1. The master schedule. (and yes, I realize that I am organized to a point of nerdiness) :)
I have arranged my kids' schedules in a way that will make our days run more smoothly. For example, their "wake times" in the morning are staggered. Abel gets up at 6:45 and eats, then Israel gets up at 7:30 and eats, and then Ivy gets up at 8:15 and eats. So I will never have to feed two of them breakfast at the same time AND I get to have a little bit of individual time with each one of them during breakfast. Also, the schedule shows me during which of Abel's feedings the other two kids will be awake. When they are awake and I am feeding Abel, they will be doing either "blanket time" (Ivy) or "pack and play time" (Israel) in the same room with me while I'm feeding Abel. Basically, they just have to stay on the blanket or in the pack and play with a few special toys. Then I don't have to worry about them getting into things all around the house while I'm feeding Abel. (And they actually enjoy it.)
And one of my FAVORITE parts of the schedule is that all three kids' naps overlap in the afternoon for about 1 1/2 hours. That means I can take a nap then too, if I need to!
All that being said, I know that this schedule isn't set in stone. Anytime we go somewhere or someone comes over or whatever, the schedule has to be changed a little...and I am fine with that. I just like to have a basic idea of how an ordinary day is going to run. Hence, my master schedule.
2. The exersaucer.
Israel will still hang out in the exersaucer sometimes, and I LOVE that, because he is contained. :) He is at the age where he just crawls around and attacks or destroys anything he can get his hands on. So having him contained once in awhile is a blessing. :) (Thanks, Amy, for letting me borrow it for the summer!!)
3. The bouncy seat.
I'm not sure what I would have done without this little piece of equipment with all three of my kids as newborns. It is a lifesaver, for sure. All three of my kids have napped in this bouncy seat the first few weeks after birth.
4. The double stroller and the baby wrap.
These two items will allow me to take walks with all three kids. (Thanks, Sarah, for letting us borrow the stroller. And thanks, Rachel N. for introducing me to the wrap when Israel was a newborn!)
5. The yard.
My older two kids love being outside, and I know we will be spending a whole lot of time in our nice backyard this summer! Very thankful for it. It will be nice not to have to go down four flights of stairs to get outside. :)
6. The park.
Our "summer home" is only about three blocks from a really good park! We'll be spending lots of time there as well!
7. The Word.
This one is the most crucial. I am going to need more patience, love, joy, grace and gentleness this summer than ever before, I think. If I am not renewing my mind daily in the Word, this won't happen! Anyone reading this is more than welcome to keep me accountable this summer with being in the Word daily!
and finally...
8. The weekends.
I'm sure I will look forward to every weekend so much when I can have Aaron here to help me. :)
6 comments:
Call me some day when you are heading to the park! We'll meet you and we can talk a spell! :O)
Shelly
Good job on being organized. I don't know how you would do it if you wouldn't be. your doing great.
Grandpa Jim
I'll do that, Shelly :)
And Alisha, I wish you were close enough, too! :( And you're right...every three hours (and every four at night!). It's going really well!
And Dad, I think I get my organization from you (not that mom isn't organized!) :)
hah, well, yes you do get your organization skills from dad. But babies love schedules and you are doing great:)
love you
gma jan
Wow sis...you are amazing. I wish I could come over to help you this summer...but I actually think it would be more of a hindrance because if I come I have to bring 4 kiddos with me! We'll just have to go to mom's a lot:) Love ya!
Jill - You do a fantastic job with your kids - have a fun summer!
Grandpa Mike
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