When I watched his BFF Claire on Friday, the two of them gave me a little preview and it was way too adorable! Considering the fact that Chase spent last November’s performance on my lap after he spotted me in the audience, I have high hopes that his bravery has increased a bit over the past year and he’ll make it through the whole thing this time around. He’s been telling me that Dad, Baby Ryder, Sadie and I all need to sit in the front row because he’s “going to be a star.” At what point do we lose a child’s level of self confidence because I’m fairly certain that no one believes in themselves more than Chase when you ask him who is going to win a race between him and basically anyone. If only we all had that kind of self-esteem!
Yesterday was a pretty typical Tuesday around here and I managed to break out my camera and snap some pics so I could take you guys along for the ride.
Morning
After a pretty horrific night’s sleep that included three wake-ups to feed, Ryder was up for the day around 5 a.m. I tried my best to nurse him and get him back to sleep but he wasn’t having it. We recently transitioned him into the Merlin Magic Sleepsuit and it’s working well but Sadie stood right by his bassinet and shook her ears loudly at 5 a.m. so he was on high-alert and refused to go back to sleep. Couple that with his newfound ability to move his arms in his bassinet which he finds ah-maz-ing and there was no settling him back down.
Eventually I gave up and made my way into the kitchen where I set Ryder up in his activity jumper (BLESS THAT THING — it was Chase’s favorite and it’s proving to be a huge hit with Ryder, too) and made myself a cup of coffee with a thick layer of foam while I ate a few handfuls of granola.
A few of you asked how I make my coffee when I make it with my new Mixpresso Electric Frother and I honestly don’t do anything fancy! I just brew a single cup using my refillable filter in my Keurig and then add collagen to the black coffee. Then I pour coconut milk (from a can) and a splash of pumpkin spice Nutpods creamer (I buy this from Thrive Market) and fill it to the “max” line. Once the milk is heated and nice and frothy, I just pour it on top of my hot mug of black coffee and stir it slightly with my Koffie Straw before sipping away!
I drank my coffee and spent some time on my latest devotional before Ryder was fussy and ready for a nap.
While he was napping, Chase woke up for the day, so I got him dressed and fed and then the two of us read books together until Ryder was awake and Chase wanted to play with his little brother.
While Chase showed Ryder all of his baby toys, I made his lunch and then we headed off to preschool drop off. I debated going to the gym immediately after drop off but I could tell Ryder was ready for another nap and my stomach needed something more for breakfast than a few handfuls of granola. We headed back home and I put Ryder down for a morning nap and then made myself a big bowl of Pumpkin Paleo Oatmeal topped with sliced almonds.
I ate my breakfast while I worked on the computer which included scheduling social media shares, responding to a few brand emails + scanning and sending in a contract, beginning this blog post and corresponding with my ad network about a video ad issue.
Eventually Ryder was ready to nurse again, so I fed him and then glanced at the clock and realized I could probably squeeze in a quick Burn Boot Camp workout if I headed out after he was done eating.
I made it to the noon class and went through a leg tripod workout that looked like this:
Since I have a feeling a few of the exercises mentioned above may be confusing, here are a few tutorial links just in case you want to give the workout a try:
We also did a finisher that used the mini band and involved bridge press outs and it totally smoked my glutes!
My legs felt like Jello by the time the workout was done! I quickly picked Ryder up from childcare and then the two of us drove off to Chase’s preschool pickup. We made it just in time to scoop him up and head back home for lunch.
Afternoon
I’ve been re-plating whatever Chase doesn’t eat from his school lunch for his afternoon snack/lunch 2.0 and sometimes add an extra fruit or veggie and it’s been a great way to eliminate food waste since sometimes Chase is a one-bite kind of guy. Something about putting his lunch on a fresh plate and not giving him any other options usually works like a charm and makes me feel like I’m not making a million meals a day.
Chase ate his lunch while I read a few books and Ryder kicked and did a little tummy time. Once I had Chase settled in his room, I set Ryder up in the Rock ‘n’ Play in our bathroom while I showered. (Yes, we have two Rock ‘n’ Plays but we keep the one that doesn’t self-rock upstairs and more or less use it as a baby staging station in our bedroom/bathroom. For any expectant moms, definitely register for the automatic rocking Rock ‘n’ Play. Clearly we registered for the wrong one with Chase and ended up buying the right one when we realized our mistake.)
A hot shower felt amazing and once I was done, I nursed Ryder and put him down for a nap before reheating a bowl of leftover Easy Crockpot Chicken Corn Chili topped with some cilantro for lunch.
With Ryder and Chase’s naps overlapping, I took full advantage of a quiet house and worked on the computer again before breaking to make myself a matcha latte for a little pick-me-up and sipped it along with a cup of yogurt topped with cacao nibs and granola.
Evening
Once the boys were up, we spent the rest of the late afternoon and early evening at home doing the normal kid stuff. Ryan had just enough time to change into comfy clothes after he arrived home from work before he was coerced into building an airport with Chase and his MegaBlocks.
As for last night’s dinner, we went all in for Taco Tuesday and I made a batch of carnitas in my Ninja Foodi.
I uploaded a video of the process as part of an Instagram collaboration with Ninja Foodi so check that out if you’re at all interested in the Foodi or just want the carnitas recipe! They were amazing!!
After dinner, we got the absolute BEST news from Florida. Callie went home last night! We knew it was a very strong possibility so I was glued to my phone waiting for updates most of the day and seeing the pictures come through of Callie settled into her car seat and then peacefully sleeping in her Rock ‘n’ Play at home made my heart fill right up. My dad put me on speaker phone as my parents, Leslie and Ross all sat down to dinner together at Leslie and Ross’ place and I could just hear the excitement and joy in their voices.
Also, to those of you who have been praying for Callie and thinking of my sister, brother-in-law and their daughter, I want to say a huge thank you. We felt your love and your encouragement. I also really appreciate the respect I’ve received from you guys when I’ve been a bit vague regarding Callie and her care. While I tend to be an oversharer in this space regarding my own life, I felt a strong sense of protection over my sister and her baby girl and wanted to respect their privacy. I really appreciate the way so many of you fully understood and respected where I was coming from and opted to send us words of encouragement, prayers and kindness. We are so thrilled and so, so grateful she is home! I cannot wait to snuggle with my beautiful niece SOON!
And now on that great note, I’m off to get this Wednesday rolling and try to convince Chase to let me brush his hair for his performance at school. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!!!
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Love love love this time of year when things are going on in school with the kids! I get involved in everything…we’ve had a few things going on in my son’s kindergarten class and tomorrow we have a thanksgiving lunch that me and his little brother will be going too. The kids brought a few pieces of art I put up in the kitchen and some on our Christmas tree. I think it’s so adorable watching kids doing plays and celebrating. The older one will have a chorus concert in Dec. I try to take pictures but the kids are bouncing around all over the place. Hopefully I’ll be to get a few good pics during the concert 😉
It really is so fun and so cute! This feels like the first year Chase really understands the holidays which makes it even more fun! I cannot wait to see his performance today!
I am thinking of joining a gym and utilizing their childcare. Have you ever had a hard time with either of your boys crying when you drop them off? If so, any tips on getting them used to it?
Hi Lauren!! I was so nervous about this when I had Chase but I think a few things helped with our experience — first, I went to the gym a few times without Chase & met the women working in childcare. I introduced myself and said I was a bit nervous about bringing my son and they were wonderful and understanding and helped reassure me. Another thing i think helped was bringing Chase to childcare from an early age. (I actually did this in part because we don’t have family in the area and I worried that our kids would only want to be with mom & dad all the time & wanted them exposed to more people on a regular basis.) Chase was basically already used to visiting childcare at the gym regularly by the time he was older and could realize what was happening.
Oh and I would also add that there were a few times Chase cried but I always told the people working in childcare to please come get me if he didn’t stop crying soon after I left & he always seemed to settle. I think some tears are normal sometimes!!
So happy to hear Callie is home!!! Continued prayers for your sister and family! Hope you get to snuggle that baby soon!!!
Thank you, Michelle! I am just so happy for my sister and her husband and cannot wait to get down to Florida and see Callie within the next few days!
Thrilled to hear that Callie got to go home! Know that MADE your day! You are such a good sister-I’m sure she very much appreciates you protecting her privacy and family. It’s not been an easy time, no doubt.
Thank you — it was just the very best news! Answered prayers for sure! ?
So happy to hear the good news about Callie. She has been in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this update. Rejoicing with your family!
Yea for Callie going home. <3
Woohoo!!!! So very happy for your sister and husband that their baby is finally home!!! Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers for a healthy RSV and Flu season! Being a NICU mom myself, that first RSV season was very stressful. Hope you get to snuggle her soon!
Me too!!! Thank you so much, Jenn.
I’m SO happy to hear that Callie is home!!! Wonderful news! I was just wondering how she was doing, so I’m thrilled to read that. Thank you for sharing <3
Oh I’m so glad sweet baby Callie is home!!! God is good!! I hope Leslie and Ross had a good night’s sleep 😉 I’m sure they don’t care one bit though! Also, we totally keep a bouncer in our bathroom for the sole purpose of allowing us to shower and get ready! You gotta do what you gotta do!
That chicken chili looks delicious! And it’s so good to hear that your niece is home.
What do you use to schedule your social media shares? I’m also a blogger and looking for a way to schedule that stuff.
Tailwind and CoSchedule! They’re the best!!
Thank you!
Praise God baby Callie is home!
And the dog ear shake thing… the. worst. Wakes the baby every time! ?
She’s home!!!!! What joy!!! I have been thinking about Callie, Leslie and Ross often and am so happy for them. (And like the others, I totally understand you wanting to keep their privacy protected.). I know it’s not always immediately easier once babies come home from the NICU, so sending them all strength and peace as Callie continues to thrive on her own time and settles into her loving home.
Hooray for Callie coming home! I was just thinking about her as I started reading this post. I’m curious – how long are Ryder’s naps? My baby is about a week younger than Ryder and he is a cat napper – LOTS of 30-45 minute naps throughout the day. Also, I feel you on the frequent night wakings and 5 a.m. start to the day – I feel like I’m constantly tired these days. But it’s worth it. 🙂
Wonderful news about baby Callie, just in time for Thanksgiving. Continued prayers for her and your sister and husband.
Julie I’m so excited to hear the update about Callie!!!! <3 <3 <3 I can't even imagine how your sister and brother-in-law feel. Virtual hugs to all!
Yay for Callie going home!
Also, when the dog wakes up the baby… the WORST. You try so hard to not be mad at your first baby, but it sure is hard!
AAhh Ryder is so adorable! Also very glad Callie is doing well.
Also, I am all about crockpot meals so i cant wait to try Chicken Corn Chili!
So great to hear about the baby! A quick question – I also have a new baby at home who is 4 months old and I have been having the hardest time getting the energy to work out during the day. She just started sleeping through the night, but I am still exhausted all of the time! Maybe from breastfeeding? How do you come up with the energy to work out so frequently especially when you aren’t sleeping at night!?
Ahhh yay!! I’m SO glad to hear Callie has gone home! I’m a bit behind on blog reading and was catching up from oldest posts to newest posts, and when I was reading your post from Monday I wondered how Callie was doing. What a great surprise to read this one next and find out that she got to go home! The best news 🙂
Have you ever posted a baby/registry must-haves list? I tried to find something but couldn’t locate anything.. I know you mention products a lot so I am sure there is something on your blog! I am expecting my first and love to see what other mamas recommend!
yay! i’m so, so glad to hear about your niece and very happy for your sis and bro in law. all the love to them and lots of hugs and prayers <3
Do you have any tips on what helped you through the 4 month sleep regression? We are in it full force right now!