A Day in the Life: Balancing Parenthood, Passion, and Productivity

Welcome to a candid snapshot of my life! This particular journey unfolds on Thursday, August 8, 2019. Our lively eldest, Josh, is a spirited 3 and ¾ years old, brimming with curiosity, while our sweet little Ryan is a charming 13 months, just beginning to explore the world on his own two feet. This post offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the beautiful chaos of juggling the joys of motherhood with the demands of a thriving career, all captured through a series of authentic, straight-from-my-iPhone moments. For more daily adventures and behind-the-scenes peeks into our family life, you can explore our previous Day in the Life entries.

Morning Routine: Embracing the Early Hours

5:40 AM – The Quiet Hustle Begins

Shawn’s alarm pierces the pre-dawn stillness, gently nudging me awake. These early morning hours have become my sanctuary, a precious window of uninterrupted time dedicated to my work before the energetic demands of two young boys take over. As Shawn heads to the shower to get ready for his day, I immerse myself in the final touches of a new recipe post, specifically our delicious Whole30 Keto Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. This crucial time allows me to perfect the content, schedule its publication, craft the engaging email newsletter for my subscribers, and strategically plan all social media promotions. Simultaneously, I kickstart breakfast prep by getting bacon into the oven, ensuring a tasty start to our day. The simple act of making the bed brings a small sense of order to the house. I then dive into emails, responding to important inquiries and catching up on Instagram direct messages, navigating the digital landscape before the sun fully rises.

7:30 AM – Waking Up to Little Smiles

The gentle sounds from the boys’ room signal the start of another lively day! I switch on the green light on their trusty noise machine, signaling to Josh that it’s officially okay to emerge from his slumber. True to form, Josh opens his door and makes a beeline for my bed, seeking those coveted “cozy cozy” cuddles. His warm, sleepy hugs are the perfect start to my day. Next, I retrieve Ryan from his crib, showering him with big hugs and kisses, relishing his morning gurgles. I then settle in to nurse Ryan, with Josh snuggled beside me, a precious moment of quiet connection. We chat about the fantastical adventures of our dreams and brainstorm all the fun activities we could embark on today. Josh, ever the talker, is a whirlwind of questions, with “why?” being a recurring favorite. It’s an absolute joy to witness his blossoming curiosity and guide him through the wonders of learning.

7:45 AM – Morning Play and Chores

With cuddles complete, it’s time to retrieve the crispy bacon from the oven. The boys, eager for fresh air, express a desire to play outside for a bit. While they scamper around, I take a moment to refill the chickens’ water, a small but essential farm chore. Josh, always diligent, checks for any freshly laid eggs, his eyes bright with anticipation. We spend a lovely period flitting between outdoor games and indoor play, allowing them to burn off some of their boundless morning energy.

8:30 AM – Family Breakfast Time

Breakfast is a cherished family ritual! Today, my plate features savory bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, and a dollop of vibrant pesto. Josh, our little gourmand, enjoys his bacon, pesto toast paired with eggs, and sliced bananas generously coated with almond butter. Ryan, with his rapidly expanding palate, also enjoys eggs, pesto toast, and bananas with almond butter. We all gather around the table, a hub of morning conversation and joyful chatter. Josh revels in breakfast time, happily munching on his meal. Ryan, on the other hand, is still mastering the art of self-feeding, often delighting in the playful act of throwing his food around – a common, albeit messy, milestone for a busy toddler! Haha, it certainly keeps things interesting.

8:45 AM – Post-Breakfast Clean-up & Learning

Given Ryan’s enthusiastic, albeit messy, approach to breakfast, a quick sink bath is usually in order. While he splashes happily, I take the opportunity to offer him a few more bites of his meal, making the most of his captive audience. Simultaneously, I tackle the kitchen clean-up, clearing plates and wiping down surfaces. Josh, meanwhile, is still diligently finishing his breakfast, captivated by an episode of UmiZoomi, a moment of educational entertainment before the day’s adventures truly begin.

