Morning
My morning began bright and early with some work. I typically kick off my days by writing on the computer because I’ve always felt like my mind is sharpest in the morning, but I found myself waking up slow yesterday and used my morning time to tackle my horrifically neglected e-mail inbox and create a new PBF Books Page for the blog.
I ate breakfast as I worked which looked like an egg white oatmeal protein pancake paired with a banana (which I ate while preparing my pancake) and a hot mug of coffee made with Fairlife whole milk and collagen.
Once Ryan was done with his at-home workout and got back from walking Sadie around the neighborhood, he showered and I said goodbye to him as he headed off to work around 6:45 a.m.
When Chase woke up 15 minutes later, I shifted out of work mode and into mom mode. After changing both Chase and myself out of our comfy pajamas, we headed downstairs for breakfast. I grabbed two Paleo Blender Muffins out of the freezer (one for each of us), microwaved them for 20 seconds and served one to Chase along with a Lollacup full of milk and some spoonfuls of yogurt which he seemed to enjoy.
Soon it was time for us to pile into my car and head off to the gym for a cardio conditioning workout. Though my workout was a good one, the highlight of my time at the gym yesterday actually took place in childcare! My friend Lauren and I teamed up to give Miss Lindsey a birthday gift from our kiddos who love her so much. (She’s been watching both of them during our workouts since they were two months old!) We surprised her with a gift card to a local salon and a framed picture of our two toddlers holding up “I Love Miss Lindsey” signs and she seemed to like the surprise a lot!
And just because the outtakes were even better than the photo we chose to frame, here’s one of my favs:
(Even that pic required bribery in the form of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies.)
After our workout and birthday surprise, I snacked on a Larabar on the way to Gymboree where Lauren and I met up with our friend Carrie for our next activity with the little ones! Chase was in his element at Gymboree and had a blast climbing all over everything.
Afternoon
Once Gymboree was over, we drove home and read some books before Chase ate lunch and went down for his nap. While Chase slept, I grabbed a quick shower before setting up everything I needed to photograph an upcoming recipe for the blog.
I try my best to get most of my recipe photos done during Chase’s nap which doesn’t always work (hence the little hands you see trying to sneak a bite in this pic), but thankfully yesterday’s photos were complete before he was awake again. I used the rest of Chase’s naptime to get a jump start on this blog post, edit the photos I shot earlier and do some behind-the-scenes blog stuff.
In the middle of all that blog-related fun, I fixed myself a late lunch by reheating some leftover white chicken chili topped with shredded cheese and guacamole and served it with blue corn chips for dipping.
By the time Chase was done with his nap, it was snack time again and after a quick refueling, we were off to take advantage of the sunny 70-degree weather. We joined my friends Carrie and Laura at a local park for some toddler playtime. Apparently the park we chose is located right under a popular place for planes to fly over which meant Chase spent a good portion of our time pointing at “pleenes” and saying “zoom.” His love for cars, airplanes and pretty much any form of transportation knows no bounds these days.
Evening
We made it home a little after 5 p.m. and I found a Stitch Fix box waiting for me on our front doorstep. Woop! I quickly sorted through everything and though I haven’t tried anything on yet, I’m most excited about the Laila Jayde cutout top, distressed J.Brand jeans and Fossil crossbody purse. We’ll see what works!
Ryan had to work late last night so Chase and I were flyin’ solo when it came time for dinner. I threw together a quick ground turkey mushroom bolognese sauce (I used an old Blue Apron recipe as my inspiration) and served it over whole wheat penne.
While I loved it, Chase ate a few bites but decided he was more interested in eating a banana and a peanut butter sandwich. (I tried to get some veggies in him but my efforts were in vain.)
After dinner, Chase’s energy was still on fire, so we headed outside to play a bazillion rounds of fetch with Sadie before it was bath and bed time. Chase was fast asleep by the time Ryan arrived home which was a bummer but we still had a nice night hanging out on the couch, eating small bowls of ice cream and watching an episode of Big Bang Theory before heading upstairs to pack for a quick trip to Raleigh today and read before bed. (I started a new book – My Sister’s Secret – over the weekend and I’m enjoying it so far.) I’m pretty sure we were fast asleep by 10 p.m. No shame in our early bed time game!
