A Glimpse into the Juggling Act: A Day in the Life of a Mom with a Newborn and Toddler

August 23, 2018, was a typical Thursday, yet every moment felt uniquely woven into the intricate tapestry of my life as a mother. With Josh, our energetic toddler, having just turned two and three-quarters, and our sweet newborn, Ryan, celebrating his two-month milestone, our days are a beautiful blend of boundless energy and tender, quiet moments. This post offers a genuine, unfiltered look into the daily rhythm of our family, balancing mom life with work responsibilities, captured candidly through my iPhone lens. It’s a testament to the joy, the exhaustion, and the profound love that defines this incredible season of motherhood.

The Quiet Hours: Embracing Night Feedings and Early Starts

2:00 AM – The house is silent, save for the soft stirring that signals Ryan’s hunger. He wakes for a night feeding, a gentle reminder that sleeping through the night is still a distant dream for our little two-month-old. His longest stretch of sleep has been perhaps four hours, but we’re taking it one feeding at a time. For now, I cherish these quiet, peaceful moments in the dimly lit nursery, just him and I, a serene bubble in the otherwise bustling day.

2:30 AM – With his tiny tummy full, Ryan and I drift back to sleep, nestled together, savoring the precious few hours before the dawn chorus begins.

5:00 AM – A soft rustle from Ryan. I instinctively reach for his binkie, hoping it might grant us another hour of sleep before his next early morning feeding. My goal is to stretch him until 6:00 AM, but the binkie proves ineffective this time. A few minutes of nursing is all it takes to soothe him back to slumber, promising him a full feed soon. By 5:15 AM, we’re both back in bed, him sweetly curled in my arms. These snuggly moments are a treasure, knowing that his infant stage is fleeting.

6:15 AM – Shawn, my husband, gently wakes me as he prepares to leave for work. While a few more minutes of sleep are always tempting, I’ve found that starting my day a bit earlier significantly reduces stress once the boys are awake. I quickly change into my workout clothes, make our bed, prepare Josh’s morning milk, and assemble my breast pump. This quiet, productive window before the household truly awakens sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Fueling Up and Family Connections: Mornings with Two Little Ones

6:30 AM – I nurse Ryan, ensuring he’s full and content, then immediately follow with a pumping session. This routine, after the first morning feeding and the last evening feeding, is crucial for maintaining my milk supply and diligently building up our freezer stash. Once he’s fed, I get Ryan dressed, reveling in a few minutes of cuddles and coos, observing his adorable morning stretches. His recent discovery of smiling is truly the best—it melts my heart every single time! After our sweet bonding, I freeze the freshly pumped milk, clean the pump parts, and get breakfast started by putting bacon in the oven. While Ryan relaxes in his Podster, I prepare myself a delicious latte, a small but essential moment of self-care.

7:10 AM – Josh is awake! My first priority is to bring him to his potty, a critical step in our night potty training journey. A dry bed – hurray! We celebrate this small victory daily, as he’s been day potty trained since March, and our night efforts are progressing beautifully. He then gets his sippy cup of milk, and we settle onto the couch. Paw Patrol, his absolute favorite show, captivates him while we enjoy a quick FaceTime call with Shawn to say good morning. After connecting with Dad, it’s tummy time for Ryan, who has been rolling over from belly to back since he was just three weeks old – a truly amazing feat for such a tiny human!

7:30 AM – Ryan is ready for his first nap of the day, a much-needed break for both of us. During this precious window, I quickly check and respond to emails, particularly those related to Tastes Lovely, and review the timeline for an upcoming wedding, which looks perfectly organized. This short burst of productivity allows me to stay on top of my work. Then, it’s back to dedicated mom time, playing with Josh and his toys before shifting gears to cook breakfast for us.

8:00 AM – Breakfast time! Today’s menu features my absolute favorite summer breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs adorned with fresh garden tomatoes, flavorful pesto, and crispy bacon. I’m already anticipating the sadness when summer tomatoes are no longer in season. Josh and I chat animatedly about garbage trucks, his current obsession – he truly is all boy! These simple mealtime conversations are some of my favorite moments.