Mid-Morning Adventures & Work-Life Juggle

9:15 AM – Naptime & Playtime Balance

With a clean baby and a tidier kitchen, it’s time to settle Ryan down for his first nap of the day. As he drifts off to sleep, Josh, having finished his breakfast and his UmiZoomi episode, transitions to playing with his toys on the couch. This short window is my cue to get ready for the day – a super-fast makeup application and getting dressed. Then, it’s quality time with Josh. His latest obsession is a new remote control monster truck, and we spend joyful moments driving it around the living room, navigating obstacles and sharing laughs. It’s these small, dedicated playtimes that truly fill my cup.

9:45 AM – A Quick Visit to Aunt Co’s

Josh, eager to expand his monster truck’s domain, decides he wants to drive it down to “Co’s” house – my sister Nicole, who conveniently lives right next door. We make the trek down the driveway, all the way to her porch. Co steps out to greet us, and Josh, with his infectious enthusiasm, asks if he can play there for a bit, a request she happily grants. It’s always a treat for him to spend time with his favorite aunt.

10:00 AM – Professional Projects & Client Communications

With Josh happily playing, I rush back up the driveway. Ryan is still sound asleep, offering a valuable stretch of focused work time. Shawn had diligently completed a wedding video last night, and now it’s my turn to handle the post-production logistics. I upload the video, meticulously configure all the custom settings to ensure optimal viewing, and then promptly email it to the excited couple. With another wedding scheduled in just two days, I also take this opportunity to reach out to the photographer and DJ, introducing ourselves and coordinating details. A final check-in email is sent to the upcoming couple, outlining a list of essential items for them to have prepared, ensuring a smooth and efficient shooting process upon our arrival. This multi-faceted work demands precision and prompt communication, vital for our wedding videography business.

10:15 AM – Rerouting for Park Play

Just as I’m wrapping up wedding communications, Ryan wakes up, always greeting the world with a radiant, happy smile that could melt anyone’s heart. He’s such a joy! I scoop him up for another nursing session, cherishing this peaceful moment. After dressing him for the day, I gather Josh’s clothes, load Ryan into our trusty blue car stroller, and pack our sand toys along with Josh’s bike and helmet. Our destination: Co’s house to pick up Josh, then off to the park for some outdoor fun.

10:30 AM – Park Playdate & Goat Sightings

The walk to the park is always an adventure. Today, a delightful surprise awaits us: a herd of goats on the nearby hill, diligently trimming down the tall grass. Both boys are absolutely enchanted! We pause to admire the goats, exchanging friendly greetings. Once at the park, we plunge into playtime. I had pre-arranged a playdate with an Instagram follower who was visiting town, and it’s wonderful to connect in person. The children immediately bond, playing happily together, mostly in the sandbox, while we enjoy a relaxed chat. Josh also enjoys exploring the playground, making frequent trips down the slide. There’s a kindergarten meet-up happening, and Josh, ever the social butterfly, eagerly joins the older kids, even helping himself to one of their popsicles – a true testament to his charming, outgoing nature!

Afternoon Sustenance & Creative Endeavors

12:15 PM – Post-Park Wind Down

After a lively morning at the park, the walk home is often followed by a necessary ritual: stripping the boys down outside to contain the inevitable sand and dirt explosion. Once inside, I put on a calming show for them – Little Baby Bum, a particular favorite of Ryan’s – while I prepare lunch. Ryan, ever the mischievous one, has recently discovered a new trick: pulling off his diaper! He then seizes the opportunity of an open pantry door, climbing in to explore. He truly is our little adventure baby, always finding new ways to keep us on our toes!

