Morning + Early Afternoon
This morning I slept in until 6:30 a.m. and it was wonderful. Last night I finished reading my latest book (Kindred — phew that one was hard to read but so good) and went to bed later than usual because I couldn’t put it down.
Rhett had me up for a morning feed at 4:30 a.m. and I tossed and turned for a while after that but managed to fall back asleep until 6:30 a.m. when he was up again. Ever since our sleep training experience with Rhett, sleep is a million times better and he almost always makes it from bedtime until at least 4 a.m. without needing any soothing or feeding. I think I could work to have him sleep through his 4 a.m. feed but he seems hungry and I don’t mind one 10-minute feed so that’s where we’re currently at with nighttime sleep. It feels a bazillion times better than where we were a month and a half ago!
Once I was up and Ryan and I got everyone dressed for the day, Ryan headed back into his makeshift office in our bedroom to start his work day and I made breakfast for myself and the boys and packed Chase’s lunch before we had to leave for preschool drop off.
My breakfast: Oat bran with pumpkin seed protein powder, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Also, I am forever waiting to drink my coffee on the go these days because it guarantees I won’t be interrupted and my coffee will be HOT!
Rhett was ready for his first nap of the day around 8:30 a.m. and thankfully I was able to settle him and leave his baby monitor with Ryan while Ryder and I dropped Chase off at school. By the time we made it back home and I threw a load of laundry in the washing machine, Rhett was up and ready for action!
The weather outside today is BEAUTIFUL and it’s the kind of day where you just want to spend every possible second outdoors so that’s what we’ve been doing!
First up: Some balance bike riding on a sidewalk chalk course.
And then we took Sadie on a walk and the Power Wheels Jeep for a spin since Ryder loves it when he has it all to himself!
We took a couple of breaks for snacks and to say hi to any dog we passed and only headed home because I could tell Rhett’s second nap of the day needed to happen.
Once Rhett was fed and sleeping peacefully in his crib, Ryder helped me with a little dinner prep that basically turned into my lunch prep because it looked too good to save for dinner.
On my plate: Swiss chard and bok choy sautéed in sesame oil with ginger and coconut aminos paired with brown rice and quinoa and bay scallops! YUM. Looks like I’ll be having oatmeal, a smoothie or scrambled eggs for dinner tonight now!
Once Ryder and I were finished with lunch, I did my best to read him some stories and get him in his bed for nap time/quite time. Ryder’s nap is very hit or miss lately and he is only napping maybe 3 times a week these days. (Remember how Chase napped up until he was FOUR? Yeahhh wild man Ryder didn’t get that memo.)
Two seconds after I got Ryder settled, it was time to high-tail it over to Chase’s preschool to pick him up while Ryan was in charge of the baby monitors.
When I got a text from Ryan telling me both boys were sleeping soundly, I quickly took Chase into Great Clips for a much-needed haircut before heading home.
They did a great job of hiding his little DIY haircut buzz spot (which has thankfully grown back a good deal) and he was clearly feelin’ his new ‘do!
We arrived home soon after my father-in-law came over and we chatted with him for a bit before he offered to read with Chase so I could quickly write this blog post while the other two boys are still napping. Rhett is taking one heck of an epic nap right now (2+ hours!!!) but I know that means the minute I publish this post, he’ll likely be up and ready for food and playtime.
I hope you guys are having a great Wednesday so far! Enjoy the rest of your day!
Grace says
I love these types of posts!
Diana J says
Where did you get those bay scallops? I’ve only tried the frozen large scallops from Aldi and those are good so I’m intrigued by these
Julie says
They’re also ALDI!! I definitely prefer the large scallops from ALDI (they are the BEST) but these are a nice alternative because they are cheaper and still tasty!
Diana J says
Oh good to know thanks! ALDI is the best
Brianna says
When did you introduce the balance to Ryder? I’m thinking about getting one for my daughter for her 2nd birthday (either that or a plasma car based on your recommendation!). I’m not sure which one would be most appropriate for that age!
Julie says
I think it was right around 18 months/2ish! But I’d absolutely opt for the plasma car over it at this age — the plasma car can’t be beat!!! It’s awesome and we discovered it through the boys’ preschool because all the kids are obsessed!
Grandma Honey says
Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder? Did I miss something? I’ve never heard of that. Would you mind sharing the brand name so I can look it up? Love your blog!
Julie says
Yes! It’s from NOW Foods! It has a rather strong taste so I use it in small amounts but like it as a plant-based protein powder option!
Megan says
I am so grateful for your posts like these! I miss the days of being able to follow people online without things expiring. I really do get a lot from following particular people, but I also don’t want to have to go on Instagram every single day or I miss something. I’m sure this is something you struggle with since I know you try to balance social media with being present. I love that I can enjoy all your content when I have the time to go on. I miss blogs exactly like this one. I think it’s one of the reasons why you’re one of my favorites to follow.
I value your opinions, outlook on life, and dedication to your family. I have a three year old and 20 month old, so I feel like I’m in the thick of it, just like you. I hope you continue to blog like this (and wish everyone else would, too!). Thank you for staying old school!
Julie says
Thank you, Megan! I am the same about social media/Instagram in that it’s not where I want to spend a lot of time so I feel you on that one for sure!
Sarah says
I applaud you for reading a book about enslavement by a Black author, but I couldn’t help but notice that while you usually give a little summary/info about the books you read (which I appreciate, you have great recommendations!), you just mentioned this one was difficult, and I am curious if there is a reason. It’s been a while since I read that book but I remember it being very powerful and would love to hear your thoughts! You mentioned doing anti racism work in the past, this would be a good way to tie in an update!
Julie says
Hi Sarah! I typically share my thoughts about books I’ve recently read in my Friday posts and don’t usually go into much detail in my day-in-the-life posts/weekend recaps so I was just saving it for an upcoming Friday blog post.
Trish Felecos says
LOVE love love these types of posts! Keep it coming!
Erin says
Love these posts too! I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning and it is so enjoyable and helpful for new moms like me. Thank you!
Megan says
I miss the “off-the-cuff” blogging days too and always enjoy these posts! Your lunch looks incredible. Also my 5 month old is currently doing the 4am wakeup thing as well but will usually fall back asleep until 6 or 7am and I have to agree, it is soooo much better than the constant nighttime wake ups!
Julie says
It feels like a light at the end of the tunnel of no sleep madness, right!?
Alicia says
I have some bok choy to use up. Love a simple sauteed veggie dish. I have been finding I am craving more hot meals for lunch lately instead of salads so definitely need to give this a try. I also love the real time casual blogging. Hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
Megan says
Love these types of posts!
Elle says
This speaks to my soul: “I really miss the old days of blogging before social media when everything was more off-the-cuff, less curated and not nearly so darn perfect”. ME TOO!!!!! I’m taking a social media break right now because I need a break from how curated it has all become. Hoping this gives me more time to enjoy the spring weather and read more books!