2 biological kids, and 6 non-biological: How we sort of manage

Running a group of 6 people is really challenging when you've got a lot of stuff going on at home. It's nearly impossible to keep all of your 6 grown up "kids", your husband, and your two biological kids happy.

Mr. JP and I drop and pick up one child each, so they get individual attention in the morning and afternoon. At work, I stop by the lab and talk to each member for as long as they like (this is usually takes anywhere from 0 min to 1 hr). Mr. JP and I try to go out on brief dates for dinner or lunch. With the baby, I feel rushed because I don't want to be gone from him too long.

I wouldn't say that everything is balanced. I feel like my lab is running itself without my control, and that I am rate-limiting-step in getting publications out the door. At home, it's all I can do the keep up with chores and child-care. The only time I have for myself is when I take a 15 min bath. In the evening I'm so exhausted, that I can hardly do more work. It's a busy time, and it's a happy time. I realize that the imbalance is temporary because the kids will get older and more self-sufficient.