A New Routine

In honor of my Non-New Year's Resolution to get things organized and together, I started the kids on their new routine today.

Let me just say, I'm exhausted!!!

I was up at 5:00 feeding Lil, and after 45 minutes of sleepy nursing, I put her down and debated whether or not I should go back to sleep. I rationalized that Bells would be up within the next hour or so, and I would just get frustrated and be even more tired. My ambitions won out, and I shuffled off to make a pot of coffee.

Twenty minutes later, I was curled up in my favorite chair with a cup of coffee, my sweet Chewie pup at my feet, and my paper journal and pen in hand. I felt a sense of peace and accomplishment. I was able to enjoy my coffee, get in my daily reading, complete some old-fashioned journaling, and wake up on my own without anyone whining for "breaksmast" before the sun came up.

Having some adult time before the crew filled the house with their giggles and cries definitely helped my disposition. I had breakfast planned out and ready by the time the older kids were awake at 8:00 (A First!), and I was able to keep one step ahead of their growling tummies which helped minimize the whining. We were off to a great start.

Lil was up at 9:00. I decided that all of us would play for about an hour before snack and morning nap time. This worked out really well because it kept the baby awake and kept the older two occupied as they love playing with their little sister. At 10:00 on the dot, snacks were served and Lil was put down for a nap in her crib (Another First!!).

Around 12:00, it was time for lunch. I was proud of myself for giving them something that was more well rounded than a McDonald's Happy Meal. They got an organic hot dog, bananas, strawberries, and an organic cheese stick. Full tummies and a busy morning makes for sleepy toddlers and preschoolers, and everyone went down for their naps without so much as a hint of "I'm not tired".

Feeling good about how the morning went, I ate my Lean Cuisine and apple (Yay Me!) and sat down in my favorite chair to feed Lil and read for a bit. I should have used the time while the kids were napping to get some work done for my shop (shameless plug: bellabeebo.etsy.com), but instead, I savored the silence and cuddled with my baby girl for the next two hours.

The afternoon is always a little hairy in a house with young children, and ours is no different. While the rest of the day went off without a hitch - snacks at 3:00, dinner at 5:00 - we were all a little tired and ready to go to our separate areas of the house immediately after the plates were cleared. Thankfully, my wonderful Husband takes over bedtime duty every night that he's in town, and I was able to decompress for a few minutes before gearing up for my evening.

All in all, it was a good day. I'm tired, but satisfied with how well things worked out. I'm hoping everyone will sleep well tonight and that tomorrow will be another day full of smiles and endless blessings.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,
The Mama