Welcome to a genuine snapshot of my daily life, a typical Thursday that unfolds amidst the delightful chaos of motherhood, work commitments, and the endless pursuit of balance. This particular day, November 29, 2018, holds a special significance as our eldest, Josh, recently celebrated his third birthday, and our newest addition, Ryan, just marked his five-month milestone. Join me as I navigate a vibrant blend of mom life and professional responsibilities, punctuated by candid, unedited moments captured straight from my iPhone. It’s a day filled with early mornings, unexpected joys, minor frustrations, and an abundance of love, offering an authentic glimpse into the beautiful, messy reality of raising two young boys while striving to stay productive.
The day often begins long before the sun makes its appearance, and today is no exception. At 3:00 AM, the quiet stillness of the house is gently broken by the soft cries of little Ryan. He’s still nestled comfortably in his bassinet beside our bed, and while we dream of the day he consistently sleeps through the night, we know we’ll get there eventually. My heart aches for my poor little buddy, who’s battling another cold. Last night, his fever soared to 101.7 degrees, and today he’s congested, struggling with a stuffy nose. He nurses for a comforting five minutes, finding solace and warmth, before drifting back into a peaceful sleep, leaving me to wonder what the new day will bring for my sweet, ailing baby.
Just a few hours later, at 6:00 AM, Ryan stirs once more, signaling it’s time for another feeding. He nurses for approximately ten minutes, a short but crucial session, and then, almost instantly, he’s back asleep. These early morning feedings are a regular part of our routine, a gentle reminder of the constant needs of a newborn, and a testament to the quiet sacrifices that define early motherhood. Each time he drifts back to sleep, I briefly contemplate falling back into a deep slumber myself, only to be pulled back to the reality of the impending busy day.
My official start to the day arrives at 7:00 AM. To my delight, both boys are still sound asleep, a rare and cherished moment of quiet that I’ve learned to savor. Shawn, my husband, has already embarked on his workday, leaving me in the peaceful solitude of our bedroom. I allow myself a precious ten minutes of doing absolutely nothing—just lying there, soaking in the silence. It’s a luxury I rarely afford myself, and I’m almost certain this will be my only uninterrupted moment of quiet reflection for the entire day. I’ve even started leaving my phone outside the bedroom, a conscious effort to disconnect from the constant demands of technology and social media. It’s surprisingly refreshing not to be chained to it, to simply exist in the moment. Eventually, I rise, make my way to the kitchen to get bacon sizzling in the oven, and prepare a sippy cup of milk for Josh, which he sips contentedly in bed as he slowly awakens.
At 7:20 AM, Ryan makes his proper debut for the day. He nurses gently, his tiny hands clutching my shirt, before playfully kicking his legs in bed and cooing contentedly. Once he’s finished, I take a moment to pump, a necessary part of maintaining my milk supply. Meanwhile, I quickly make our bed and get myself dressed, preparing for the day ahead. These moments with Ryan are filled with tender cuddles, soft snuggles, and loving hugs, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. His innocent gaze and sweet sounds are the perfect start to any morning, even a busy one.
Josh, our energetic three-year-old, officially wakes up around 7:45 AM. He usually springs out of bed closer to 7:00 AM, but last night was an exception; he didn’t settle down until almost 9:00 PM. Despite still enjoying a two-hour nap each day, he seems to resist bedtime until later in the evening. While I could potentially skip his nap to encourage an earlier bedtime, I admit I selfishly cherish naptime for the quiet it brings and the opportunity it provides for me to tackle other tasks, or simply take a moment for myself. It’s a trade-off many parents understand.
By 8:00 AM, Josh is fully awake and on a mission. It’s the festive season, which means our mischievous Elf on the Shelf is a daily delight. Josh immediately begins his eager search throughout the house, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Today, I’ve playfully hidden our Elf atop the Christmas tree, a position that always elicits giggles and pure joy from him. While Josh embarks on his festive quest, Ryan enjoys his essential tummy time, strengthening his little muscles, and Josh, having found his elfin friend, happily settles down to play with his favorite toys. It’s a harmonious morning scene, a gentle prelude to the bustling day ahead.
Breakfast is served at 8:15 AM. Josh, ever the modern child, enjoys his bacon and avocado toast, complete with his gummy vitamins, on the couch while engrossed in a favorite show. This little ritual gives him a peaceful start to the day. For myself, I opt for the simplicity and nutrition of avocado toast. Little Ryan is introduced to a new texture and flavor today: half a banana, lovingly mashed to a smooth consistency for his developing palate. What truly melts my heart is when Josh, having finished his own meal, eagerly comes over to help me feed his baby brother. The sight is incredibly sweet, a pure moment of sibling bonding that captures the essence of our family’s love.
