Things felt comfortable before Jack was born. I could actually go to the grocery store without feeling like a walking train wreck. For me, that’s saying something. I like to think I knew what I was doing.
I was predicting my world flipped upside down when Jack got here + although I’m still trying to find my groove thang, we’re all breathing! It hasn’t been as crazy as I anticipated. I’ve been asked several times, “but how?!” So I thought I’d share a few survival mode tricks I keep inside my sleeve.
- Get up. Get dressed:
If I get myself dressed in the morning, I’m more productive. I don’t always like to believe it, but that’s just how I am. When I lounge around in jams, the minute I sit down to nurse Jack — zzzzzzzzzzz. Notice I didn’t say put on my make up? Lipstick, yes, but the rest isn’t a must in my book. Swapping into a fresh pair of leggings + throwing on my Kangaroo’s totally counts. I’m working on waking up before my kids, but haven’t had much luck there just yet. #embarrassing #nightowl - Get outside:
At least once a day. Fresh air is gooood for the new mama soul. This is where number 4 comes in quite handy, but if for whatever reason we haven’t gotten out by the time night falls, I enjoy sitting on the balcony with Jon after the boys go to bed. - “Special” Toys:
I keep a handful of toys (puzzles, magic sand, playdoh, magna tiles, etc) in the top of the closet. Safe/out of sight from The Big’s. We have quiet time in the afternoon + the boys get to take turns choosing their activity. Something about keeping them stowed away keeps the attention longer at our house. Hashtag: witching hour life hack!
- Bucket List:
You may have seen snippets from our #parrishfambucketlist on instagram, we loo-oove creating a new bucket list each season as a family. The activities don’t have to be huge or elaborate by any means, just something different than the mundane to get us out of the house more often. Something fun to look forward to after Jon gets home from work! Happy to share ideas if you need some. - Gratitude Journal:
I write down three things I’m grateful for every night. I started this when I was a Senior in High School. I’ve seen myself fluctuate during the years, but I feel a direct correlation between my attitude + my gratitude when I’m diligently looking for the blessings in my life. Tweaks my mind to focus on the things I’m doing okay, rather than the handful that I’m failing at. I’m obviously a journal writing advocate, so if you’re looking for a place to start, grab a Promptly Journal! I got one for Jack’s pregnancy + I’m really wishing I would have had one for both of the other boys! I might transfer thoughts from my other journals over so that they all have one. Call me crazy.
Note to self: AVOID THE GROCERY STORE without Jon AT ALLL COSTS!
Now if we could find a way to keep Jack in a brother-proof cage while I shower, we would all sleep a little better at night. We’ve had our share of close calls as we’ve gotten used to our new family dynamic, but luckily we’ve come out on top! SO FAR. The Brothers love on Jack reaaal good. As nervous as it makes me – – – I really wouldn’t change it for anything!
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Perfect post. I will start our bucket list today. Winter is coming and this will be our second one in our new town. The first one was rough so I’m consciously making this one better.
Awe! I loved reading this so much!! We have two boys and another on the way and I am toooootally preparing for the upside down! 😂🙈 Thank you for sharing!!! You + your family are the cutest! Love love it! 💛💛💛💛
Such a great read!! Thanks for sharing ❤️ Can’t imagine 3 boys …We have one and I question my sanity at times! haha.
Beautiful family!
Your posts always make me so happy! You have such a brightness and joy about you! I love how you uplift and encourage others! I’m new to the three kiddos group and its
tough! I’ve been trying to create a bucket list for weeks now! Tips??
Ginger! I’m loving the new blog layout and your new profile picture! So so so cute!
I would love ideas of the seasonal bucket list. Do you ever take a quick picture on your list for IG?
This last March I went from 2 to 3, he will be 7 months in a few days, I thought by now my days would be as flawless as they were before he arrived but nope, my days are still crazy and have not completely settled a routine. I too have been working on waking up before the kids and I do wake up before them BUT I stay in ned reading news or other things lol so that kind of defeats the purpose. Life is crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Im due with baby #2 in a few months, this blog is nothing but inspiring! Your amazing and I can’t wait to read your next post!!
Life changer for me has been ordering my groceries online for pickup at Walmart. Never was a big walmarter before but this device is the best. And their selection of organic produce blows target out of the water. Keep up the good work mama.
I absolutely love this post!!! I’m pregnant with #3 – unplanned but pleasantly surprised and very nervous hahaha I love the “avoid the grocery store at all costs” I already feel that way with 2 some days hahaha