A Well-(Baby)-Oiled Machine

James has been at daycare for about a month at this point – a milestone that I (mistakenly) thought would make the oh-so-carefully-structured style of my life go haywire. Instead, things have become more streamlined than ever before! Since I’ve come across “example working-mom schedules” online, I would thought I would post mine as well, to the minute detail! My schedule is (weirdly) unique in that I will also mention Butch’s role, as his contributions are extremely vital to the well-oiled machine that is our family life.

6am: James WAKES UP (spread out star-fish-style next to me in bed as I crunch my adult body next to him in an attempt to not fall off the bed). I go downstairs for coffee and say goodbye to Butch, who has to be at work by 7am (ouch!).

6:30am: James plays with toys on the bed (safely ensconced by pillows, of course) while I get ready for work and periodically do a song-and-dance routine for him.

7am: We go downstairs where James “works out” (jumps like a maniac in his jumperoo) while I eat breakfast, make lunch and load up the car (and continue my song-and-dance routine).

7:30am: James gets changed and dressed for “school” and we’re off! He takes a mini nap in the car, usually falling asleep .2 seconds before we arrive at daycare.

8am: I arrive at work (half an hour EARLIER than before James started daycare!).

<<During business hours, I pump no less than 4 times, all while producing the same amount of high caliber work as I did pre-baby – LIKE A BOSS!!!>>

5-5:15pm: I pick James up at daycare, leaving behind the milk I pumped that day. He again falls asleep .2 seconds before we get home.

5:30pm: We pull into the driveway. Butch comes out to help carry James so I can bring in the baby laundry, my purse, breast-pump bag, etc. He feeds James solid food for dinner (stay tuned for “adventures-in-solid-food”) while I get changed and start the laundry.

6pm: James’ bedtime routine begins. It starts with a bath from Butch (every other night), then I change him, read a fun bedtime story and cuddle/feed him in our bed until he falls asleep, while Butch makes dinner (I know…I’m a VERY lucky ducky). I put James down in his crib and go downstairs to eat.

7:30pm: I take my shower while Butch washes dishes. We hang out and watch Netflix (lately: Parks and Rec, the ENTIRE series) while I fold laundry or blog.

9/9:30pm: I go to bed, either on my own or when the Bun starts to fuss. I move James to my bed with me and we wake up a few time in the night to cuddle and feed (bed-sharing is the BEST – even with disrupted sleep, you feel mostly rested!)

6am: Start it all over again!

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On the weekends, our wake-up time is still (unfortunately) fairly early, although we occasionally sleep in (7:30am? Woot!). James either naps for 1/1.5 hours twice a day or 45 minutes 3 times a day, and eats every few hours or so….or NOT….he definitely keeps me on my toes.

Interestingly enough, I think my new schedule has not only made me more efficient, but has helped me feel more confident as a mom and an individual. Last weekend, I took James to a Mama & Baby Expo to meet a friend, wrangling him all by myself while Butch stayed home. I decided to take this upcoming Friday off because I’ll be working Saturday and DO NOT FEEL BAD ABOUT IT AT ALL, even though I am (gasp!) choosing family over working 50+ hours a week (how unAmerican of me…). Luckily, I feel fully supported – at least by everyone who has a clue about what having a new baby (or a family in general…or quality of life…) actually means!

But even with all the chaos, lack of sleep and occasional hilariously clueless comments from the obliviously childless, I just LOVE spending time with Baby Boo. He is such a hilarious little guy and I wouldn’t change a thing – our little family…and my entire life, has never felt so complete!

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“Like a Boss” image via The Internet