At 8:40 AM, our focus shifts to getting Josh ready for his preschool adventure. He embarked on this exciting new chapter just this fall, attending school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. He absolutely adores it, and witnessing his enthusiasm for learning and playing fills me with pride. With bags packed and spirits high, we load up in the car and make the short but meaningful drive to school, cherishing these precious moments before our paths diverge for a few hours. This routine is a cornerstone of our evolving family schedule, providing structure for Josh and a brief window for me to concentrate on other tasks.
Once Josh is happily settled at school at 9:00 AM, Ryan and I embark on our morning errands. Our first stop is the post office, where I send out our Christmas cards, spreading festive cheer to loved ones near and far. Next, I make a quick stop at Old Navy to return some shirts Shawn had purchased. He humorously claimed they were too tight because his muscles had grown too big – a charming, albeit exaggerated, excuse! As we leave the post office, a sudden downpour catches us off guard. Ryan and I get thoroughly drenched, turning a simple errand into a memorable, if soggy, adventure. This unexpected turn of events adds a dash of chaos to our otherwise routine morning.
Returning home at 9:15 AM, our immediate priority is to get Ryan out of his wet clothes and into something dry and warm. After nursing him, he’s ready for his first nap of the day, settling down peacefully as I turn my attention to another task: preparing homemade baby food. I meticulously roast sweet potatoes, their natural sweetness filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma, and set oatmeal to cook on the stove. This quiet window also allows me to finally peek at my phone for the first time, quickly scanning emails for anything urgent and posting that adorable picture of Josh feeding Ryan on Instagram – a small connection to the outside world. Just as I’m settling into these tasks, Shawn makes a surprise visit, equally drenched from the persistent rain. He quickly changes into dry clothes, we share a loving smooch, and then he’s off again, back to work. These brief, unexpected encounters are a cherished part of our busy lives.
By 9:45 AM, with Ryan napping and baby food prep underway, I dedicate myself to the more challenging, less glamorous side of blogging: backend coding. I spend an inordinate amount of time grappling with the complexities of setting up my email subscriber provider. It’s tedious, frustrating, and feels far too complicated for my current skill set. Some aspects of managing a blog behind the scenes are incredibly difficult, and this coding challenge feels particularly insurmountable today. After much trial and error, I finally give in and email a fellow blogging friend, hoping she can shed some light on how she managed this particular hurdle. Her response, that she paid someone to do it, resonates deeply. It’s a clear indication that I might need to consider professional help for these technical tasks, allowing me to focus on content creation, which is where my true passion lies.
At 11:10 AM, Ryan is still sound asleep, a perfect little angel, enjoying a much-needed long nap that I hope is helping him recover from his cold. I almost feel guilty having to wake him, but it’s time to pick up Josh from preschool. Gently, I rouse him from his slumber, bundle him into the car seat, and we set off on our short journey, the quiet moments of the morning giving way to the renewed energy of our boys. The anticipation of seeing Josh after his school day makes the brief interruption worthwhile.
Picking Josh up from school at 11:20 AM is, without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of the day. His face lights up the moment he sees us, a burst of pure happiness and excitement that’s utterly contagious. It’s truly a special moment, a heartwarming reunion. On our way home, he animatedly recounts his school adventures, telling me all about the apples and crackers he had for snack, and, ever curious, he asks endless questions about the puddles we pass on the road. We also make sure to call Daddy, sharing a quick “hi” and catching him up on our morning. These drives are filled with simple joys, a space for connection and shared stories, solidifying our family bond.
Home by 11:30 AM, the boys enjoy a few minutes of playful indoor activity before a delightful surprise: my sister Nicole and dad unexpectedly stop by to say hello! It’s always a treat to see them, especially since my dad was helping Nicole with something around her house. Josh is absolutely thrilled to see his aunt and grandpa. Nicole immediately scoops up Ryan, offering him loving cuddles, while my dad happily engages Josh in play. This impromptu visit couldn’t be more perfectly timed, allowing me to quickly finalize Ryan’s homemade baby food. In my blender, I combine cooked oatmeal and ripe bananas, creating wholesome breakfasts for him. For lunches, I blend roasted sweet potatoes, leftover turkey from our family Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday, and homemade bone broth, ensuring he gets a nutritious meal. I portion these into 4 oz mason jars, refrigerating a few for immediate use and freezing the rest for future convenience. The entire process takes maybe ten minutes. My sister Nicole even has the pleasure of feeding Ryan his very first taste of the sweet potato and turkey lunch – his first introduction to meat! He absolutely loves it, and it’s clear he’s thriving with solid foods. As Ryan enjoys his meal, I cherish the moments playing with Josh and chatting and laughing with my dad and sister, reveling in the warmth of family connection.
