K...here's what I've learned:

It really doesn't hurt them to cry...even if they're staring at you with puppy dog eyes and crocodile tears. If it's a tantrum, plop them in their rooms. You'll thank yourself for it.

The TV really can be a babysitter for a half an hour without guilt. (Take a shower while the oldest watches tv and the youngest is napping).

Something that I think was helpful for the transition of my kids having a sibling, was to say outloud to the baby, "I know you're crying, but Noah asked for a drink so you will have to be patient while I get it, then I will pick you up." Obviously, the baby didn't care what I was saying, but Noah sure did. It let him know that he didn't all of the sudden become second fiddle. KWIM?

Realize the one thing that makes you crazy about a dirty house (for, me...it's a dirty kitchen and dirty floors) and then make an effort to do ONLY those things on a regular basis (at least for a while). Don't overwhelm yourself with cleaning the whole house. And get your kids to help you! But honestly, let it go for a while...it won't kill ya or make your kids sick! They're used to their own dirty germs! :)

The thing I still struggle with is raising the decibal of my voice to match theirs. I have two boys and my house is noisy! So, how does Mommy get their attention? She just makes a louder yell than they're yelling. Not good. And it scares the girl cousins!

Anyway...you asked...I told! Hope that helps!

Oh, I forgot to add that sometimes, some cuddle time really can fix everything, for everyone!

I feel your pain on being outnumbered. This last month & a half of being a single parent to 3 kids while hubby is away training is killing me.

But it's true...letting Titus watch tv while Ry sleeps and you do laundry/take a shower/make a meal isn't going to make him a couch potato. I promise ;)

Thanks! Yes tv has become a helpmate at this point and I'm becoming okay with that. Besides now little dude can sing the "hotdog" song (mickey mouse clubhouse) and that provides a good laugh.