I can’t even use the word schedule right now. If someone were to take over for the day, I’d have a heck on a time explaining to them what needed to be done and when.
…yes, Kaitlyn needs to eat… every so often?
…and she needs to go down…when she seems tired?
…Hailey wakes up from her nap… at some point?
Seriously. We are flying by the seat of our pants over here. Overall, it’s working out OK I guess, but I’d be lying if I said my crazy inner scheduler wasn’t going a little crazy. I was texting with my friend yesterday about it and how I needed to totally reset then she brought up some great points… Halloween and Day Light Savings. Why bother?
Agreed.
So we shall continue flying footloose and fancy free until next week when maybe I’ll try to implement a little more structure to our days. For now, here is what footloose and fancy free looks like for us…
The day really started way before breakfast, around 5:30am. I heard Kaitlyn, but by the time I got to her room, she was quiet again. So I started my blog post until I heard her really get up. 6:15ish? I fed her and she seemed so tired, so I put her back down, finished up the blog and got Hailey up at 8:00. Kaitlyn still hadn’t woken back up so Hailey and I took our time with breakfast and playing around.
I washed sheets and got myself dressed. Look, real clothes!
Well, kind of. Those are maternity jeans. The comfort just really can’t be beat.
Kaitlyn finally woke up around 9:15 and by the time everyone was fed and dressed, we were in the car around 10:15 heading to Barnes and Noble. Hailey played with some toys before begging to read books.
We made it through a couple, but now that Kaitlyn crawls, she is unsatisfied staying in one place and I just couldn’t stomach her crawling all over the carpet of the book store, so we packed it up and headed back home for lunch.
Thanks to some Sunday food prep, my salsa chicken salad came together quickly, which was helpful as I tried to make Hailey’s lunch and feed Kaitlyn who had just woken up from a car nap- blast. Thanks Minnie Mouse Christmas Special for helping me out during all of that.
Hailey was in bed for nap (not to be confused with actually napping) around 1:30. Since Kaitlyn scored some zzz’s in the car, she wasn’t tired yet, so I marinated steaks and sliced sweet potatoes for dinner while she hung out. We also rolled around on the floor and took a ton of selfies until she finally seemed tired and the girls’ naps overlapped for 45 glorious minutes, in which I contemplated a nap but sucked it up, grabbed a piece of chocolate and spent some time with my email inbox and working on a project I have going instead.
Once Kaitlyn was back up and fed, I snagged a snack and we waited for Hailey to get up.
It was a warm, gorgeous fall day, so we loaded up and walked to a local playground.
I’m grateful that for being a busy bee, Kaitlyn seems to like stroller rides now. She loves that Hailey sits right next to her, too.
Have I mentioned I think she’s teething?
We hung out at the playground for quite a while and I played with my camera a lot. I’m trying to learn how to take real pictures. I still have a lot to learn.
Koda got to run around too and show off her svelte figure. I’m not sure I ever updated you guys, but Koda lost about 10 pounds through the green bean diet and exercise.
Once we got back home, it was a blue of dinner for Hailey, bottle practice for Kaitlyn, baths and finally the girls were in bed by 7:15. Then David and I pulled out the yoga mat and did our new routine of 15 minutes of yoga.
Can you call it a routine if we’ve only done it 3 times? And yes, there was wine. And I’m sorry I just showed you David’s feet.
How about this instead?
Steak with sautéed shallots and horseradish sauce, roasted sweet potato rounds and kale Caesar salad. At about 8:30.
Then, as usual, bed by 9:45. One day I’ll be able to make it to 10 again, right?
What time do you get up/go to bed?
Are you a schedule lover or do you prefer to go with the flow?
Thanks Jenn for hosting WIAW!
John J. Stathas says
Cool outfits on two pretty gals!
Heather says
I go to bed around 10:30 and I am up no later than 4:55 during the week, however on the weekends I push myself and will stay up till 11:30, but I do sleep in till Elizabeth wakes up.
I feel like some weeks are a fly by the seat of your pants kind of week (like last week since Elizabeth was sick), while others follow my nice happy routine. For the most part I am a scheduler, I love schedules, live by them and go crazy when they get out of whack. A schedule has worked well with Elizabeth too and I can almost pinpoint down to the minute when she will break down and not be able to take anymore. Everyone says with a second one you might as well kiss schedules goodbye b/c they will go away completely. I know I should believe them, but for the next 23 weeks I am going to hold on to the thought that just maybe we will have a schedule with the second one too. If not, I guess I will have to learn to be flexible and enjoy what God has given me.
