Behind the Blog: A Day in My Life With 2 Kids

My days at home with my kids isn’t too unlike other stay at home parents. The days are predictable and unpredictable at the same time. It’s messy, entertaining, frustrating, and fun… and that is just Rissa’s point of view.

A glimpse into our days… (video)

Most days we get up between 8-9am. This generally consists of Rissa shouting “Wake up mommy!” while she bounces on the bed. Some days I peel my eyes open as Xander fusses, rooting and looking to nurse. Pre-breakfast meal.

The mornings are so jam packed. Bathroom, teeth brushing, hair brushing (Rissa hates that part), “don’t step on your brother,” “enough kisses,” “don’t poke his face,” and “stay out of the cat water!”

Welcome to the jungle (gym)!

Yesterday I found her using mine and Brian’s toothbrushes to brush her teeth and the cat… using the cat water bowl.

Then diaper changes and getting all 3 of us dressed. Breakfast can get crazy. Sometimes Xander will chill out in the Rocker Napper, cooing and smiling while I feed Riss and myself. Other mornings he is a ravenous banshee. Those days consist of “bar” breakfasts for us. (Granola bars!) Rissa’s favorite breakfasts on calm days are pancakes and smoothies. Too bad it’s usually cereal.

“Don’t put food on your brother’s head!”

At this point I’m trying to check email and social media, post a question on our Facebook fan page, and entertain both kids. If Rissa goes off to play or read on her own and Xander takes his morning nap, then I can crack open my laptop to work for a couple hours. Some mornings Rissa just wants me to read to her and other days I treat her to Netflix (so mommy can work). TV has become a rarer treat these days though!

1 little monkey jumping on the bed…

If they are both in a good mood, I invite them to record a vlog with me. (Not everything ends up here or on our YouTube channel).

Lunch comes quickly. Xander may or may not be content while I make us lunch and eat. On more than one occasion I’ve nursed while scarfing down my food awkwardly one handed. Otherwise I can use my phone while shoveling fuel into my mouth.

“Butt on bench, feet on floor.”

Every five seconds I must remind Rissa to sit down and eat or shield my plate like I’m in prison if I have something she covets… like chips.

Then it’s play time! Or chore time… depends how disastrous the house is and what kind of mood we are all in. Then nap time rolls around. I am often on my phone or laptop during this time. Usually my phone. Might even doze off for a bit.

Play hard, fall asleep hard… and in strange places.

I try not to wake either of the kids from their naps. They tend to do that fine on their own. Too many days I feel like I spend all afternoon trying to get X to sleep due to sister repeatedly waking him up. Those are rip-out-my-hair days.

Once they are awake I might do a little bit of work before daddy gets home or we do a mad dash to clean up as he pulls into the driveway. However, snack negotiations often take place now.

See? Not too exciting… yet fun and exhausting most days (especially now that I’m focused on creating my happiness).

What does your typical day look like?

Darcy Zalewski

Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.