The afternoon continues its rapid pace. At 12:15 PM, I prepare Josh’s lunch, which he enjoys while watching a show, granting me a few precious minutes. During this time, I play with Ryan, cherishing our interaction before it’s time for his second nap. I nurse him, settling him down for a peaceful slumber by 12:45 PM. Then, it’s Josh’s turn, and he’s tucked into bed for his nap by 1:00 PM. Josh, quite commendably, eats his entire lunch, leaving only a bit of applesauce. Without a moment’s hesitation, I happily finish his applesauce. It turns out this delicious applesauce will be my lunch for the day, as I’ve been too caught up in the whirlwind of the morning to prepare anything for myself. Whoops! Such is the life of a busy mom, where personal meals often become an afterthought.
Exactly at 1:00 PM, as the boys are nestled in their beds, I jump onto an important onboarding call. This call introduces me to a new software designed for reporting figures to brands when managing sponsored posts. It looks incredibly promising, streamlined, and efficient, offering a much-needed solution for simplifying the administrative aspects of my work. I’m genuinely excited about its potential to improve my workflow and allow me more time for creative endeavors. This strategic investment in my business infrastructure feels like a significant step forward.
The call concludes at 1:45 PM, and I immediately try to tackle the persistent challenge of my email subscriber coding once more. Despite my determination, it feels utterly impossible. The frustration is palpable, and I’m on the verge of giving up entirely. The complexity is overwhelming, draining my energy and spirit. Defeated, I decide to reach out to someone else, inquiring about their rates to handle this technical headache for me. It’s a pragmatic decision, acknowledging that some tasks are best left to experts, allowing me to preserve my sanity and focus on what I do best.
At 2:30 PM, Ryan wakes up from his nap, signalling another shift in our day. I go in to nurse him, and afterward, he plays contentedly in the bed. It’s during this brief moment of relative calm that a comical realization dawns on me: I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet today! A quick dash to the bathroom to remedy that essential task. I briefly consider applying some makeup, a rare luxury these days, but then I hear the tell-tale signs of Josh waking up from his nap. Oh well, no makeup today. I console myself with the thought that at least I won’t have to wash it off at the end of the night, embracing the natural, effortless look that often accompanies busy mom life. Some days, basic hygiene is a victory in itself!
The energy in the house shifts dramatically at 3:10 PM with the arrival of Shawn. His return from work is undeniably the “funnest” time of the day, a catalyst for joyous family activity. Lately, our favorite tradition is to put on Disney songs and transform our living room into an impromptu dance party. All four of us dance around and sing along with boundless enthusiasm, and it’s truly the cutest and most fun way to reconnect as a family. Josh and Ryan absolutely adore it. We throw them gently into the air, twirl them around, and revel in the infectious laughter. This “Dance Party” is a cherished ritual, a vibrant expression of our collective joy and a perfect way to shake off the stresses of the day.
At 3:30 PM, our dance party gets an unexpected boost when Nicole, my sister and next-door neighbor, comes over to drop off an extra wireless iPhone charger she no longer needs – a definite score! She’s the best aunt in the world, and she immediately joins our dance party, adding to the fun and energy. Soon after, Josh, always eager for more adventure, asks to go to her house. Since it’s still raining, making the park an impossible option, we happily head over to Nicole’s for about an hour of indoor play. Her house is a wonderland, boasting significantly more Christmas decorations than mine, which Josh absolutely adores. These moments of spontaneous family connection and neighborly support are truly invaluable, enriching our lives and providing endless entertainment for the boys.
Our hour of fun at Nicole’s house comes to an end, and we head back home around 4:45 PM. The transition signals the start of Ryan’s wind-down routine for the day. I nurse him one last time, providing comfort and nourishment, and then gently settle him down for his final nap of the day. This brief period of rest is crucial for him before the evening’s activities and eventual bedtime, ensuring he’s well-rested for his final stretch of playtime and dinner with the family.
At 5:00 PM, Shawn proves himself to be an actual hero, offering to take charge of dinner. Tonight’s menu features our beloved meatballs with spaghetti squash, a family favorite. He meticulously follows the recipe from my blog, and it’s truly adorable to watch him in the kitchen, carefully preparing our meal. While Shawn handles dinner, Josh is engrossed in watching a show, allowing me the opportunity to finally begin writing this very blog post, capturing the moments of our day while they’re still fresh in my mind. This collaborative effort in the evening allows for both productivity and shared family time, a balancing act that defines our weekdays.
