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Motherhood · March 26, 2015

A Day in the Life

I love reading about what other people’s days look like as they stay home with their kids, especially those who are small business owners or working from home. We have a pretty good schedule going right now, all of which will be flipped upside down when baby number three arrives in a few months, but for now, here is a glimpse of our typical weekday as Harper is three & Eloise is eleven months.
I wake up around 6:30, just as Brandon is about to head out the door, so I have a few minutes to make some coffee & chat with him (while attempting to fully wake up) before the girls start bouncing off the walls. They are both up by seven, and start the day watching Mickey on the couch with their milks.We are breakfast people, and our mornings are always pretty slow since Eloise still takes a morning nap, so I usually make some pancakes or french toast with fruit/yogurt while they play in the playroom.
 
If the weather is nice, we will play on the back porch for a little bit or go for a walk, and Eloise normally goes down for her nap by 10. While she is sleeping, Harper & I have one on one time, and she gets to play with all her big kid toys, everything with little pieces or messy stuff like paint & markers. Lately her favorite has been cupcake parties with her girls, Minnie & Minnie (yep, a tutu & Minnie headband on Mickey). We dress them up, decorate our cupcakes, sing happy birthday, rinse & repeat. I usually fit in a quick shower while Harper plays & then get her dressed so we can go somewhere when Eloise wakes up.
Our local bookstores & libraries offer story hours, which is fun for Harper but Eloise isn’t a fan of sitting still for very long. Sometimes we go to the park, meet friends to play or grab lunch somewhere. Have you all heard of chic-fil-a mom valet? You can order your food through the drive thru, let them know you’re doing mom valet & how many high chairs, placemats, etc. that you’ll need, then once you park, you can come inside & they will have a table already set up for you with what you ordered. It’s pretty amazing!! I think most locations do it, but it has made lunch outings so much easier for us! Sometimes we just run errands or go to the grocery store, both kids love it if they get to ride in the “cool cart” with steering wheels & share a box of goldfish! 😉 Some of their favorite lunches are turkey sandwiches with carrots & hummus, or sliced cucumbers for Eloise. We eat a lot of leftover pasta for lunch, and will definitely eat outside if we can to avoid the cleanup afterwards!
Nothing beats good weather when you have toddlers, it really is a breath of fresh air.

For the most part, Harper has dropped her afternoon nap, Eloise sleeps from 2-4:30 or so, while Harper has quiet time. I try to prep dinner & get most of my work done at this time, even if that means dragging my laptop outside while she does sidewalk chalk! 😉 Sometimes we are lazy & take a nap on the couch or watch a movie, but it’s really my only down time so I try to take advantage of it the best I can. When Eloise wakes up, the girls have snacks & then try their hardest to destroy the playroom & rest of the house before Brandon comes home. I start dinner around 5:30, and it is usually a total circus at this point, Eloise wants to be held non stop towards the end of the day. The girls usually play in the kitchen while I finish cooking & Brandon gets home around 6:15ish. We eat, we clean & we usually have a quick dance party or go grab an ice cream cone before the girls get in the tub around 7:30. They both love bath time, so if it has been a crazy day or I am home by myself, they sometimes have an extra long bath, with colored bath bombs, bath markers & lots of bubbles. I add a little lavender essential oil to the tub too which seems to help them get into sleepy mode! Brandon puts Eloise to bed while Harper & I pick up her room, and then she watches 15-20 minutes of a movie to wind down before bed. Then one of us reads her stories & does her prayers before putting her to bed by 8:30 or so.

And that’s a wrap!!! It really is so exhausting, and most of our days feel thirty five hours long. I seem to always look away at just the right moment, long enough for Eloise to dump cat water on her head and for Harper to toss a rice cake on the floor & stomp it into a million little pieces. But this is my dream job, staying home with my babies, doing a little work on the side & having the freedom to be creative as a mom & somewhat-artist. Even though some days I question if I am really cut out for this! The trick to doing it all, is not doing it all! Yes, one day we may have pretty pancakes & the girls may have coordinating outfits, but another day we eat peanut butter & bananas for every meal & nobody changes out of their pajamas. But we take it one messy-happy-chaotic day at a time! 🙂

Now spill it, what are your tips & tricks to your long days in toddler town?!