12:45 PM – Lunchtime Delights

Lunch is a welcome break after our park excursion. I enjoy some delicious leftover Paleo Whole30 Sheet Pan Sausages and Veggies, a quick and healthy option. Josh is thrilled with his turkey and vegan cheese sandwich, accompanied by a side of chips, sweet grapes, and a crunchy pickle. Ryan enjoys a nutritious almond butter and apple sauce sandwich, paired with grapes and veggie straws. To maintain a semblance of calm, the boys eat in front of the TV, while I enjoy my meal on the floor, simultaneously feeding Ryan his bites – a common multi-tasking scenario in our household.

1:30 PM – Naptime Productivity Blitz

Naptime! After getting both boys tucked in, cozy and snuggly, I launch into a whirlwind of productivity. First, a lightning-fast clean-up of lunch and a quick tidy of the house. Then, my focus shifts to content creation. I upload a step-by-step recipe tutorial of my homemade pickle recipe to Instagram, creating a story highlight to ensure it reaches a wider audience. The video clips are then saved, optimized, and uploaded to YouTube and my blog, complete with a custom thumbnail designed for maximum SEO impact. This entire process, from content creation to optimization, often consumes almost the entirety of naptime. I feel incredibly lucky to have such good nappers, as their consistent sleep allows me to manage my work schedule effectively and creatively.

Afternoon Family Fun & Evening Wind-Down

3:15 PM – A Welcome Reunion

Just as the house starts to feel a little too quiet, Shawn arrives home from work! These 15 minutes, before the boys wake up, are a precious sliver of time for just the two of us. We debrief on our respective days, savoring the quiet connection and conversation before our home transforms back into a lively playground.

3:30 PM – Awakened Joy & Family Cuddles

The boys are awake! Their stirring brings an immediate burst of excitement to the house. I switch on the green light on their noise machine, signaling to Josh that it’s okay to get up. They emerge, brimming with sleepy energy, and the reunion with daddy is met with enthusiastic hugs and cheers. We all pile onto the bed for a session of family cuddles, while I nurse Ryan, soaking in the warmth and closeness. Afterwards, we transition to the living room, where toys are scattered and the boys delight in wrestling their dad, their laughter echoing through the house. My sister even stops by for a quick hello, adding to the joyful afternoon buzz.

4:00 PM – Park Walk and Little Wishes

We embark on an afternoon walk to a slightly further park, a lovely family excursion. Shawn pushes Ryan in the familiar blue car stroller, while Josh pedals along on his bike, a picture of growing independence. As we pass by the goats again, Josh spots a puddle and declares he wants to throw a rock and make a wish. His wishes are delightfully specific: a hot dog and a skateboard! Shawn and I engage in lively conversation with each other and the boys throughout the walk, sharing observations and enjoying the simple joy of movement. This precious time, filled with fresh air and family connection, is truly my favorite part of the day.

4:20 PM – Park Adventures and Discoveries

Upon reaching the park, the boys immediately burst with energy, eager to run and play. We join in their fun, chasing them across the grass and pushing Ryan in the swing, his delighted squeals filling the air. Josh, with his boundless imagination, requests a game of hide-and-seek, his absolute favorite. We play along, finding hilariously obvious hiding spots and making noises to ensure he finds us quickly. His speedy count to ten, followed by an enthusiastic “ready or not, here I come!”, is always adorable. We explore together, finding interesting bugs and observing the natural world. Now that Ryan is walking, his desire to explore everything is palpable, though it often involves putting various objects – usually rocks, dirt, or even bits of trash – into his mouth! Parenthood is certainly an exercise in constant vigilance and gentle redirection.

5:00 PM – The Journey Home & A Mom’s Workout

As the sun begins to dip, we start the long walk home, which often becomes a logistical challenge. Both boys invariably want to ride in the blue car stroller, a feat impossible with just one seat. We eventually surrender, allowing Josh the privilege of the stroller. Shawn and I then alternate roles: one of us holding Ryan, while the other navigates Josh’s bike and pushes the stroller with Josh in it. Our arms grow weary, reminding us that perhaps the double stroller would have been a wiser choice today. At least it’s a good workout! Along the way, Ryan, who has learned some signed language, repeatedly signs for milk, a sweet reminder of his growing communication skills. We make a brief stop at a smaller park closer to our house, allowing Josh a final burst of play while I nurse Ryan again, cherishing the quiet intimacy of that moment.