Chase and I are off to Raleigh this morning to spend a few days with my aunt and uncle! We’ll be back before the weekend so it will be a short visit but I’m really looking forward to it. Hope you guys all have a great Wednesday!
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Have a great time in Raleigh! Try to bring Chase the Pullen Park if you have time. It’s so cute…they have kiddie boats, carousel, etc. He would love it!
That sounds so fun! Thank you for the recommendation!
This is the best time of year to read, for me. I am loving all of your book shares! Have a great day!
So glad you like them! I agree — there’s something about the colder months of the year that make me want to read even more than usual at night.
Woah what is maple water !? I’ve never heard of that
I LOVE it!!! It’s only slightly sweet (half the sugar of coconut water) with a hint of maple flavor. It’s naturally hydrating and a good source of calcium and iron.
I’m really excited to hear about your trip to Raleigh! I’m moving to the Raliegh-Durham area in about 4 months and have been reading your blog with a little bit of a different focus as I try and get tips on what living in North Carolina will be like! Can’t wait to see what you recommend!
Jeni, I have lived in Raleigh for fifteen years, so let me know if you ever have any questions! I can certainly help you, or steer you in the right direction 🙂
Thanks so much Heather, what a sweet offer! I suppose the main thing I’m trying to figure out at the moment if it would be better to live in Durham or in a neighborhood in Raleigh, and then commute to Durham (I will be working at Duke University Hospital). My boyfriend and I are 31 and have no children, and are moving from a large city, even though we love the outdoors. So I’m not sure if we’d be bored in Durham. Any thoughts?
That sounds like such a fun day! I’m just starting to be able to get out a lot more with my little guy, and can’t wait to be able to do more and more things with him.
Also, I love the new book page! I have way too many books I haven’t read yet, but am always looking for new books to listen to on Audible.
Oh yay I would love a books page on your blog. I don’t read as often as I like, but am always looking for suggestions. And what a fun day and so many yummy eats. I made your turkey bolognese a few weeks ago and it was so good!
Thank you for letting me know! I’m so glad you liked it!
Looks like a fun day of eats and play! Um I’m in bed before 9pm some days and I have no kids yet! ha ha so no shame in the early bed time!
Thanks for the book page! Just bought, Big Little Lies, and can’t wait to watch the show after I read it!
That book is awesome!! If you haven’t read it already The Husband’s Secret by the same author is fantastic!
Hi Julie – Just dropping by to say hi and thanks for posting. I love reading your blog. I also love the gift you prepared for Miss Lindsey. Hope you and Chase have a great time in Raleigh – can’t wait to read about your adventures.
Thank you so much!!!
A books page on your blog is such a great idea – I am so interested in so many of the books you talk about, but then I tend to forget about them. Great idea!
Your gift for Miss Lindsey was such a sweet idea. When I used to work in the childcare center at a gym, I loved those babies more than I ever thought I could. I’m sure she appreciated it so much.
Sounds like a great Tuesday 🙂
Did you know Fairlife is a Coca Cola product? You should try a2 Milk, sold at Whole Foods & Fresh Market! 🙂 Real milk that is easy to digest!
OMG I love the J Brand jeans, How are they on sizing? True to fit? I need to get myself a pair. Love the Fossil purse too, that blue is so fun!
Hi Arianne! I actually just wore them today and think they fit true to size!
I love this type of post! So simple (although not simple to put together, I know) but I love getting a glimpse into someone else’s life, especially someone who has similar goals. Thanks for sharing!
So glad to hear it! Thank you, Vanessa!
Also: Can I ask what kind of camera you use for these photos (if they were all shot by the same one)?
yes! i actually got a new one at the end of last year and love it! it’s the canon EOS 6D.
Well it takes gorgeous photography. Thanks!
I love that you put all your favorite books all in one place. I think I first heard of Liane Moriarty from you. I’ve read a few of her books now and I’ve loved every single one.
The gift you guys put together for Miss Lindsay sounds so thoughtful. I bet she was thankful for it.
Same here! Her books are some of my favs!
Sounds like such a fun day!! Two questions– what at home workouts does Ryan do? My husband needs some inspiration!!
Also, how did you successfully leave Chase in day care as young as two months at the gym? I’m so worried about leaving my girls there… it’s been almost 8 months and I still haven’t left them–just because they don’t really “play” too much now and I’m worried they’ll just be sad the entire time… and they don’t nap any where other than their cribs. Also, FLU season!! How did you get to a point where you felt comfy at SUCH a young age? Did you plan it around his naps or eating or what?