5

Posted By: Jessica Garvin · In: Motherhood

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Huenink says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Loved reading this! What are your babe friendly bath bombs? Also any particular essential oil that you use?

    Reply
  2. Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Chick-Fil-A Mom Valet?!?! Shut your mouth!! How did I not know about this?!?! I'm gonna be contacting our local CFAs ASAP to see if we have the hook up, too! Great info, Momma!

    <3 Linds

    Reply
  3. Stephanie Tobler says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Our schedule is much like yours. I have two kids a daughter the same age as Harper and a son who is 20 months. Our mornings are like yours. Our son goes down from 10-12:30 for his morning nap and that is really my time to get some quality one on one time with E. She is obsessed with play doh and magic clip dolls. Somehow she found this lady on YouTube who makes princess dresses out of play doh for her dolls. That seems right up Harpers alley (just search "play doh princess" on YouTube) we paint nails, make crafts and do big girl things. Then our son gets up. Unfortunately we are stuck without a car most days so our afternoons are spent having play dates at the house, going for walks or doing singing time. We play a lot of hide and seek, or race cars, anything to keep them busy. Then they both take a nap from 2:30-5:30. I call this "sacred time" so that I can get some things done be it work, crafting and so on. Once they get up we do dinner and dance parties and some days my hubby comes home before bed and some days he doesn't. If he does then he takes care of the kids while I rock out dinner and if he doesn't we do something easy like chicken nuggets. They have to do separate tub times cuz my daughter is OCD like that so this is when I plug in a show and Daddy does tub time. We read scriptures, say prayers and sings songs before bed at 8:00.

    I so feel you! It is crazy, so days I want to cry but this is that happiest job I've ever had. I love being a stay-at-home Mama and I love reading your posts. I post lots of toddler activities on my blog that keep us busy if your are interested.Thank you for all of the fresh ideas!

    http://www.toblertales.blogspot.com

    Reply
  4. Caitlin Bazemore-Armstrong says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Love your blog! I'm a ftm from Omaha with a 10 month old. I'm also a teacher- I can't wait for summer break to spend the days with my little man going on outings. I'm thinking we'll have a weekly schedule of events (weather permitting of course – it is the Midwest). Like the zoo one day, Library another, park, children's museum, hikes, etc.

    Reply
  5. Summer Ann says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    This is so great and I was seriously writing my own routine out to post next week and I looked on my blog feed and saw yours! We Must be operating on the same wavelength today. ;P

    I am such a routine girl so I love these types of posts too. And in true Jessica form you make the chaos sound fun. Happy pre-Friday!

    Xoxo,
    Summer Ann
    Simply Summer Ann Blog

    Reply
  6. Gabrielle says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    What a beautiful, honest post. I really especially loved the last sentence. You are fantastic and your blog rocks my socks. xoxo

    Reply
  7. Allison Cooley says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    If the weather here would ever make up its mind, we love going outside and blowing bubbles, going to the park etc., but long bubble baths are always a way to make the long days seem shorter!

    http://tisourlife.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. Mandy B says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Thanks for writing this! I'm a work-at-home mom with a 14 month old boy, and it's tough but so rewarding! I have to put in about 4 hours a day so often naptimes or bedtime are devoted to that – I'm considering hiring a babysitter for a few hours a week so I can reclaim a little "me" time!

    Reply
  9. Samantha @ Cotten Tales says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I just have one toddler (17 months), but I completely feel you on the 35 hour days! I'm lucky that my daughter takes a fairly long afternoon nap, so I try to get all my blogging/working/cleaning/laundry for the week in during that time. I'm not going to lie though, I've only survived these winter months by playing Frozen on repeat. It at least gives me 30 minutes of down time! 😉

    Reply
  10. Lindsay Anderson says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    This cracks me up. I do these posts also on my blog and somehow they always fall on a day where the shit was hitting the fan every moment of the day. I have two little girls 2, and 7 months I feel ya on the exhaustion. But Amen to the dream job. Its mine too. Blessed to be able to do it an only work 2 days a week. Love reading your stories. Keep it up!

    Reply
  11. Ashlee Appleton says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I love that you're girls get to take bubble baths! What do you use? My almost 3 year old is so sensitive and prone to UTIs that we can't use anything harsh.

    Reply
  12. Megz says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    When did you start doing prayers with Harper? Our little guy is 2 and does well with reading a book but we haven't started trying prayers with him yet. He just eats and smiles when we say grace haha

    Props to you, lady. I am dreading the day he outgrows naps because then I can't take a nap lol

    Weebabyschmitt.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I am glad I'm not the only mom to slap some PB on a banana and call it a day! 😛

    Reply
  14. Melissa (Our Life with Isla) says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Great post! Where did Harper get those cupcakes from?!

    You are a fantastic mom and I love how you made it a point to mention that some days are filled with flowers and elephant pancakes and others not so much! I have a 19 month old at home and she is crazy enough for me! I can't imagine having two. I work outside of the home throughout the week so by the time I get home to see Isla, I really don't care how messy the house is by the end of the day and the fact that there is Nutella smeared all over the fridge! I am just happy to have the moments and memories with her.

    Harper and Eloise are lucky to have you as a mommy and so will baby girl number 3!

    Reply
  15. Michelle says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I have to admit, I am always amazed with how you do it with both kids at home and pregnant and making it look easy, but realistically, I'm sure it's not always, as you mentioned! My 4 years old son goes to daycare on weekdays and I stay at home on maternity leave with my 8 month old, so weekends are left for play time and family time. Thanks for sharing your daily routine, it sounds fun!

    Reply
  16. Danielle @Because I Said So... says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I loved this post! I'm actually a working mama but I like knowing the crazy follows all kinds of mamas! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Brittany says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    PJs all day and Sheriff Callie 😉

    Reply
  18. Sarah says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    That sounds wonderful. I only have one little girl and am so exhausted at the end of the day: I can't imagine 2 (and a half 😉 ). You are doing a commendable job! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Kelly Linn Feller says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Enjoyed reading this post! I've never heard of the mom valet but that's awesome! Now if only they could do that at Chipotle I'd be set lol. I try to spend a lot of time outside with my daughter. She loves running around in the backyard or at the park and I usually take her on a walk in her stroller too 🙂 Toddler town can definitely be exhausting, but it's totally worth it!!
    XO Kelly
    http://www.dettecakes.com

    Reply
  20. Hannah A Quiver Full Blog says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    You seem like you're rocking it! That third one will probably throw a kink in your groove but you'll bounce back quick! We have a play set outside that my husband strung up lights in and put their chairs in the top of so most of our pretty days are spent out there…with popsicles. And praise the lord for the chick fil a parent service! it is so helpful! I hate to be THAT GIRL to ask this…but i really love that heart romper eloise is wearing. was that a pass down from harper?

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Omg you just may have opened a new world for me with the Chik FIL A mom valet!!!! Thanks for the tip, super mom! -NG

    Reply
  22. Ellie says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I have three under three (twin 2.5 year-olds and a 10 month old), and the park is our friend. Luckily, there are a ton close by, and one is even in walking distance. I strap the toddlers in the double stroller, wear the baby, and walk the mile and a half to the park. The kids love looking at the boats on the walk, and it eats up an extra 45 minutes!

