Puppies sound a lot more work than kittens... (humans are the most stupid really though... just think, they just lie around in it...).
We used large incontinence pad squares as well as newspapers (as a friend had a ready supplier...). Perhaps some of your Tena's might help?!!
As for being tired, I wonder if part of it is carb induced cos yesterday I felt awful. Today already far brighter in myself and less dopey!
CARBS MAKE YOU DOPEY... ie, don't eat 'em (in too great a quantity!)!