This past year has gone by in a blur. Time really does fly when you are raising a child. I thought I would let you in on just what goes on at Chez Vale while I am hanging out on the other side of the computer screen. Here we go, a day in the life...of me!
7:40 - 8:40 Wake Up Sleepyheads
My 14 month old "baby alarm clock" starts whining over the monitor. I listen to her coo and cry for a bit. Then I roll/fall out of bed and check my phone for any important {yeah, I'm checking my Instagram} emails that came in over night. I put my hair up in a messy pony and I wander down the hall and greet Little G. She likes to hang out in her crib for a while, pointing at the animals on her walls, knocking on her wall, pointing at her books and petting her lovey, Kitty. She really is not attached to any lovey, but we are trying to help her "friend" this pink Kitty. I sing Sheldon's "Soft Kitty" from the Big Bang Theory to her. She loves it!
We head downstairs for breakfast. Her current favorite is the Tyler Florence Sprout book, mentioned here, Sweet Potato Blueberry Pancakes with some milk. She munches away while I prep my favorite smoothie {recipe coming soon}.
9:30 - 12:00 Prettify & Playtime
If we're keepin' it real, most days are shower, wet hair pulled up, no makeup, jeans and a t-shirt. If we have to go out, makeup goes on. Then we run any errands that need to be done and plenty of playtime. In order for Little G to take a nice solid nap later in the day, I need to wear her out, so we do LOTS of playing.
12:00 Ladies Lunch
I am humbled to be a work-from-home mom. It provides me with the opportunity to make all her meals. We always have roasted vegetables in the fridge. That allows me to include them in pastas, mix in some chicken, throw some in soup, etc. TIP: buy the bag of pre-cut broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Toss on a baking sheet with some olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 350˚ for 17-20 minutes. Store for later use. I know it is not usually organic, but sometimes, convenience wins. Somedays the Husband drops in for lunch. We are lucky that he only works 10 minutes from home. Such a change from 2 hours away in Chicago. Little G LOVES to hear the garage open! She knows Daddy is home!
12:30 - 2:30 Wear the Bambina out!
Little G is not a great napper. She never has been. She is 14 months old and still crys when I put her down for a nap. Let's face it, I'm her lovey right now and she hates to be away from me. I have to play her right down into a nap. We play upstairs in her playroom, master bedroom and downstairs family room. WEAR. HER. OUT.
2:30 - 4:00 Naptime/House time
About 2:30 I start to see the eye rubbing and it's off to her room. Quick diaper change, pull the curtains, humidifier on for noise, read 3 books and put her down. Monitor on. Door shut. Crying for 5 minutes. Now I have anywhere from 45 min to 2 hours to get house stuff done. She is unpredictable with her naps, so I do not even attempt to do any design work during the day anymore. That was a rough adjustment for me. I usually check Pinterest, check in with all of my favorite blogs and prep any food for snacks or dinner during the week. I am in the kitchen a lot and I love it. It's the Italian in me.
4:00 Snacktime for the Chicks
She is slow to wake up, so we snuggle in the rocking chair in her room for a bit before coming downstairs for a snack. I know I am not supposed to give her sugar, but all the women in my family bake, including me. There always seems to be muffins, cupcakes or homemade bread and jam around. Right now she loves the Strawberry Mini Muffin recipe from the Sprout book. I also mix up snack time with some fruit smoothies {great way to make sure she has a variety of daily fruits} or store bought organic snacks to help her work on her finger foods and biting.
4:30 - 6:00 Play
Little G is right on the verge of walking, so we practice a lot. This is usually when I give her the most independent playtime. I think it is super healthy for her to do some daily activities without me. I catch up on TV {hello Ellen!} while she plays on the floor. The Husband comes home and we prep dinner.
6:30 - 8:30 Dinner and Family Time
This is my favorite time of the day. We prep, eat and play together as a family. Then the night may or may not consist of a very splashy super soaking baby bath. Then its night diaper, pajamas, fill humidifier, turn on night light and 3 books before bed.
8:30 - 11:00 Balance
Now I try my damndest to balance housework, freelance work and the husband. We catch up on our day, what is happening the rest of the week, watch tv together, snack on Haagen Dazs Caramel Cone ice cream {to.die.for.}. We head up to bed between 10 - 11. I am a person who requires 8 hours minimum of sleep...otherwise, it is not pretty.
My days are full of kisses, tight hugs, toddler giggles and milestones that melt my heart. I am happy to be back and happy to share a small snippet of our simple, peaceful life with you. Wish you could all stop by for some decaf coffee and some homemade cookies {we always have some!}. I would be happy to share.
{image credit Vale Design}