    Reply
  23. Lo Canuto says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Phew. You rock, mama. Right now Im staying home with my six month old son and by the end of the day I'm so done for! So i can't imagine 2 little ones and a third on the way. Also, how amazing do those elephant pancakes look? How?!
    Lo – traveltheunbeatenpath.com

    Reply
  24. Sarah Citzler says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I literally just did a blog post about my out new routine now that I am working again! If anyone has tricks with cooking with baby/toddlers, do tell! 5:00 has got to be the most stressful part of the day, sometimes I wonder how I actually get dinner made. Miracles. They do exist 😉

    http://bubbleheadbaby.blogspot.com/2015/03/our-working-mom-routine.html

    Reply
  25. Kendra Henderson says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    🙂 this day sounds very familiar! getting outside seems to re-set everyone's attitude and makes the day go much smoother. my other saving grace? preparing dinner in the morning or afternoon, to avoid the cluster of dinner time. I sacrifice work time by doing this some days, but save myself SO MUCH DRAMA at 5:30. Honorable mentions: a pantry that locks, ice cream, and the disney channel! xxoo

    Reply
  26. Sarah says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    I love this post!! I actually just did a post on a day in my life. Check it out – http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com it's the second post from the top! I have an almost 3-year-old and an 18-month-old, both girls, and I also work from home! It's tough to say the least!!

    I did just recently enroll the girls in part-time daycare. It's been a LIFESAVER!! They go 3 hours a day just 3 days a week. That guarantees me 9 hours of work time plus I'm able to work during their naps, which range from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours. My oldest seems like she is ready to drop her nap, too, which I'm not looking forward to haha!

    Your days sound very similar to mine! We just moved to Charlotte, NC and have also been enjoying the warmer weather! On days my husband is home early, we normally head to the park for play time and a long walk. We also spend a lot of time out on our deck jumping on the trampoline.

    Life is hectic!! But it's so fun. Thanks for sharing a day in your life!!

    – Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

    Reply
  27. Kaitlin Stineman says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:26 am

    We are lucky and have an amazing group of moms on the base my husband is currently stationed at. We have play group in the morning monday/Wednesday/friday & I am part of a mommy running group that meets the other two mornings. After we get home from our morning activities it's time for lunch and then on a great day, both boys nap between 1:00-3:00 🙂 we usually play at the prk with our friends til my husband gets home and around 5:30 and then it's dinner/bath/book/bed-time! And I agree! Days feel at LEAST 35 hours long!

    Reply
  28. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Great post! I only have one little, hoping for another soon 🙂 but we live in the cold Midwest so besides one warm week, we are DYING for warm weather, it's truly a lifesaver!! Right now I'm so lucky to have found a moms group with kids my daughters age. We do mornings with them at each other's houses, museums, zoo if it's above 40, just something to get out. Then a long nap where I work, or sneak in a tv show because mama needs a break!! Then playing at home till my husband gets home. We read, play tag, dance, watch frozen if we're too stir crazy. She'll watch me cook, fight dinner 🙂 then bedtime around 7.

    That warm stretch though??? Walks, tricycle rides, parks.. It was glorious 🙂 can't wait till it's warm again 🙂

    Does Harper still do preschool? My lo is 20 months, I decided to skip it next year but wonder if it's a good thing when she's 3.

    Reply
  29. Sonia says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Great post! I'm from Argentina and I also work from home. I have a 19 months daughter and it's awesome to be a homeworking mom! Here we have different schedules. I wake up at 8 to work until 10. Then Julieta wakes up, she takes her breakfast. We play a little bit until 1 when she eats lunch (her favorite one is omelette and some fruits). She sleeps from 2 to 4, so I work that couple of hours. Then she has a snack (milk and cookies) while we watch TV. Then we visit grandma, or have a walk. By 8:30 we are all dinning, she has a bath by 10:30 ands sleeps by 11. Sometimes she watches TV until 12:30 with us, she's a night girl!
    I love you blog, it's really inspiring.