5:45 PM – Dinner Prep & Family Connection

Finally home from our extended park adventure, the transition to dinner preparations begins. Shawn takes charge of the grill, firing it up to barbecue delicious chicken and steak kebabs, alongside vibrant veggie kebabs. While he handles the outdoor cooking, I keep the kids entertained indoors, ensuring they are happy and engaged before mealtime.

6:30 PM – Family Dinner & Laughter

Dinner is served! The savory kebabs are perfectly complemented by my homemade chimichurri sauce, adding a burst of fresh flavor. The boys enjoy their kebabs with a side of fluffy white rice. It’s a truly delicious meal, and we all gather around the table, sharing stories, chatting, and laughing together. These shared meal times are the bedrock of our family connection, a time to unwind and reconnect after a busy day.

6:50 PM – Bath Time Bliss

After a delicious dinner, both boys are often extra messy, making bath time a necessary and often delightful ritual. While I bathe the boys, Shawn diligently cleans up the kitchen and tidies the house, ensuring everything is put away. Lately, Ryan and Josh have truly started playing together, and they are often exceptionally sweet and cooperative in the bath. It’s incredibly cute to witness their burgeoning bond! Tonight, they are having an absolute blast brushing each other’s teeth, dissolving into belly laughs. Oh, how I adore these precious boys and these moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

Evening Wind-Down & Personal Time

7:15 PM – Bedtime Routines & Digital Detox

Once bath time wraps up, the bedtime routine swings into full gear. I get Ryan dressed and nurse him, gently tucking him into his crib by 7:30 PM. Meanwhile, Shawn takes over getting Josh dressed. This window allows me to quickly power through any remaining emails and reply to all Instagram direct messages and comments. I also do a super-fast scroll through my feed and stories, but only of the select few close blogging friends I follow. I’ve consciously muted the majority of accounts, a deliberate choice to prevent spending all day on my phone. I’d much rather dedicate my precious time to my boys, soaking in every moment with them.

8:00 PM – Cuddles, Stories & Sweet Dreams

With Ryan asleep, I head to the living room for some quality cuddle and play time with Josh. We settle onto the couch to watch a show together before bed – tonight, it’s Blaze and the Monster Machines. Afterwards, Shawn and I take turns reading him a few cherished bedtime stories, immersing him in imaginary worlds before gently tucking him into bed by 8:30 PM. The quiet contentment of watching him drift off to sleep is a perfect end to his day.

8:30 PM – Work, Recharge & Relaxation

Both boys are finally in bed! Shawn and I are thoroughly wiped out, but the day’s tasks aren’t quite finished. Some nights we might unwind with a show together, but tonight, there’s work to catch up on. Shawn meticulously charges all the camera batteries, ensuring they are ready for the upcoming wedding this weekend, and organizes our gear. I, in turn, focus on editing photos for another delicious recipe post: our Whole30 Keto Sheet Pan Italian Pork Tenderloin. It’s a quiet, productive rhythm after a day of energetic parenting.

10:00 PM – Unwinding and Indulging

Work is finally done for the day. Shawn decides to stay up a bit longer to watch a movie, but for me, it’s time to truly unwind. I take a refreshing shower, then hop into bed with a book. There’s something incredibly luxurious about being clean and settling down to read in the quiet stillness of the night. Currently, I’m engrossed in The Solar War and absolutely loving it! I’m a huge fan of A.G. Riddle’s books and always get incredibly excited when a new one is released, eagerly diving into his captivating worlds.

10:30 PM – Goodnight, Sweet Life

Just as I’m drifting off to sleep, Shawn joins me in bed, bringing our busy day to a close. It was truly the best day ever with my boys, a vibrant tapestry woven with moments of love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos of family life. I cherish this life we’ve built, embracing every single moment. Goodnight!