I have shared a few posts discussing my morning routine and things I like to do to set the tone for the day. You can check out my latest post here. I have had to adjust my routine this year with our second son and figure out what works best with both boys. I feel like we are all in our groove which helps me stay consistent and keep a strong routine in place. My goal this year is to create a stronger night routine and be more consistent in that area. I will definitely share what that looks like soon!

I usually take the first hour to myself which helps me get in a good head space and not start my day feeling rushed. I typically will wake up around 530am since my toddler’s clock changes to green at 630am. I will fill up my water to start drinking while the coffee brews and get my things for “quiet time”. I personally drink around 120 ounces of water a day so I like to start first thing in the morning. You can find my top three tips to drinking water here. My favorite water cup is either the 40oz or 50 oz tumbler!

Our youngest son typically wakes up at 6am to nurse and then will go back down. I count this as his morning nap since he is asleep by 7pm at night. Once our youngest is back down I will drink my coffee, read my devotional, journal, and read my bible. I have shared the bible I use and information here and am really enjoying Jesus Calling for my devotional (currently reading Easter version).

Once I finish I will typically read a few pages in my current book and then work on my computer. Our oldest will typically come out exactly at 6:30, however I start “mom mode” at 7:00am. Once it is 7:00 I get everyone fed and ready for the day!

I would love to know what your morning looks like! I am always looking for ways to grow.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

I recently went to visit my best friend and started thinking about what I like to prep or get done prior to a trip without the boys. Since I stay home, there are many things that I naturally take care of for our family. I personally like to make things as easiest as possible for my husband when I am gone. I thought I would share my standard prep for those who are wanting to stay organized prior to travel. I would love to know anything you like to do!

1.Milk

I am still exclusively breastfeeding our younger son, so I have to make sure I have plenty of milk for him. I have a comfortable freezer stash where I do not pump on a daily basis. However I do like to pump the 4 days prior to leaving to already have those bottles ready to go in the fridge (less prep time in warmer). I will then place all of the needed freezer bags in the fridge the day before, and bag the remainder of the days in the freezer so the guess work is taken out for my husband.

I also like to leave out the breastmilk guidelines as well as some “extra” milk bags if our son wants a top off!

2.Bottles + Pump

Along with the milk I make sure I have out all of the bottles and correct nipple sizes. I make sure the part container is in the dishwasher and I put out the drying rack and bottle warmer so it’s ready to go.

I also bag and organize all my pumping things. I shared some tips on flying and pumping here. I flew again this trip, however checked a bag. I kept my pump and parts for one pumping session with me on the way there and added my lunchbox with frozen milk/ice packs on the way home. The rest of the items I kept in my checked bag.

3.Meals + Snacks

I like to make a grocery run prior to leaving so the boys have everything they need for meals and snacks. My husband likes to have easy meals to cook so I will write out the dinners we discussed and have our staple items stocked. I also like to bring snacks with me in the car or on a flight. I also went ahead and shopped for the week so I didn’t have to go Sunday when I returned.

4.Laundry

I personally like to have our laundry done prior to a trip, so I only have a light load when I return. I feel like coming home from a trip is already hectic so I personally like to eliminate as many chores as possible.

5.Vaccum + Pick Up

If you know me you know I love things being organized and clean in my own home. I like to vacuum and tidy up before I leave so there is less to do when I get home (more time for a nap).

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

If you personally know me, you know I love having things organized. It is naturally how my brain works and keeps me from not feeling anxious or stressed with our things. Since I stay home with our boys, I personally feel it is important to have systems for their items to encourage personal responsibility (toddler) and model being respectful of our home/belongings. You can check out my organization posts here as well as some toy organization ideas here.

I thought I would share some systems I have in place for our baby that work well for our family. Of course every family is different, and what works for us may not be practical for you. However, I do what to give some ideas in case you are wanting to get more organized, especially with baby items!

1.Clothes

Since both of our boys quickly went through sizes, I have created a clothing system that makes it easy on me when storing small sizes and replacing drawers with the next size up. I like to keep the next size washed and stored in the closest so it is ready to go when needed. I also keep a bigger storage tub in the closet that I can put small sizes in. Once it is filled I will label the sizes (ex: 9-12months) and store in attic or donate to someone.

2.Toys

I feel like toys can easily take over a house if you let them. Don’t get my wrong our house is a disaster when it is play time, however the boys know where the toys go when it is time to clean up and everything has a space or spot so there is no guess work. I personally prefer to keep most of our baby toys in the main area so we can constantly monitor. Our ottoman provides storage so we keep a basket of toys there along with some bigger items. Our younger son loves getting what he wants and having some independence. I also have a toy organizer in his closet so I can rotate toys or switch out ones that he has grown out of.

3.Bottles/Pump

I am exclusively breastfeeding so if I am gone I have to pump and prep bottles for my husband. I have a basket for pumping parts and a basket for bottles that I keep in our linen closet since we do not frequently use them. However, they are easy to get to when needed and I have everything in one place. You can see what that looks like for me here.

4.Milk

Since I am breastfeeding I like to make sure I have a back stock of milk in the freezer for my husband. I like to keep them in acrylic organizers from oldest to newest, however I know other people prefer to batch them in gallon storage bags.

5.Back Stock

I like to make sure I have a back stock of certain items for when we run out including diapers, wipes, body wash, medicine, etc. I like to keep these items in the boy’s linen closet and utilize different organizers (acrylic stackers and baskets).

I personally feel if there is a space, spot, or zone for every item it is easy to keep things organized. I know there are so many items when babies or kids are in the mix and their things can quickly take over the house. As always, every family is different with what works for them!

Sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac