Farmer mamas...how do you do it?!?

[Natalya]

We have just moved onto a 70 member CSA farm, my partner and I are the full time/all the time help.  I am having a hard time getting stuff done, juggling the work, my 4 month old and 7 yo.  I use the sling a lot, but there's only so much you can get done wearing a baby.  I think the biggest struggle I have is that I never feel fully present in any situation.  If I am working I am feeling like I'm not taking good care of the kids, and if I'm with the kids I'm feeling worried about not getting enough done.  Argh!  Any tips or suggestions?  

[june'smom]

I'm not a farmer, but I do garden a lot and I work from home, so I know how hard it is.  I totally understand the not feeling present in any situation.  Do you switch at all with your partner?  That has been really important to me.  I have to have some time to work so I can just play with the kids without feeling guilty   With a four month old, that is so much harder.  I just didn't get stuff done when my kids were that little.  You probably have to cut yourself some slack for a while until your babe is old enough to play in the grass next to you. 

[Abarat]

It's just something you have to learn to balance and deal with.  We've just got a couple acres and a 5yo, but he's gotten good at playing around where we're working or entertaining himself as needed.  There's a lot to be said for playing near each other and talking to each other while you work.

Also, it helped us to have certain chores/areas that "belong" to DH and then those that are mine.  And, of course, DH has the larger garden portion and works on more in depth projects because he's able to work uninterrupted without tending the needs of a little one.

I had to resign myself to the fact that I don't usually get to finish a task that I start all in the same go, seems like everything is "in progress".  It's gotten better now that DS is 5, but we'll have foster children soon so I'm wondering how everything will get done.

I'm curious to see what others have to say and I feel for ya Natalya.