In many cases, sleeping until just before 8:00 would be an excellent night! Dekker used to sleep until noon most every day, and in turn, I was SO spoiled with sleeping in for the first couple of years of his life. Then, when he was two years and one month old, his sister was born, and from the very beginning of her life, it was clear that even her newborn self did not need as much sleep as his toddler self did. Thus began Hailey actually having to wake up at normal times in the morning. (Fun fact! Dekker and Laela are 25 months apart, and Solly and Bambina will be the same gap!) This system of sleeping in, or letting some of the kids sleep in to a degree, was glorious! However, school wrecked that for us.
SCHOOL!!!! Gah!
This morning, I woke up feeling SO nicely rested! The temperature in our room was nice, the darkening curtains were letting in just enough light to wake me up slowly, and I hadn’t had any leg spasms overnight, therefore no residual aches from them. I felt good. Until I checked the time. It was 7:54. And of course, its a school day. For reference, we always aim to leave around 8:25.
All the squishy, slow, morning vibes were out the window as I bolted out of bed to go throw some clothes on. For some reason, yesterday, I laid clothes out for today. I never ever do that. Ever. But thank goodness I did, because I was dressed in seconds and racing down to the kids rooms.
I went into Dekker and Rowan’s room first. They were both super cute, still in bed, in good moods. I explained to them what had happened, apologized that we’d have to rush this morning, and told them how this morning would look different. Both boys were on board, so I quickly pulled some clothes out for Dekker and he started getting dressed while I snagged Laela from the bathroom and told her the same stuff. Solly was talking a bit in his crib, but was totally happy, so I left him be for the time being.
I made Dekker’s lunch while he finished getting dressed, and when he came for breakfast, we improvised. We scrapped cereal for a granola bar, which he was completely thrilled about. He threw back a cup of milk, some yogurt, and his vitamins. The other kids wandered over, and also got their vitamins.
Oh shoot! The other kids!
I finished making Dekker’s lunch and retrieved Solly. He stunk. I went to change his diaper.
Shoot! Rowan needs a diaper change, too!
Two little poopers were refreshed and changed into new pants because theirs were just perpetually stinky.
When I came back out into the kitchen, Dekker had finished his breakfast. We had less than ten minutes before we usually leave. But the biggest part was over. Breakfast takes this group forever to eat, but the younger ones were totally willing to wait until we got home, which helped a LOT. Dekker hit the bathroom after he ate, to pee and brush his teeth. While he did that, Laela and Rowan set the breakfast table in preparation for our return.
Dekker was ready to go! Except that his hair was nuts, so we fixed that.
Then Dekker was ready to go, but he had a yogurt moustache. He laughed at himself and fixed that, too.
Into the entrance we all went to get our shoes on! The usual chaos ensues, but its the chaos that I actually secretly enjoy – when EVERYONE wants to get everyone’s shoes for them, and they fight because they ALL want to get their own shoes. Today, though, everyone seemed on point and listened as their siblings shrieked about which footwear they wanted that day. Laela chose her most complicated sandals, but assured me she’s close the door behind her and come in a minute. Yay for independence!
Dekker ran ahead to the van, I walked with the little boys, and Laela came seconds later. Two kids buckled themselves in, I buckled in the other two, and got myself into the drivers seat.
Took a deep breath. Checked the time.
We were literally only TWO MINUTES behind the time that we usually leave the house! Not late at all!
We drove Dekker to school, checked the mail, and came back home. Everyone was still in good shape. They put their shoes away and headed right to the table. Cereal and milk were poured, prayers were said, and eating began. No one missed a beat. It seemed like I was really the only one that took a hit this morning. But seriously, forget my delicious wake up and restful night. I could fall asleep this very moment, thanks only to that ridiculous half hour.
Coffee is not helping…..