back to work + my insane morning routine

Here we go!  Back to work!

After three deep freeze snow days last week, school is finally back in session.  It was very hard leaving the boys at the babysitter's but I knew they were in good hands.  There was no crying or pouting from this Mama - I was ready to get things moving back at school.

Last week Jeff and I did a "trial run."  I went in to grade my exams so it was the perfect opportunity to test our new world of two-kids-and-trying-to-get-out-the-door.  That trial run was nuts, and I didn't even get myself showered and ready!  I knew then that I'd have to wake up before everyone else (5 AM) to ensure that I can have myself pulled together - it's very important to me that I look dressed and styled.  No wet buns and flip flops from this teacher.

The real deal came last Thursday and everything worked out pretty well.  It's amazing how easy it used to be having Patrick ready and out the door before we had a baby.  Now I'm factoring in feeding, changing and holding an infant.  It's quite the juggling act.  The key to my three successful mornings has been packing everything the previous evening:  the diaper bag (fresh clothes, fresh blankets, fresh bottles) as well as my school bag (clean pumping supplies) and lunch bag.  My lunch bag goal is to make something on Sunday that I can eat the entire week.  Last week I chose to chop up everything for a salad (romaine, grape tomatoes, banana peppers) and I made a pot of white chicken chili.  This way I can have my lunches at school on Monday and not have to re-pack each night.

Here is my plan of attack each morning:

1.  Get myself up and ready - hair & makeup.
2.  Get Patrick dressed, hair brushed, teeth brushed, face washed.  He also likes a banana and a cup of milk while he watches Wow Wow Wubbzy on the computer.
3.  Nurse Connor, change his diaper and get him dressed for the day.
4.  Attempt to spend 15 beautiful minutes of quality time with Jeff and the babes.
5.  Start cars.  (By the way, my dad got me a remote start for Christmas - how amazing is that?!)
6.  Grab all the bags, give hugs and kisses and we're out the door.  I am lucky enough to have a husband that takes both kids to the babysitter which allows me to focus on my day of teaching and get to the school a little early.
7.  We did it.  Pure awesome-ness.


P.S. - my outfit inspiration