I recently shared some thoughts on having our second child, including some natural worries. You can check out that post here: 10 Thoughts Before Baby 2 . As I was thinking about the changes our family will make in a few months, I also started to think about the great things we already have in place. I feel like my husband and I have naturally created family routines that have become our “norm”. I am so grateful for those routines as we prepare for change because I feel like it keeps some stability and normalcy within out family.

I would love to know anything you do as a family that has become part of your day to day or things you are trying to implement!

1.Dinner At The Table

We eat dinner at the table no matter what. It is a time that has become special to us and a chance to be together distraction free. Even if my husband works late, my son and I still sit at the table to eat. I feel like it is so important to have those thirty minutes or so all together!

2.Same Bed Time

Even though I get up early to teach, my husband and I still go to bed at the same time. If one of us wants to stay up we will read or watch our IPAD in bed so we can still be together. It is nice being able to have that routine together and means alot!

3.Balance Kid Duties

One thing my husband and I try to do is alternate “duties” with our son. For example, if he does bath time, I will do bed time. I feel like this is so nice to just get a few minutes to ourselves. This will also be helpful when we add another little one because we can either divide it up where we each get a kiddo or keep the same routine but add in the baby!

4.Alternate Weekend Mornings

Once our son finished nursing around 18 months, we decided to alternate weekend mornings of sleeping in or getting up. This is something that seriously refreshes my entire week and has been the best for both of us. Whoever has that morning will typically bring coffee and breakfast to the other in bed or just allow that time to sleep in/relax. Our son knows it is that parent’s “quiet time” and does a great job with it! Of course I won’t have those mornings for awhile as I nurse our littlest son and do all of that, but they will definitely be implemented again once he is ready!

5.House Schedules

I have created “schedules” and “systems” of house chores over the years that have become our norm and pretty much automatic. For example, we have a cleaning schedule for our deep cleaning where we zone our house (cleaning schedule & zone cleaning), daily chores we each take care of, grocery shopping days, meal list and cooking duties, and more. Creating systems that work for us is so helpful in expectations and just the flow of house tasks.

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

In a week I will be in my last trimester which doesn’t even feel real. I will post my second trimester recap soon, but wanted to share some thoughts with baby two getting closer to being here. Even though we are beyond excited to welcome another boy into our family, there are still worries and fears that I naturally have going from 1 to 2 littles, as well as entering the newborn stage again.

I feel like people don’t talk enough about the emotions, thoughts, feelings, and hardships that come along with motherhood. I will be the first to say that although it truly is the greatest blessing, it is also THE hardest job I have ever had.

I would love to know anything that helped you transition from 1 to 2 or things you wish you knew!

Baby 2 Thoughts

1.How will I love another child as much as my son?

2.Will our son be jealous or embrace brother and our new family dynamic? How will he be as a big brother?

3.Will I have enough energy (and patience) to devote to both boys all day every day…including nights.

4.How am I going to keep up with a toddler on little sleep?

5.Will I have as much post partum anxiety this time around or be okay since I have a better understanding and perspective?

6.How am I going to make sure each boy feels super loved and special?

7.What’s our day to day going to become, especially needing more routine in those first few months?

8.How will the bond with my older son change since we do everything together?

9.Will I have another great experience breastfeeding or will that become a new challenge?

10.Will the birth and recovery be as relaxed as the first time around or more difficult?

Although these thoughts don’t keep me up at night, they do cross my mind on multiple occasions. I think it is totally normal to be anxious and excited of the unknown. The biggest thing I learned with our older son was that you truly don’t know what your life will be like until you are in it and experiencing it. You have to do what works for you when it comes to children and parenting, and that looks totally different for everyone!

As always sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

Awhile back I shared five easy and quick breakfast ideas. You can check out that post here: Breakfast Ideas. I thought I would share five more ideas for those who feel like they are in a rut when it comes to food, or just want some different options! I know I am always looking for new ideas and meals to try to add into our normal rotation.

What are some of your favorite go to meals? I would love to know!

1.Banana Pancakes

This is a simple and easy option for kiddos or for the family. I love topping mine with peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon, however you can do whatever toppings you like! We purchase bananas every week so I love having recipes that incorporate them as they get too ripe for our preference. There are many different recipes depending on what you are looking for. I just use 2 bananas and 2 eggs!

2. Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt parfaits are such an easy and simple go to breakfast! I love using vanilla Greek yogurt, berries, granola, and honey! This is another great option that can be customized to be exactly how you like it. It is a great meal to not only eat at home but also bring to work!

3. Avocado Toast

I love avocados, as I am sure many people do! If I am in a pinch or just want something quick, avocado toast is always a great option for me. I like to add some spinach and an egg for more fiber and protein, however you can make it how you like it! Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is delicious on it if you haven’t tried it before!

4. Egg Scramble

I love a good egg scramble with whatever veggies we have that week! It is also a great way to use up anything at the end of the week so it doesn’t go bad or to waste. You can add in sausage or potatoes to make it even more filling!

5. Frozen Waffles

Sometimes it is a frozen waffle kind of morning for our family, which is totally normal and okay! I love using the Kodiak Cake waffles and adding some fresh fruit on top. You could do peanut and honey if you are in a pinch to rush out the door!

I would love to know some of your favorites!

Sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

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