    Reply
  30. Emily Hill says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    The warm weather has been the biggest life saver for me and my twin 2 and a half year olds!! Recently moved to Atlanta from Chicago, and we definitely couldn't do this back home!! Sidewalk chalk is our jam! Plus a big deal for me was finally relaxing and not feeling guilty about turning on the tv so I could have a second of peace 😉

    Reply
  31. Emily says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Love this little insight into your day. Your girls are very fortunate to have a mom who can spend so much quality time with them. I also love the Chick-fil-A valet tip; I'd assume its a national thing, but I've never heard of it up here in the Philadelphia so now I need to test this out. 🙂

    Reply
  32. Tatiana Soper says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I must admit when my husband is out of town, and I can't possibly fathom another game of blocks with my 12 month old baby boy, I often take an extra long bath with him to pass the time as it's the only time he's content to sit still. My daily mantra is "You always have time for what is important." If that means we're 10 minutes late to his swimming class, it's OK because the important part was that we arrived alive. I used to rush around thinking the house needed to be spotless before we left to go anywhere, I've now realised to just leave it because it'll be a mess the second we get home anyway 😉

    Reply
  33. marci @ the wallace house says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I love this post! I love peeking into the daily lives of other stay-at-home-moms! This is especially fun for me as our two babes are similar in age and we are both due at the same time! And I'm with you, mama – best. job. ever. xoxo

    Reply
  34. Whitney @ Work it Mommy says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I love this, "the trick to doing it all, is not doing it all" preach it Sister!

    Reply
  35. East Willow Grove says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I work M-F 8-4 outside of the house but on the weekend and days that I stay home (like today actually) our schedule is pretty much identical to yours! With a 20 month old and 4 year old in Michigan we are BEGGGGGGGING the weather Gods for something decent so we can take walks and go to the park every day!

    PS. tell me thats a cookie cutter you used for the elephant cake….

    Chelsea | East Willow Grove

    Reply
  36. LOVESTRONG says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    You are super mom! My second is due in May and I use nap time as nap time for me as well right now! I don't know how you have the energy to go all day. I'm looking forward to about 8 months from now- when I'm getting more sleep at night, the baby sleeps a little longer, and we have more structure in our day. haha But for now I'll enjoy the naps.

    Reply
  37. Michelle {lovely little things} says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I like reading how parents two children works – thanks for the insight. Oh, and chick-fil-a mom valet sounds A-MAZING! Too bad we don't have chick-fil-a in Seattle!

    Reply
  38. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    My tip for dinner time help is baby Popsicles!!! They are slow melt and small sized. Saves my dinner routine all the time !

    Reply
  39. Stephanie. says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    My son is almost 20 months old and I'm with you that some days are picture pretty and others are shameful. But on our (his) crazy days I have found sensory bins to keep him occupied and engaged in something longer than 5 minutes. My six year old nephew loves participating in these with him. I bet your girls would enjoy some. I tend to put together themed/holiday ones. 🙂

    Reply
  40. Jackie says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    I am a teacher, so our schedule changes throughout the year. During the school-year, I have one (Brynn) in school, she is in 2nd grade. I also have one (Reese) at a babysitter, she is 2. Our mornings are not too bad during my working months: I get up at 5:30, get myself ready and wake Reese by 6:15. I get her ready and we are out the door by 6:45. Jason gets up at 6:30, showers and wakes Brynn at 7. I help her pick out her clothes for school the night before, so I know she isn't looking like a hot mess in the morning. She usually puts in a head band and Jason takes care of the rest, getting her on the bus at 7:45, and leaves for work.
    After school: I am done at 2:30, I pick Brynn up at 3:00, and then grab Reese from sitter at 3:15ish. We go home, do homework, play games and I make dinner. Reese is like Eloise and wants to be held the entire time while I make dinner, which makes it rough sometimes. We eat at 6, play, baths are at 7:15 and both kids lay down at 8 and are sleeping by 8:30.