Brittany Dixon says
Up by 4:55? You are amazing! And yes, I do feel like with two that schedules are pretty tough to stick to, at least for a little while, but I can still try 😉 Enjoy those next 23 weeks then join me in the chaos!
Karen says
Get up at 3:50 a.m. and in bed by 9p.m. usually.
I love that you have a new “routine” of yoga with your hubby. We do yoga together also and find it a great way to relax while getting in a good workout.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that’s awesome! Do you lead yourselves through? We youtubed a few 15 minute routines that seem to be working well 🙂 I hope we stick to it!
Karen says
We follow a dvd, one hour long.
Brynn says
My schedule is completely based on my little babe. At four weeks we are starting 3-4 hr cycles but that completely changes every day. Sometimes our day starts at 6am and other times 8am.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I love these day-in-the-life posts. It is fun to see what somebody else’s day looks like. 🙂
I am more of a scheduler, mostly because I have to be at this stage in life due to work, commitments, etc.
Ugh, I almost forgot about daylight savings! That is a hard week for people with little kids. The kids take about a week to adjust to the time change, and it is a real pain. You are right to fly footloose and fancy free ’til then!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I actually thrive off of a schedule and routine. I just completely changed flipped my life upside down by leaving my old job, so I am still in search of the perfect new routine. Your girls are gorgeous.
Nikki says
I used to thrive off of schedules. In fact, I still do. But, I’ve totally had to adjust my expectations and learn to relax since becoming a mom. I spent weeks stressed and in tears trying to get my 5 month old on a perfect little schedule. I finally just learned to go with it and life has been so much better. There are predictable parts to our day–he wakes between 6 and 7, he eats about every three hours. He needs a nap after being awake for about 2 hours, bath at 6:30, bed at 7:00, but we are certainly not on a schedule. I still get frustrated when I make an appointment thinking he will be awake, but then have to wake him to get there, but it’s life. I am totally dreading the time change though. I have a feeling it’s going to make for a few difficult nights!
Heather says
With both of us working full time and the kiddos in day care/preschool we live for our schedules. We typically stick with the same schedule on the weekend, but instead of getting up at early we all sleep in until about 7:00. During the week I’m up at 5:00 and the kids wake up between 6:00 and 6:30 and we’re out the door by 7:00-7:15. At night we typically have the baby down by 7:30 followed fairly closely by her brother who may or may not fall asleep by 8:00 – he’s been fighting it. They should probably be in bed even earlier, but since we don’t get home until 5:00-5:15pm and need to fit in dinner and sometimes baths… it’s hard to do. Weekends are super important to us since it’s much less rushed and we finally get that quality time we don’t have enough of in the evenings. 🙂
Jen says
That dinner looks amazing (and I don’t even eat steak)!
Since I have an almost-six month old my schedule is pretty much up in the air. Things are settling a bit, but she still doesn’t take long naps and is either taking three or four (!) short naps each day, so that makes things tricky.
Bedtime: 9 pm! I hope to make it to 10 again someday, too, but I’ve just started getting closer to 8 hours a night again in the last week or two, so I think I will have to catch up for a long while before that happens.
lauren says
I tend to go to bed at 11/11:30pm and wake up at 7am during the week. I’m trying to adjust that a bit though. I have to get my son to daycare and myself to work before 9:30am, which sounds easy…but with a toddler running around, nothing is easy!
I really like the idea of schedules, but whenever I feel one coming together, something always changes. My 15mo had been sleeping 8:30 – 7:30 for a few months now, but last night he was up in his crib ’til after 9 and this am I heard him around 6. Hopefully he will make up for that at daycare.
Every time I plan a morning run, he sleeps in and anytime I plan to use the elliptical he wakes up early. Doesn’t make things easy!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Your dinner looks so tasty! I love when I get David to do 15 minutes of yoga w/ me. We did it probably 5 times last summer together and then that was it — ha! I get up at 6:10 and usually asleep by 10:30.
erin says
I am such a scheduler, but with an almost 3 month old I’ve really had to let that go. It’s been a good life lesson. 😉
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I used to be a total schedule girl and then becoming a mama derailed that.