8:15 AM – After breakfast, we clear the table, get Josh dressed for the day’s adventures, and load up the stroller. I recently acquired a used Duallie Bob, and I am absolutely obsessed with its smooth ride and dual capacity – it’s a game-changer for our outings!

8:30 AM – Just as planned, Ryan wakes up from his nap, perfectly timed for our departure. Both boys are securely fastened into the stroller, and we embark on our invigorating morning walk. We head towards a local park, about half a mile from our home. Along the way, Josh provides a running commentary of everything he sees and hears: spider webs, birds soaring overhead, airplanes, and every distant noise. Ryan, ever the sweet observer, simply hangs out, taking in the world from his cozy perch.

Outdoor Escapades: Parks, Walks, and Toddler Discoveries

9:00 AM – We arrive at our first park of the day. This particular park is a parent’s dream – fully fenced with only one entry/exit point, allowing Josh the freedom to explore safely. While he happily plays, discovering every nook and cranny, I take the opportunity to nurse Ryan. It’s a perfect blend of activity for one and tranquility for the other, and I love watching Josh confidently navigate his surroundings.

9:30 AM – We gather the boys, and our walk continues. To keep Josh occupied and happy during this next leg, he gets a well-deserved snack and some juice. We walk north for another fifteen minutes, then turn homeward, making our way towards what Josh affectionately calls the “Big Park” – our next destination for playtime.

10:15 AM – We finally reach the “Big Park,” and Josh immediately dives into play, making friends with every child he encounters. His sweet “Hi friend!” greeting to strangers is undeniably cute. To ensure I have both hands free for any playground emergencies or quick assists Josh might need, I wear Ryan in a carrier. Ryan often falls asleep in the carrier around 10:30 AM, lulled by the rhythm of our movement and the sounds of the park. Watching Josh run, laugh, and conquer new heights on the playground brings immense joy to my heart.

11:30 AM – It’s time to head home, but convincing Josh to leave the park is always a challenge. I employ a little trick, creating an exciting reason to get back in the stroller. Today, it’s the lawnmowers. “Josh, let’s get in the stroller and we can go watch the big lawn mower cut the grass!” It’s a quick five-minute walk back to our house, but the final stretch – our super steep, long driveway – is a real workout, especially pushing a double stroller. I arrive home absolutely *sweating*!

11:35 AM – Home from the park. Ryan is still peacefully asleep in his carrier, a testament to the comfort of being close. While Josh plays with his toys, I get started on preparing both his lunch and mine.

11:45 AM – Ryan wakes up, and I settle onto the couch to nurse him, a serene moment amidst the activity of Josh’s playtime.

12:00 PM – Lunchtime! Josh’s lunch today is a delightful spread of turkey slices, sweet grapes, peanuts, pretzel sticks ready for dipping in peanut butter, and half an RX bar – a nutritious and tasty meal for a growing boy. My lunch is a refreshing Thai zoodle salad. Josh watches Paw Patrol, his trusty mealtime companion, while he eats. Ryan enjoys his time in his Podster as I quickly finish my meal, then I shift my attention to playing with Ryan while Josh happily finishes his lunch.

Cherished Naps and Precious Quiet: Recharge and Reconnect

12:30 PM – Naptime! The magical hour when the house falls silent. I put Josh down for his nap first, then gently place Ryan in his crib. With both boys settled, I seize the opportunity for what feels like the fastest shower in the history of the world. Fresh and clean, I then climb into bed, relishing the glorious silence. I read for about fifteen minutes – currently immersed in “Crazy Rich Asians” – before finally succumbing to the overwhelming tiredness. I usually grab Ryan, and we nap together; holding him close ensures he sleeps much longer. I am forever and ever grateful for my two great nappers who bless me with a significant afternoon nap at the same time!

2:30 PM – Ryan is up from his nap, signaling the end of my precious quiet time. I nurse him, then quickly do my makeup and change into “real” clothes – a welcome shift from my workout attire! I manage to be all ready just in time before Shawn gets home. A humorous thought crosses my mind: I wonder if he thinks I look this put-together all day long? Ha!

3:00 PM – Josh wakes up, and another dry bed means another cheer for our successful night potty training efforts. No accidents, hurray!