    Summer comes and I am off for three months, so the schedule is different.
    I wake up at 7, kids wake up around 8. Breakfast is at 8:30, then around 9:30 we do different things (pool, outside in the yard, park, waterpark, friends houses, etc.) until lunch at noon and Reese's nap around 12:30. During her nap, Brynn and I have a little time to relax and watch a movie of her choice. Sometimes I fall asleep, but I try not to ;-). When Reese wakes up around 2:30, we do some more fun things outside (chalk, go for walks, sprinklers, swings, etc.). Jason gets home around 5:30 and we eat dinner at 6. He takes the girls outside to play while I start laundry or clean up a little bit. Then, it's baths at 8:00 and laying down by 8:30. They are both asleep by 9. That's when we meet up with our neighbors on the back deck and have a drink or two with our baby monitors.

    Reply
  41. Chrissy Harris says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    I have a 6 year old and a almost 3 year old. It's hectic to say the least. And toss in 3 dogs also, I forgot them lol! And one is the dog from Marley, no lie.

    My 6 year old is now in school full time in the 1st grade. Prior to that when she was 3 she went to preschool 3 days a week 9-1130. Best thing for them! They are around other kids and you get 3 ams of freetime. It also helps them develop even more and learn with their peers. My 6 year old then went to 4 year old preschool, same school. I was then prego with P my almost 3 year old. Still pretty easy. Then I popped P out and A was in all day K. Still going pretty smooth. Now A is in 1st and P is 2 and it's getting harder lol! P isn't in the baby stage anymore she is on the go go go. Still pm naps so that's a Def blessing! Our days go as follows…

    Wake up, P and I take A to school.
    Dunkin Run
    Errands or Home
    If home we laundry, craft, play, bake and watch some tv if it's winter.
    Fav tv shows, Olivia, Litter Charmers and anything Disney Channel
    Lunchtime
    P naps 2 hours
    I breathe
    P wakes
    We go get A at school
    More errands or home
    Homework and Dinner Prep
    Daddys home, more chaos and shift change 😉
    Dinner
    Play with daddy
    Baths
    Books
    Bed

    I'd say my struggles are not enough me time for fitness and reading and just chill. The days go so fast! But they are the precious days!

    My youngest starts 3 year old prescool this fall 3 days a week 9-1130. So, I am finally guaranteed 2.5 whole hours to myself a day ;)))

    I plan to finally get my sanity and body back!

    TGIF Jessica!

    Chrissy
    @theharriscasa

    Reply
  42. Allison Walls says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    You are doing a fantastic job! I don't get to stay at home with my baby, but in the evenings it does seem like it will never end or it isn't long enough if that makes sense while I try to do dinner, clean up, laundry, bath, and bedtime within a few short or long hours depending on the day. You will do just fine when number three comes along. What about a post about you and Brandon and what your favorite things to do as a couple are or how you keep up the romance or something lack there of. Also I would love to hear about your plans for when number three does come: will you continue to work your part time job, will Harper and Eloise go to school a couple times a week, ect?!

    Reply
  43. Alyssa says

    March 27, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I just have to say how much I look forward to reading your posts. Yours is the only blog I still follow regularly. I love your style and your honesty. I'm about to be a mama of two and I'll be staying home full time with my babies. I appreciate a look into your normal day. You're so cute!!

    Reply
  44. Christina @ Embracing Simple says

    March 27, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I love this! I'm a work-from-home Momma too and always love getting a peek into the schedule of other Moms. Thanks for sharing Jess!

    Reply
  45. Sharon says

    March 27, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I'm working my husband through school– so right now I don't get to stay at home with my daughter like I want to, but with my husband graduating soon, so that will change. Usually the mornings are easy before work. I don't do anything in the mornings outside of getting ready for the day. I do this on purpose because I am NOT a morning person. However, the evenings, depending on when I get home for the day, it can go smoothly if I have a snack box for Emma on the way home (after picking her up post daycare). The best way to get time in with her and I though is I let Emma help with making dinner and doing dishes — and she loves it (mostly because it means playing in the water and making a show of how high her splashes can go.)
    Outside of all of this though— I say, have a routine in place, but things happen and sometimes (read almost all the time) kids wind up sleeping in their dress up clothes (okay that really happens almost every night) with oreos for lunch (doesn't happen that much haha). They won't remember if you had to take away their favorite toy because they wouldn't clean up their toys when you asked for the millionth time. What they will remember when they get older though is the life lessons, and important things we taught them as their Moms. Sometimes days go according to plan. I always plan for thing to not go according to plan though and then my hopes won't be let down. We are raising HUMAN BEINGS. We are badasses! 🙂