Let’s just say the first six months of motherhood was a HUGE adjustment for me. 🙂
I love reading your posts about life with your two little ones — again inspiration and motivation for when I get there (less than two months to go!!)
Brittany Dixon says
Gosh I can’t believe how close you are getting! You’ll be a mom of two before you know it 🙂
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
I try to keep a schedule but usually it doesn’t happen! I know I will be in for a rude awakening when I have kids at some point because I know I’ll have to let go of all my expectations of being able to keep a schedule! I am always in bed by 9, even on the weekends:)
Brittany Dixon says
I just have to say that I LOVE your blog name!! And high fives all around for early bed times 😉
Christy says
I love love love a schedule but it doesn’t happen much around here. 🙂 My one year old is in the process of dropping down to one nap and my 2.5 year old has dropped her nap completely. Times they are a changin’! I do get my 2yr old up and dressed for school (montessori) every morning. That sets a nice pace for the rest of the day. She goes for 2 hours every day and although it’s a lot of work to get them up and out (by 8:15, no less), it’s nice to have some consistency. You struck a nerve when you mentioned not being able to read many books at the bookstore with Hailey. My 2 yr old LOVES when I read to her and before baby #2 we had many marathon reading sessions. I’m still able to read for about 30 minutes at bedtime, but it breaks my heart when she brings me a book to read and I just can’t because my 1 yr old is running all over the place. It’s hard to manage having two kiddos in times like that. I would love nothing more to cuddle my big girl and hunker down with a stack of books but I just can’t figure out how to do that with a baby on the loose!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I feel ya Christy. I enjoy the times that Kaitlyn is napping so Hailey and I can snuggle and read more than two books together! It doesn’t happen that often, but I love when it does 🙂
Kathy says
I know you have probably heard this a thousand times…but you’ll look back one day and miss these days. 🙂 I am like you, I like routine, but sometimes it is best to just go with the flow.
I am usually up by 4:30am and now with it getting darker earlier I am crashing between 9 and 10pm. I am at the stage in my life now where I go to bed before my kids do–that took some getting used to. Not saying I like it but hey they are teenagers and usually still working on homework. My husband usually stays up for them. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I have zero doubt in my mind I will miss these days (thus my I WANT MORE BABIES! antics ;)). What gets me through the tantrums and crazy schedules is just how much I thrive on being so needed.
Do you wake up on your own at 4:30?! I think that’s amazing. I’d be so productive if I could get up that early!
jerrica says
My two kids, 4 and 2, go to bed at 630. I am out by 8. The kids usually get up around 6 and they will play together in their room until 7, when I get up. (no, I am not really asleep. Yes, I can hear them. Yes, their room is absolutely 100% babyproofed and safe.) I have a loose schedule we follow. Monday we spend cleaning up the house and getting caught up from the weekend. Tuesday we go to a local childrens museum because it is the only weekday they don’t do school trips! Wednesday is a playground/picnic lunch day. Thursday is what I call ‘adventure day’. That is the most flexible and depends on everyones mood. If they kids didn’t sleep well, we will drive an hour to the zoo or aquarium so they can nap in the car. I always leave what we do that day up to them. Friday is grocery day. So I have more of a weekly schedule than a daily one but it works for us 😀
Brittany Dixon says
No need to explain a baby safe room to me! No judgement here- we allow Hailey some decent freedom too for only being 3 🙂
I love your idea of a weekly schedule! We have a similar set up with a couple different set play dates each week. I love it!
Gena @ Life FuelFilled says
I’m in bed between 9 and 10. I don’t have a set schedule, but I do dedicate my time each day. Like before 6 a.m. is me time. 5 to 7 p.m. is for the kids, etc. That kind of structure helps, but doesn’t feel to rigid and like I can’t keep up.
Emma @ be mom strong says
And I’m complete opposite. Obsessed with schedule! And it drives me CRAZY! I’m following all those babywise rules that worked baby #1 but this one ain’t feeling them. A glass of wine IS in my daily routine and NOT driving me crazy though. Isn’t it for everyone?!?!?!
