Routine with 2

Is a routine with a newborn and 2 year old toddler even possible?

I'm here to tell you it is! Believe it or not!

When I had Asher, as a first time mom, I had no idea how to get him on a routine. I read books, talked to other mom's, and tried a few routine schedules. Nothing seemed to work. Asher was a very difficult baby.

It took awhile but between 4 to 6 months we finally starting perfecting a routine.

Aubriella is just over a month old and for the most part we are in a pretty good routine. Some days are more successful than others, but everyone is still adjusting. 

I remember the morning my husband went back to work. (He was only off for 5 days with us. ) I got up with my husband and showered, made coffee, washed bottles, and got a few things ready for the day. I sat there in the bed thinking there is no way this is going to go smooth with 2.
 
I heard the door from the kitchen to the garage shut and knew in 30 seconds the house was going to fall apart. To my surprise it didn't. Aubriella and Asher were both still sleeping. Where is the chaos now that daddy left?

There are a few things I did before the arrival of Aubriella that has made our lives so much easier with 2! Check out my other blog posts!

Before Baby Freezer Meals

Prebaby Stockpile List

During the day there are 2 routines that go on.

Pumping Routine:
Getting on a pumping schedule is one of the best things I did. I was all over the place first time around. This lead to engorgement and always being uncomfortable.

I produce a lot of milk. I mean A LOT. I will nurse and then pump afterwards.
I will soon be going back to work so a pumping schedule is exactly what I need.
I pump at:

• 6am
• 10am
• 2pm
• 6pm
• 10pm
• 2am

I try to stick to this schedule, but sometimes life happens and it doesn't go this way. If I am due to pump but Aubriella is awake I let her nurse first and then pump.

My Routine/ Kids Routine:

We tried to keep Asher's routine the same as it was before Aubriella was born. Somethings haven't changed but other's have. Also Asher not going to the sitter is throwing him off. He soon will start going back and I think that will help him even more.

• Getting up before the kids:

I know this is hard, especially when you are sleep deprived, but by doing this it makes the start to the day so much better!
I get up at 6 am, pump, SHOWER, make coffee, wash bottles, & write out my "To Do" list for the day.

• Morning Routine:

Once the kids wake up around 6:30- 7am we first start with diaper changes and getting dressed for the day. Asher gets his milk and gets to sit on the bed and watch TV while I nurse Aubriella. After everyone has had their morning milk we go down into the playroom. Aubriella works on tummy time and plays under her play mat while down there. Asher will play with his cars and draw on the chalkboard. Around 9 am we come back upstairs. I get Asher breakfast and Aubriella another bottle. (She eats just about every 2 hours) After breakfast Aubriella takes a morning nap. Asher and I head back down to the playroom for a "learning play session". The night before I will get a learning activitiy together or we work on our colors, shapes, ABC's, and counting. Whatever it is I try to teach him something. Once Aubriella wakes up we come back upstairs for a snack and another bottle.

• Nap time

Typically I can get them to nap at the same time. Which is amazing! After snack & bottle we unwind with a book and I put both to bed around 11:30- Noon.  They usually sleep until 2-3pm. Which is a great chunk of time to do laundry, wash more bottles, take care of bills, tidy up and even catch up on some shows!

• Afternoon Routine

Once both kids are awake we have lunch/ bottle. We then play outside until daddy gets home. Weather permitting. If its a rainy day we go back down to the playroom. 

• ​Evening Routine

Once Adam is home between 4:30-5:30pm, he continues play time outside so I can prepare dinner. Aubriella takes another nap. We then all come inside and eat. After dinner we try to get out of the house. We will take the kids for a walk, to a playground, or run errands. Sometimes we just hangout in the backyard because we have a pool and playground.

• Bedtime Routine

Once we are back we get the kids ready for bed between 7:30-8pm. We do bathtime all together and then Adam finishes getting Asher dressed for bed and I'll get Aubriella ready. Everyone gets their bedtime milk and Asher gets to watch TV. We lay the kids down between 8:30-9pm.

Adam & I then do our "chores" once the kids go to bed. Finish laundry, do the dishes, empty trash cans, tidy up, or bills. 

So far this routine has been working out great for us! I will soon be heading back to work so I'm sure we may need to revamp the schedule just a little.