    Reply
  46. StephanieAA says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    You are one busy mama! I don't have any of my own yet but I appreciate the heads up! You are doing such an amazing job and my ovaries hurt every time I see pictures of your adorable girls! I hope to be as present, DIY and attention oriented when I have my own. Keep up the good work and thanks for taking a few precious minutes to share with us. Love your blog and can't wait to see the adventure with baby #3!

    Reply
  47. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I loved this post!

    Reply
  48. Bria Sommer says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    "The secret to doing it all is not doing it all" loved this!!! It really struck a cord for me. I just started a business and even with one 2 year old I find myself questioning my sanity. I guess my only tip is saying "no" when you need/want to. It's easy to say yes to all of the play dates and invites, but knowing your limits is so important and refreshing when you've been taking on too much. Thanks for the great blogging Jess!

    Reply
  49. Laura {happily ever} Parker says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    You are too cute and such an amazing mom. It's honestly inspiring. Your children are going to grow up with such incredible memories. I cannot wait to be able to stay at home with my little and start making more memories.

    Reply
  50. Brittany Sanchez says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    I love your day! I've always dreamed of being a mommy and having my photography business on the side. We've been trying and it's been hard to watch the months pass by, but things like this give me so much hope. <3

    Reply
  51. Ruth Maldonado says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    I think knowing my limits with both girls and a long list of things to do works for me. Some days all of us have so much energy and we all clean, run errands, play outside, meet friends and have a wonderful fun filled day. Other times it's like everyone needs a break and we watch cartoons, color and stay in pajamas and don't do anything! Sometimes it can get a little boring, but it's needed from time to time! Love reading your posts and can relate to all this!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    Reply
  52. Milena Enguidanos-Gonzalez says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    I also love reading about other mama's days and schedules. I have an almost 6 month old and this morning at our local bakery/coffee shop a sweet older couple told us that your 1st and 2nd babies are the hardest. The 1st because you are totally new to being a parent and are figuring everything out for the first time. The 2nd because you are learning to juggle for the first time. But by the time you have your 3rd and maybe even 4th baby you are a pro and have a little helper or two. They had four kids and made me feel normal about sometimes feeling overwhelmed with my little one 🙂 Hope this makes you feel better and optimistic about juggling three! ♡

    Milena
    Mrsgandfamily.blogspot.com

    Reply
  53. Alex Sorensen says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:39 am

    I just had my first five weeks ago and there are times I feel so overwhelmed. There have been quiet a few times I have thought to myself, how do people have more than one child! Motherhood is so much harder than I ever imagined it would be. I'm slowly starting to enjoy it and of course I love my little guy. But its nice to read your blog and realize I'm not crazy for feeling this way. There are good days and there are bad days. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  54. Nicole says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:39 am

    Hi Jessia,

    Love posts like these. I'm due with my first in August and hoping to work from home when the baby comes. I love hearing how you juggle it all (it gives me hope haha). I would love to hear tips for mom's working from home (but maybe you did a post like that a while back).

    Have you ever used bath bombs or tub truffles from rinsesoap.com? They're 98% – 100% natural ingredients and produced locally in Monroe, GA.

    Reply
  55. Melanie says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:39 am

    Chick fil a is coming to Bellevue, Tacoma & Lynwood! I saw the Bellevue location yesterday depending where you live 🙂

    Reply
  56. Angie Gottlieb says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Thank you for sharing!! You don't know how happy I was to see that your girls also go to bed around 8-8:30ish. I feel like most parents I speak to will tell me their child is in bed by 7 pm!! We have two girls (will be 3 and 1 in May) and my husband and I both work outside the home. When we get home it is A crazy time! Between making dinner, one of us rushing out to the gym (my husband and I take turns and we have our gym days), bath, cleaning up etc we try to get the girls in bed the latest 8:30. It sure can be a challenge at times though!

