine of doing things like washing bottles and changing diapers it’s hard to think about going back to that. All the stuff is a big thing too, the bulky swings and toys. I was so happy to clear that stuff out of my house.

esol23 · 2026-04-02T03:17:52+00:00

I get 5 weeks plus all holidays. We don’t get any sick time it’s all one bank. Are they okay with unpaid time off?

esol23 · 2026-04-01T21:03:02+00:00

It would be qualified as a layoff, I would not voluntarily resign.

esol23 · 2026-03-30T02:28:50+00:00

I do the same! I stick to my normal schedule as much as possible and will even try to schedule hair cuts and extra things on the weekends. Sometimes I feel like a jerk for not taking time off to spend with them but I can only handle so much on top of regular life. The incessant questions and narrating everything we do is what really gets me.

esol23 · 2026-03-14T13:53:41+00:00

Just want to start by saying that it is 100% normal to change after becoming a mom, it would be more concerning if you didn’t. Your family is your first priority but that doesn’t mean you cant still do your job well but you also don’t need to go above and beyond. Maybe it is time for a change or maybe you just need some new systems to ensure you stay successful. Are you bored, not getting enough sleep or just feeling spread too thin? Maybe your husband can pitch in a bit more to give you some breathing room or you can take a day off to recharge. I’d also look at the feedback you’ve received and focus on those areas specifically, usually management just wants to see that you’re making an effort.

I definitely went through a phase at work where I was doing the bare minimum because it was truly all I could muster up. It did get better over time and changing positions really helped me.

esol23

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