I am a new single momma and have been using your tips and tools to establish routines for my new little family. I was honored with the privilege of assisting my son’s birth mom in his delivery – what a gift! Over the course of my adoption journey, I have been using your routines to make my home and my heart ready for the child chosen for me to raise.

I had to return to work this week and your routines have made the transition very smooth! Baby’s laundry is washed daily (how does someone so little create so many things for the laundry??) and mine weekly. I’m cooking on the weekend and pre-packaging my lunches and dinners for easy meals throughout the week – all I have to do is add a salad and/or fruit! The before bed routine has been critical for our success in the morning! Our clothes are laid out, diaper bag is packed for daycare (with the exception of the bottles labeled with his name b/c those are in the dishwasher), sink is shined, dishwasher running, coffee maker timer set, lunch packed and stored in the fridge, nighttime feeding supplies are ready, alarm is set and laundry is folded/put away. As I’m looking at the list, I can’t believe it only takes me ~15 minutes! I’m shocked that it’s so quick!!!

In the morning, I’m able to get both of us ready to leave (on time!) without stress!! I am trying to be up and ready (showered, dressed, makeup on, coffee poured into travel mugs – yes mugS!, breakfast eaten) before I get the baby up (or before he wakes up with a hungry tummy!). I can’t imagine how much more difficult this first week back would have been without these routines!

I don’t to the weekly home blessing all on one day – I just try to get all of the items done sometime throughout the week when the baby is dozing. Is my house super clean? Nope! Do I have all of the shower gifts put away? Nope! (baby showers were held after I brought my son home) Am I beating myself up about these things? Nope! I’m working on things a little at a time and am enjoying every snuggle with my precious son

Thanks!
Jennifer in Indiana