Thanks!!
Right now Ryan is really into rowing. He got a rowing machine to use at home a little over a year ago and it’s the backbone of many of his workouts right now. Most mornings he does a combination of rowing (alternating between intervals, longer distances, etc.) and strength training with dumbbells or bodyweight exercises. If it’s of interest, I can look into doing a blog post about his routine in the future!
Please post the recipe for that white chicken chili! It looks too good!!!
I was so confused why you were saying it was Wednesday, ha! What a nice surprise! Being off on Monday has me all out of whack! When I flew through Charlotte a few weeks ago I wondered how close you guys live to the airport! From what I could see, Charlotte looks pretty!!
I love reading about your day. I have a 9 month old and it’s always so much fun to hear about what you and Chase are able to get done in a day. You’re inspiring! Can you tell me a little bit more about the gymboree class…what age was Chase when you started? Thanks Julie!
we loooove gymboree! i started taking chase when he was around 6 months old and at first it was a lot of tummy time, looking at mirrors rolling balls, etc. chase liked it right away and i loved the opportunity to connect with other moms who have kids of a similar age. now the classes are more physical — climbing, running, rolling/throwing balls, dancing, etc.
I’ve never tried maple water, but now I’m intrigued! 🙂
I love the glimpses into everyday life. I can relate to so many of your comments. Can you share a link to your coffee straw?
yes! it’s the koffie straw: http://bit.ly/2lapBpr love it!
All this food looks super yummy!
Hope you have a lovely day 🙂
Izzy |https://pinchofdelight.wordpress.com
Hi, sorry if you’ve answered this already, but what is the highchair you’re using for Chase? Do you like it? We don’t have a ton of storage and that one looks nice and compact. Thanks!
I’d like to know about the highchair too!
Hi Carrie! It’s the Chicco 360 hook on chair! It’s the best! http://bit.ly/2lHB5nf
It’s fantastic! It is the Chicco 360 hook on chair and the tray table pops off for easy cleaning and you can unsnap the cloth part of the chair as well to throw in the washing machine. It’s also available in a handful of colors if you don’t like the green one we have: http://bit.ly/2lHB5nf
I’m inordinately excited about the book page! Woohoo! It’d be cool to compile any of your posts that mentioned books there, too, because the comments are always a goldmine for book recommendations 🙂 Happy reading!
Love that idea!! Thanks, Megan!
that chicken chili looks SO good. actually, all of your meals do, let’s be honest! love reading about your day – i’m not a mama and won’t be anytime soon, but you’re the type of mother i want to be 🙂
that means a lot to me! thank you, jordan! <3
Can you tell me what kind of chair that is attached to your table? We have the lobster but the tray slides out and my son loves to fling it across the room. I LOVE the tray on the one you have.
Yes! It’s the Chicco 360 hook on high chair! We LOVE it! They have it in a handful of colors if you’re not into the green, too! http://bit.ly/2lHB5nf
I would love if you did a post on your Stitch Fix box! Interested in trying that 🙂
Love the new book page!! I chose The Violets of March for book club this month based on your recommendation!
Sounds like a wonderful day! I’m very impressed with how much you get done in a day every time I read one of these!
That Chicken Chili looks awesome!
Love these little glimpses into your day! It makes me want to do a weekend day in the life post one of these days, since I follow a similar routine! 🙂
10pm bedtime is late to me! haha I have a 6 month old and since returning to work I’ve been in bed no later than 9pm! Crazy how much your life and sleeping habits change once you’re a mom.
what is it about Big Bang that makes me keep on watching? I never like WANT to watch it but my husband always has it on our DVR and it is hilarious!
Oh my word that pic of Chase and his little friend are beyond adorable. The cuteness is overpowering! lol
Love these fun posts, I’m also loving that red tank top in your stitch fix delivery! So cute! And it looks so flowy, which is always sooooo comfy to wear.
Great post, as always! Have fun in Raleigh (I’m guessing you’re already done by now, but still!)
Julie, can you please share your turkey/mushroom Bolognese sauce – it looks delish!!
I’ve seen that maple water around and haven’t tried it yet. Now you have me curious.
The photos are so cute! Ugh, I just want to squeeze them! hahha. Love the post. Please keep sharing!