The evening progresses smoothly. At 6:15 PM, Ryan stirs and wakes from his nap, refreshed and ready for dinner, which is almost ready for the rest of us. For Ryan, I prepare a special version of our meal: blending some of the delicious meatballs, spaghetti squash, and a touch of homemade bone broth into a smooth, palatable consistency perfect for his stage of solids. I also take the time to portion and jar a bunch of this mixture, carefully freezing them for future dinners, a practical step that streamlines meal prep for the week ahead. This foresight ensures healthy, homemade options are always readily available for our little one.
Dinner is served at 6:30 PM, and it’s a wonderfully inclusive family affair. We’re all enjoying the flavorful spaghetti squash and meatballs – even Ryan, in his pureed form! It’s one of those special moments when we gather around the table, sharing not just food but also conversation and laughter. Meatballs are Josh’s absolute favorite, a guaranteed hit every time. I make them at least once a week, knowing it’s the only sure way to get him to eat red meat, which is important for his nutrition. I personally love them too. Shawn, despite jokingly claiming he’s getting sick of them, invariably devours his plate, declares his love, and often goes back for seconds – a playful contradiction that always makes me smile. Ryan, too, clearly relishes them in his baby food version, making it a universal family hit.
By 7:00 PM, dinner is done, and the boys are happily engaged in playtime with Shawn on the floor, their giggles echoing through the house. This gives me the chance to tackle kitchen cleanup while chatting with my mom on the phone, sharing updates and unwinding from the day. However, Josh, fueled by his three-year-old energy, starts to play a little rough, and his recent fascination with throwing things becomes apparent. It’s time for a “calm down” in his room – our gentle term for a timeout, allowing him to settle and regain control. So far, being three years old has been a fascinating mix of immense fun and frequent “calm downs,” teaching us both patience and creative discipline. It’s a learning curve for everyone involved.
The evening routine continues at 7:45 PM with bath time. I quickly take a shower myself, then join Ryan in the bath for a truly sweet and cozy experience. He’s such a little love, and this is a time of day when he gets absolutely all of my undivided attention. He absolutely adores the bath – LOVES it. After about 15 minutes, Josh eagerly joins us, bringing a splashy, boisterous energy to what was previously a peaceful soak. Our serene bath transforms into a big, playful, splash-filled adventure. During this time, Shawn efficiently tidies up the house, ensuring everything is in order before he comes in to retrieve Ryan, and I get out shortly after, ready for the next stage of bedtime preparations.
Once Josh exits the bath at 8:10 PM, Shawn takes over, getting him into his pajamas and settling him down in his room for stories. Meanwhile, I lay with Ryan, nursing him one last time before gently tucking him into his bassinet for the night. After ensuring Ryan is peacefully asleep, I join Shawn and Josh, participating in their story time ritual and adding an extra layer of fun with an impromptu puppet show. These moments of shared storytelling and imaginative play are precious, fostering creativity and a strong sense of family before sleep.
At 8:40 PM, the familiar dance of bedtime diversions begins with Josh. He employs a million different strategies to delay going to sleep, and he’s so charmingly behaved that part of me wants to let him stay up and play just a little longer! We concede to one more story, a final quick trip to the potty to ensure he wakes up with a dry bed (a huge victory, as he hasn’t had a nighttime accident in WEEKS!), and then we finally tuck him in, wishing him sweet dreams. It’s a testament to his growing independence and our consistent routine.
As the boys finally settle into sleep at 8:45 PM, Shawn immediately shifts gears, diving into the demanding task of taxes. We’ve recently hired a virtual bookkeeping service, and he needs to gather a multitude of documents and figures to ensure our new bookkeepers have everything they need to begin their work. While he’s engrossed in financial matters, I take the time to pump, a necessary evening routine, and then dedicate my remaining energy to finishing this blog post, meticulously recounting the day’s events and reflecting on the precious moments we’ve shared. It’s a late-night hustle, balancing both personal and professional duties.
Finally, at 10:30 PM, we make our way to bed. I settle in with a book, as I find it impossible to fall asleep without a bit of reading to clear my mind and wind down. I’m currently captivated by “The Woman In The Window” – it’s an absolute page-turner, keeping me on the edge of my seat with every chapter! Shawn, on the other hand, falls asleep almost instantly, a talent I often envy. This quiet time, lost in the pages of a gripping story, is my ultimate form of relaxation and self-care after a long, demanding day.
By 11:00 PM, I finally turn off my light, closing the book and hoping for a night of minimal interruptions. I cross my fingers, wishing that Ryan will only wake up once or twice tonight. Each night brings a new hope for longer stretches of sleep, a quiet prayer for rest in the midst of the beautiful, relentless journey of motherhood. It’s a day full of love, laughter, challenges, and endless cherished moments, reaffirming that despite the exhaustion, every single second is worth it.