First day of new project: Mum and me in the mornings

We started a new project this week, Jakob and me. Usually he went to the Kindergarden in the morning whilst the others were at school. So in the afternoon we were normally all four together and I took him to the afternoon activities of the older ones: Moritz and his music lesson, Pauline music and Spanish playgroup. Not so fun for him to be dragged around. We have everything in walking distance here, living in the centre of smalltown Lueneburg so he had to walk and it normally ended up with shouting, crying and so on because he refused to be just taken with us. Some of the local shop owners already know the scenes of a boy sitting in the middle of the pedestrian area, yelling. And a stressed out mom with two older ones, some errands in a bag and a large basset on a leash.

And then Jakob had the flue and stayed in for a few days and we had a wonderful time in the mornings and we played, cuddles, read and he helped me with household chores. he even was more talkative then and we had sweet little conversations about waht was going on in the kindergarden. 

To make up for lost playtime he spend some afternoons in the afternoon playgroup of the kindergarden and what a surprise: it all went smooth at home with the other two. So then I sat over a coffee with a friend and she said spontaneaously: Why not send him in the afternnons and spend time with him alond in the mornings. We tried this out and I got really nostalgic: thinking of all the wonderful things I did together with Moritz when he was the only child. We were so creative and it was so much fun. I could then all do it with him as well and not always adapt everything to the likings of the older children. And the older children like to have "grown-up-time" with mom and we play different things and are having different conversations. 

I am happy about the decision and I now feel like having the chance of my life to have a toddler again for myself (and he his mom for himself) and also have time to make things with the older ones in the afternoon. Seems perfect to me! 

 So first thing he wanted from me is a new bag with a fluffy rabbit on it. He chose dove blue wool felt and a fluffy sheeplike cotton fabric. Here is the result:

I am very curious about how this new adventure of - less stressed mum - and three kids... I'll keep you posted!

Comments

[Geninne]

You made the right choice Yvonne :) They grow up so fast! Jakob is ADORABLE!!! such a cutie pie! and the bag you made for him is gorgeous, I think you should make them for your shop ;)
Big big hug for you from Mexico.

[Tina]

Perfect arrangement to enjoy little (so darling!) Jakob and Mummy time.He will be so much happier the rest of the day after having you to himself in the mornings. And Moritz and Pauline will also have more quality and individual time with you also.
This is a Beautiful time in your lives! Bless you all~
Tina

[Allison]

Oh I just had to respond to this. Isn't it funny how the answer to all our stressed out problems is really so simple and it makes us wonder why we didn't work it out sooner.
I'm such a stickler for routines that sometimes I overlook that a little change in the order of doing things can have some very big benefits.
Lucky you and lucky Jakob. And the two older kids still get there Mum time too.