06 February – The Whole Morning Routine Shebang
I actually woke up before the alarm today. Amazing. We went to bed early last night – just before 9 – because we were all sick. This morning, my fever is gone and though I don’t feel great, I do feel better. Mara seems better too. Joe still had a high fever when I got up, but the fresh dose of Tylenol did its work well. Today he is scheduled to go to a service school that ensures the shop keeps its Master Service Dealer status.
This challenge is supposed to be a little more than just getting up early every day, though that alone is sufficiently stretching for me. I’m working on establishing a good morning routine, one that will not only get me up at a consistent time every day and give me time to write, read, and pray, but also that will help us to get ready, have breakfast together, and get Joe on the road to work early so he can open up the shop before the technicians arrive. The shop opens at 9 and he is wanting to be there by 8:15.
Morning Routine
5:00 Up, Start Coffee, Dress
Write, Bible Study, Pray, Plan
6:30 To computer – Post on blog, check email
7:00 Wake J. (J. wakes and dresses M.)
7:15 Breakfast
7:30 Clean up kitchen; Prep food for the day.
(J. gets ready to go.)
7:45 Joe leaves; Feed R.
8:00 Maintain: clean, laundry
I can’t say we’ve had perfect success but definitely my consistency in getting up early is helping a lot. We’ve eaten breakfast, though sometimes running behind; Joe hasn’t always made it out the door by 7:45. But we’re doing better. We’re going through all the steps, but we’re still working on the timing. Of course, keeping a morning routine streamlined gets more complicated as more people are involved. Mine, after 6:45, involves my very much NOT-a-morning-person husband and two very little babies who can’t do much for themselves yet.
Can I just take this opportunity, however, to say that babies are so much fun? I heard so many negative comments and stories when I was pregnant with Mara, and then even more when I was pregnant with Robbie. People predicted dire stress, never again getting a good night’s sleep, years of frustration, not a moment to sit down, no time for myself, etc.
Some of that is true, yes. It is stressful when I’m nursing Robbie and Mara falls down and I can’t pick her up and cuddle her. I have definitely lost quite a few good nights of sleep. I’ve been frustrated when Robbie is fussy for reasons I cannot ascertain or Mara is pushing the line just to push it. And there is no such thing as a day off from being a Mommy. Even when we get our family to babysit and we go out by ourselves, I can’t help thinking about them and missing them and I love getting them back in my arms again.
However, what most people didn’t mention was how much fun they are, how rewarding it is to care for these little children that God let me help create. I love hearing Mara say, “Ma-ma, Da-da.” I’m fascinated by all the little expressions on her face and the sweet, playful personality she already displays. I love watching Robbie smile and coo and gurgle at me when I talk to him. I love cuddling with both of them. I love Mara’s chubby cheeks pushed up in a smile and Robbie’s long fingers wrapping around one of mine. I love watching Joe with them.
Children are a heritage, a blessing, a reward, a delight, a gift beyond price. Sure, there are difficult times and sacrifices to make. It’s so worth it.