3:15 PM – Shawn arrives home from work, and this is truly our favorite time of day. Josh’s excitement is palpable; he rushes to greet his dad, and they immediately dive into playful wrestling on the ground while I enjoy some dedicated playtime with Ryan. The house instantly fills with a different kind of energy, a wonderful reunion of our little family.

Family Time, Adult Responsibilities, and Date Night Delights

3:40 PM – We load the boys into the car to take them to my parents’ house. Shawn and I have an important meeting with our Trust lawyer scheduled for 4:00 PM. We’re finally finalizing our living trust – a very adult, yet necessary, step in securing our family’s future.

3:50 PM – We drop off the boys at my parents’ house. They are truly the best grandparents, always thrilled to spend time with their grandsons. Their support is invaluable.

4:00 PM – Our trust meeting begins. It’s a surreal experience to discuss deeply personal and somewhat morbid topics, such as our preferences for burial or cremation, our wishes regarding artificial life support, and at what age our children should gain full control of their inheritance should Shawn and I pass away. While these conversations are weighty, having two young children makes it feel incredibly important and responsible to have these matters finally taken care of. This has been on our to-do list since Josh was born, and the sense of accomplishment is immense.

5:30 PM – The trust meeting concludes, and Shawn and I are doing something truly fancy: going on a date! My mom insisted, and we gladly accepted. We head to our favorite sushi restaurant. It is SO incredibly nice to have a full, uninterrupted conversation with Shawn – gosh, I love him! – and to eat my food immediately, without having to cook or clean up dishes afterward. It feels like a mini-vacation within the day. I even get to enjoy a glass of wine. Oooh la la!

7:00 PM – We pick up the boys from my parents’ house. My mom already fed Josh dinner (did I mention she’s the best?), so we have extra time to head to the park again for some fun before bedtime.

7:15 PM – Playtime at the park. This is one of my absolute favorite times of day to visit. We often have the entire place to ourselves, and on this perfect, warm summer night, it feels magical. Josh and Shawn joyfully run all over, exploring the playground, while I hold Ryan, who watches the world with wide-eyed curiosity. As the sun sets, casting golden hues across the sky, a feeling of utter contentment washes over me. Everything feels perfectly in place.

Winding Down: Bedtime Rituals and the Promise of Tomorrow

8:00 PM – We head home, ready to transition into our evening routine. I give Ryan a relaxing sink bath; he absolutely adores the water, and these moments are so peaceful and sweet. Afterward, I take him into our room to nurse him. Meanwhile, Shawn starts Josh’s bath, and I love hearing their playful chatter and laughter from the bathroom while I’m feeding Ryan. Once Ryan is done eating, I swaddle him gently and tuck him into bed, where he usually falls asleep almost instantly. I then pump off any remaining breast milk. Josh is now ready for bed, and he and Shawn head outside for their nightly ritual of saying goodnight to the chickens. Finally, Shawn and I tuck Josh into his bed, sharing stories and cuddles.

8:30 PM – Both boys are in bed! Shawn and I take this opportunity to pick up the house, tidying up after a busy day. Shawn then dedicates his time to editing our latest wedding film, while I work on writing this very post and adding in the images. We also make sure to catch the newest episode of Big Brother, our favorite summer show – a little unwind time together.

10:30 PM – I head to bed to read, letting Shawn have a little extra time to watch TV and unwind completely.

11:00 PM – Shawn joins me in bed and falls asleep almost instantly, a true testament to his busy day. I, however, continue reading, knowing that Ryan will likely wake up soon for his late-night feeding.

11:15 PM – True to form, Ryan wakes up to eat. I nurse him until he’s content, then gently guide him back to bed. Next, I make a quick trip to Josh’s room to perform his “dream pee.” I barely wake him, guide him onto his potty, and quietly tell him to pee. He does, and I firmly believe this technique significantly helps him avoid nighttime accidents as he learns to hold his bladder through the entire night.

11:45 PM – I’m finally back in bed, fingers crossed I can fall asleep by midnight! I know Ryan will likely be up again in about two hours to eat. Will I ever sleep a full night again? Someday, right? This cycle of love, exhaustion, and joy continues, and with each passing day, I find new strength, deeper love, and a profound appreciation for this beautiful chaos that is our family life.