    Reply
  57. JJ says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    The cupcakes look like the Melissa and Doug brand.

    Reply
  58. Leah Hazley says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    It's nice to know you have lazy days too!! Lol, you seem so on it! I really aspire to do all the arts and crafts you do with Harper with Noelle when she gets older. Loved reading as always 🙂

    Reply
  59. Elizabeth Birenbaum says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    I am a full time working mom so my weekdays are pretty structured. But we do have a pretty set schedule to keep us running on time and out of the house and where we need to be on time. I feel like you have to with kids. But on weekends, my days are pretty similar to yours. Wake up, lazy around in pjs for a while, have breakfast, usually run some errands (Target, grocery store, Costco, etc) and then back home for play and lunch and then nap and then we play some more or go somewhere before dinner and then bath and bed!

    Reply
  60. Matt and Kathryn says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Love it. I'm a new to the being a mom of two. My two girls give me a run for my money most days, but some days I feel like we have it together… Kinda haha. I love reading about other moms days /routines. So thank you! but where Oh where did you get those darling little t shirts Harper is wearing in these pictures. My Lucy needs those!

    Reply
  61. Sadie Cummings says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Our day is completely identical to yours, except my husband works a crazy schedule so when he is gone 24hrs+ I tend to pull out all the stops, on days that are going downhill fast I have a small tub filled with cheap dollar items that they go nuts over a tub for each of them, it buys me 30-40 min to make dinner or pick up the house ? you do such an amazing job mama, you do all that and continually inspire all us mamas! You are one in a million girl!

    Reply
  62. Michelle B says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    I feel like I might have shared this before but one thing my husband and I do on Sunday afternoons is food prep for the week. Since we do it together, it only takes an hour (at the most) of our time during afternoon naptime. And it saves me SO much time during the week to just throw in pre-cut veggies and meat together. It's the last thing I feel like doing on a weekend but it's a lifesaver during the week.

    You sound like you are doing a great job balancing it all. I go to a MOPS group and our speaker this week said the moment you stop worrying what other people think of you as a mother, that's the moment when things will get easier. (I'm not saying you care what others think) but I used to care how I "looked" to others and have learned to just let it go and I feel so much less burdened down! 🙂

    Reply
  63. Aspen Kelty Marie says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Awe I love this. Reading about peoples days are always my favorite. Mine are typically pretty boring until night time (it consists of school and work) and as of late it is all about bed rest so the littles play in my room, the living room or outside all day. Those are also probably the cutest pancakes I have ever seen. I looovvveee pancakes and want them fast so they are always round or mickey mouse shaped, no mickey with a headband though, that's too high tech for me 😉

    Aspen Kelty Marie

    Canon T5i | Nikon D5200 Giveaway

    Reply
  64. Erin Friedman says

    March 31, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Where did you get the cupcake decorate set?? 🙂 My child would love it!

    Reply
  65. SaraR says

    March 31, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Where your beautiful linens from?

    Reply
  66. Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says

    March 31, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    I'm a full-time working momma with a 3.5 year old and a 13 month old, so my kiddos go to daycare during the day. While I would love to stay home with them, I also can't imagine how challenging it would be. All of you stay at home mommas are absolute ROCK STARS!!

    <3 Linds

    Reply
  67. mridu says

    March 31, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    I think we moms waste a lot of precious time feeling guilty ans worry about what the others think or what if the others judge us .. we can be so much more fun and creative with our kids if we can just grow out of those guilt trips.

    Reply
  68. Christine {dreamBIGrunner} says

    April 6, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Wow, you are a busy mom! I love reading those posts and it always gives me some ideas on how I can change up our routine a little bit 🙂

    Reply

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