Brittany Dixon says
Wine is a non-negotiable part of my daily routine as well 😉 And K seems to be pretty opposite of H in terms of what she likes too. Never a dull moment! Next week I’m going to work on getting some structure back for sleep’s sake… and my sanity 🙂
Melanie says
Thanks fo sharing you day! Fun to see what other moms are up to! I am usually up around 5 each weekday morning so I can shower and get ready before my husband and son wake up. We leave the house for daycare around 7:15 so it helps if I have everything ready before they get up. I go to gym in the evenings after my son is down for the night – I am home from the gym around 10 so after a quick shower I am in bed.
Your girls are soooo cute!
Melanie says
hmmm typos in the first sentence of my post! Should be “Thanks for sharing your day!”
Urban Wife says
I love reading about other moms’ days, especially ones with two small kids. It gives me an idea of what to expect when #2 arrives. I used to be a huge scheduler before kids but then it all went out the window when our first was born. I do still try to be in bed by 10 or 10:30 each night (now) but it was harder when our son was younger and nursing, etc.
Paulina says
I can’t believe you (and so many others, based on comments) wake up before 6am on purpose! I wake up at 6:15 most mornings and when everyone is back home and fed and tucked in, I crash on the couch around 9 and go to bed by 10:30.
What kind of red wine do you drink? I’ve been a chardonnay drinker for years and want to venture outside of my comfort zone.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m usually a pinot noir drinker but I really don’t know much about wine. I’d love to learn! I’ve just found that when opting for a cheaper bottle. pinot noirs are the best ‘cheaper’ option! 🙂
Mandi siegler says
How did you do the salsa chicken? Looks really good!
Brittany Dixon says
So simple! There are a million variations, but for this I just put 3 chicken breasts, salsa and diced onions and peppers in the crockpot on low until I could shred it. I also sprinkled in some cumin and garlic powder just because 🙂
Susana says
I’m a working mama of three, no longer capable of maintaining a schedule ( as I formally knew it) but now trying to manage the fundamentals: baths. Dinner. Homework brush teeth and bedtime stories. Pack lunches and send in permission slips. Glass of wine with the hubby and bed just as soon as I can for as long as possible. And I’m happy. Totally bizarre, but true.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I fast asleep by 11 pm (always aim for earlier though), and I wake up between 5:45 and 6:15. And I’ve always been a scheduled, type A person but since getting married, I’m learning to go with the flow. Of course, there are some thing that will never change, but I’m learning not to sweat the small stuff. 🙂
Alex says
I am up by 4:40am each morning so I try to make it a point to go to bed by 8:30pm each night…Wow, I sound so old! ha ha Some weeks I get caught up doing this or that, and I find myself going to bed much later, but life eventually catches up to me and I get so tired that I’m back to my 8:30pm bed time. On the weekends, I tend to stay up a bit later, but haven’t seen 10pm in a while either! ha ha too darn tired by the end of the week. I’m also a total schedule lover.
Kaitlyn is growing up so darn fast. The girls are just too precious in the pics!
Emily says
I feel like I am abnormal here – I’m in bed between 10 and 1030 but probably not asleep til after 1130. Parker (almost 3.5) sleeps til about 7 or 715 (sometimes earlier or later), but he plays in his room until Avery (17 months) wakes up between 730 and 8. My alarm goes off at 730 and I get up when Avery does 🙂
Sarah says
Oh man, I feel ya. My boy just turned 2 (I also have an almost 6yo too) and I am barely making it til 10:30 now. Until he was about 13-14 months old, it was 9-9:30 and I would crash.
As far as schedules go, I NEED them. I’m a planner. I need to know what is going on next. I always make up fancy Excel schedules, but end up never following them HAHA! So even though, I need it in my life, it is non-existent right now.
ErikaMC says
I would live to be in bed at 9 but most nights it is around 10 and up at 4.
Question for you – What time do you start bedtime to have the girls in bed at 7:15? I start around 6:30 hoping to have him in bed by 7:30 but he is in major procrastinating stage and it ends up being 8-8:30 sometimes even 9! If anybody has tips to end all the “one more drink” and whatnot I’d love to hear them!
Brittany Dixon says
We start at 6:30 too! We bathe the girls together and they are dried off and in pajamas by 7:00, then 15-20 minutes of book/snuggle time. It doesn’t always happen perfectly, but that’s what we aim for!