I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this very crazy and uncertain time. Just like many of you, my mood fluctuates with each day. With some meditation and a constant gentle reminder from my husband, I am continuing to tell myself “I can only concentrate on today”.

I figured with everyone staying home more these days given the current situation and extended social distancing order, which we fully support, I would share what a morning over here looks like. To be honest, not much has changed since we started social distancing back on March 12th, aside from the fact that we aren’t leaving the house. The mornings around here are pretty tame and I try to squeeze in some self-care before the day really gets started, because in my mind the day doesn’t really start until after Oliver’s first nap. Anyway, I’ll just take you through my morning, instead of rambling on…

6:30/7am Wakeup

Oliver has been waking up earlier these days. Not sure if it’s just a phase, but he’s usually rolling around and babbling in his crib at around 6:30. If he’s pleasant and happy, we give him a few minutes before going in to get him, which also gives us a few minutes to “wake up”. I wish I could say I get up before him and start my day, but I’m just not there yet. Maybe in a year…ha! I do try to take a few minutes for some stretching (even if it’s just in bed) and a moment of gratitude….look out the window into the yard…the sun always makes me smile. It gives me hope for the day ahead. All shit could hit the fan, but in that moment I’m happy and thankful for the two guys under this roof I get to start the day with. I take a  few deep breaths and go get that smiley baby…

For Oliver’s nursery decor, check out this post HERE.

7am-7:30am Time with Oliver

While I feed Oliver and get him dressed for the day, Rob gets coffee and breakfast going in the kitchen. Thank goodness! Oliver and I read a lot of books, play with blocks, and practice walking while exploring his room before we mosey into the kitchen for breakfast. Its our mama and baby time and although a lot of my morning (well daily) schedule may be devoted to him, I know it’s going to be bittersweet when he begins to get more independent.

7:30am Breakfast

We all sit at the table together with some music playing in the background. These days it’s a lot of Beatles, Dylan, The Band and some George Harrison solo records. All Things Must Pass has been very appropriate lately and it puts us in a good mood. A typical breakfast for me is granola with fresh fruit and oat milk. It’s a simple breakfast but keeps me full for the morning. I’ve been hitting the green tea hard these days or ginger turmeric tea each morning for their immune boosting qualities. Sometimes I’ll have a glass of orange too…again, doubling up on all the vitamins!

For living room decor, check out our living room post HERE.

8:30am-9:00am Tend to the House

While Oliver has some independent play time in the living room, I do my “chores” around the main living area where I could see him, sometimes he joins in on my hip. We water the plants, dust the bookcase, plan dinner, do laundry…ya know, all those super exciting things. 😉 If I didn’t do them during this time though, I would be a mess the rest of the day and feel like I’m playing catch up. I like to have a plan and be in control. When I’m not, something just feels off. Having a game plan helps me stay sane. Sometimes we go into the yard and check on the vegetable garden and water the plants. The weather has been so beautiful each morning, so I’m soaking these cooler mornings in before things heat up in the desert. It’s been very calming having the garden. Nothing has sprouted just yet, but we’re so hopeful. It’s nice having something to care for like that…something that will nourish my family and get us outdoors. It gives me a feeling of peace that I can’t quite describe.

Moon Lists Book | Jenni Kayne Slippers
(You can use code: CHRISTINA20 for 20% off anything on the site.)

9:00am Oliver’s Nap time/My workout time

Okay, this is my true “me-time”. When Oliver goes down for his morning nap, I usually take a few moments to check emails on my phone, spruce up the bedroom with Rob and then change into some workout clothes. I’ve been loving this set from Girlfriend. (They have way more colors on their site.) These Everlane leggings are great too – nice high waist. I have them in the olive color. (I think they run on the smaller side, if you’re interested in purchasing.)

Recently I started doing workouts from the Sweat app again and it feels so good! I used to do these BBG workouts by Kayla Itsines religiously before I got pregnant. I even got Rob hooked on it too and I don’t think we were ever in better shape than we were when doing the workouts from the Sweat app. They’re quick (around 20-40mins) and super effective. I like how they mix up the routine and it keeps my interest, along with using minimal equipment, so it’s been an easy work out to do at home while being quarantined.

10:00am Shower and Get Ready

After I get my sweat on — it seriously feels so good when I can get that in, I feel refreshed and thankful that I did something for myself…for my mind and for my body. If the rest of the day goes down hill, at least I know I am treating my body right and that puts me in a good mental space. I do some stretches, then start the shower. Sometimes I like to rub some essential oils in my hands and take a deep breath before getting in the shower. Eucalyptus and Frankincense are a few favorites for in the morning. Vitruvi has some amazing essential oils that are worth checking out. I always have their diffuser going throughout the day as well. I’ve gone back to Aesop shampoo and conditioner. It just makes my hair feel squeaky clean and I like the earthy scent. After the shower I douse myself in Everyday Oil, do my hair and makeup and get dressed. By this point, it’s usually 10:30ish or so and Oliver wakes up from his nap. Now it’s mom-duty!

Ozma of California Matching Top + Pants Set 
(You can use code: NEWDARLINGS15 for 15% off)

11:00 Enjoy time Outdoors as a Family

After Oliver wakes up and he eats, it’s our time to enjoy the outdoors together. Before the virus hit and everyone was advised to stay home, we typically would run our errands and go out and visit some of our favorite neighborhood shops during this time. Now we enjoy time together as a family in our backyard for hours on end. It took a little while to get used to, but then before we knew it five days turned into 10 days and then 15 days and it all became so normal. Time together outside has become extremely comforting and very enriching for all of us. We slow down, look at the trees, listen to the birds, get a kick out of Oliver to be honest. We throw down our Gathre mat (love how this round one can fit all of us so comfortably), we bring out an activity for Oliver, make a green juice and bring out some fruit. If anything positive has come out of this all, it given us an appreciation for the slow and all those special in between moments.

Everlane Top + Pants

So there’s a quick look at my morning routine. A small part of it is spent solo and when I first wrote this out, I felt a little silly. Rob read it back and once again, kindly reminded me, it’s a phase of life I’m currently in and the simplicity is beautiful and something to sink into and feel fully. Not every day is perfect. Not every schedule works out so seamlessly, but having some sort of structure, while being forgiving of the shifts and twists and turns, is extremely helpful and there’s something beautiful in it all.

I’d love to hear from you guys. What does your morning routine look like? Any other moms out there? New working from home routines? I want to hear it all. Hopefully we can all adapt a little something from eachother and inspire one another.

Shop the post: