The New Routine

Morning playtime.

We are starting to find a new normal around here... if that's possible with my mother-in-law still in town, in a new house, with a newborn... not exactly normal, but new for sure. I'm trying to make myself get into some sort of routine now, so when I get back to work things may seem a little more normal.

On thing that keeps me sane is going to bed with a clean house. In our new house this requires quite a bit more effort, but I'm learning day by day how to make things easier on myself.

I also love getting things prepped at night, so I can actually sit and enjoy a cup of joe and play with Miss Annalee most mornings.

A few things I try to do every night before bed: 

- All those things that goes upstairs... kids clothes, shoes, jackets, earrings, scarves, etc. gets thrown in a basket at the foot of the stairs, and I take it up and it all goes away before bed.

- Coffee gets made and the timer set for 6 AM. Sometimes I even set out coffee mugs.

- I pour Annalee a cup of milk and have it ready to go in the fridge.

- All dishes are loaded in the dish-washer and most nights I set it to delay start around midnight.

- I stock our room with extra baby essentials for the night - diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, blanket, outfit and socks.... just in case we have any accidents during the night. I also lay out his blanket and jammies (if he's not already in them) and move his bassinet close to my bedside before I bring him up.

- I bring up two cups of water and a midnight/3 AM snack for mama (most nights this is a granola bar, fig bar, or PB crackers).

- All toys in the family room are put away.

- Annalee is packed for Mimi's. Backpack, lunch and outfit ready to go.

We also wipe the counters down after dinner, put away leftovers, wash any dishes that are out and give the floor a quick sweep.

What's your nightly routine? Anything else you like to get done at night that makes your mornings a little more enjoyable?

Cheers to a great start to the day, and week, friends!