Now before you get jealous of this *actually so far* perfect morning lets take a few steps back.
Some of you guys have it figured out in the sleep department at your house..well we aren't great on that topic.
It started with Levi having apnea as a baby. Lots of wake ups and after a long night of alarms going off Levi would lay next to me and watch baby einstien videos and I'd catch a few more minutes. Then when Lennox would join that early riser a few years later, i would put them both in the stroller in the summers and go for a walk first thing in the morning. I have had early rising children and maybe a handful of sleeping all night for 7 years.. no matter what kind of night anyone had, no one cares lol. I have often marveled how to Lord has equipped moms to be able to take care of their kids and survive on such little sleep. It's like "oh, my fitbit told me I slept 3.5 hrs! Wow God thank you that I have energy today!" it's nothing less than a miracle.
You are right, there are all these tricks of how to help your kids sleep and keep your kids in bed until wake up time. And you know we have done a lot of those, and they do work! Then its like one is doing good and the next kid takes their 6 month cycle. Its not like we have had entirely horrible habits, but also the books don't tell you the desperation that causes some bad habits..you never mean for them..and I also know how to tell you how to get your kids to sleep and stay in their beds of course. But somehow with life, here we are.
The thing is, the list of I should do...I wish I could...I used to... I know I have to... is really long. And you know what, its pretty crippling too because you sometimes just don't move forward.
I am going to change gears from sleep, to tell you about other healthy habits I don't have figured out, but also we all know they are related to each other according to all the magazines.
Last night I was totally unhappy with my body, like Mike was like "what is wrong tonight?" and I shared through tears of how unhappy I am. I know it will get better..I am not lazy about this. I love exercise. But my body has had a rough go for a little while. The things that have really done a toll on me recently are 2 babies in 2 yrs(but also 4 in 7 yrs) hormone inbalance and an ankle surgery that I'm still recovering from. I really thought I wouldn't be saying that 6 months later. (Should I add to this list? Because my boohoo list if why it's hard is long and I think lots of moms have similar legitimate obstacles that make fitness a challenge) It used to just be a time issue and figuring that out. But now its like apparently I am older? and actual physical challenges that I have never experienced before. Its so humbling. So I am working hard at the gym in the last few months. I know its good even when i dont't see it as fast as I used to. Remember that one time when I felt like my tummy was flabby so I could do an ab work out and feel totally in shape the next day? Well that was a cute time of my life haha. Now its a new path called patience and endurance. Actually I need a tee shirt of that because that is the theme of my life.
You are right, there are all these tricks of how to help your kids sleep and keep your kids in bed until wake up time. And you know we have done a lot of those, and they do work! Then its like one is doing good and the next kid takes their 6 month cycle. Its not like we have had entirely horrible habits, but also the books don't tell you the desperation that causes some bad habits..you never mean for them..and I also know how to tell you how to get your kids to sleep and stay in their beds of course. But somehow with life, here we are.
The thing is, the list of I should do...I wish I could...I used to... I know I have to... is really long. And you know what, its pretty crippling too because you sometimes just don't move forward.
I am going to change gears from sleep, to tell you about other healthy habits I don't have figured out, but also we all know they are related to each other according to all the magazines.
Last night I was totally unhappy with my body, like Mike was like "what is wrong tonight?" and I shared through tears of how unhappy I am. I know it will get better..I am not lazy about this. I love exercise. But my body has had a rough go for a little while. The things that have really done a toll on me recently are 2 babies in 2 yrs(but also 4 in 7 yrs) hormone inbalance and an ankle surgery that I'm still recovering from. I really thought I wouldn't be saying that 6 months later. (Should I add to this list? Because my boohoo list if why it's hard is long and I think lots of moms have similar legitimate obstacles that make fitness a challenge) It used to just be a time issue and figuring that out. But now its like apparently I am older? and actual physical challenges that I have never experienced before. Its so humbling. So I am working hard at the gym in the last few months. I know its good even when i dont't see it as fast as I used to. Remember that one time when I felt like my tummy was flabby so I could do an ab work out and feel totally in shape the next day? Well that was a cute time of my life haha. Now its a new path called patience and endurance. Actually I need a tee shirt of that because that is the theme of my life.
I think about I need to get up early before Mike goes to work and add some more to my exercise routine.. then I think I used to be able to bring two babies in a stroller, now I have 4. He probably doesnt want to care for them while he's trying to leave for work..how do I do this? How early do I have to make this!!?(and I think its going to take at least an hour to get the girls out the door)
Ok another "need to" :
I need to spend time with the Lord, it is a need! And I do, and I crave it. But it looks different in this season of life, and i would be happy to share some tips that have helped me. But summer I am out of my usual schedule and just have so much extra desire for Him lately. I think about I need to start my day with the Lord.
So anyways.. all of this.
____
Here is the "YES"
_____
For years I have had people tell me get up before your kids. I love that idea.I always wonder what time that would be..4:30? 5? I don't want to!! When I do try, It is always suddenly joined with little feet( which is also sweet but defeats the quiet). I also realized recently that I have a better morning when I can wake up easy. Not with crying or someone needing something..just a little bit to ease in to the day. Its not so much that I don't like mornings because I actually do! I just am learning that I need an easy wake up. So I fight with my bed thinking it will help me, but it just prolongs it until I finally give in to just getting out of bed and joining the morning crew.
Each night I think about all of this as I lay my head down. I ask the Lord to help me with my health and how I really desire to wake up early and spend time with Him, and wisdom of how to spend time with my kids in a better way ect.
Here we are to today.
This morning I had one little girl who I brought in my bed because she's been waking up from teething,we fell asleep next to each other. A little while later her roommate joined us in bed and together they giggled at each other before the sun rose. Hazel didn't fall asleep until 11:30 last night so I have not idea why she is up, but this is just what she does.
I would have not really slept had i to stayed in bed, and the crying of putting them back to bed would have woke the other sleepers. Alright..let's do this.. I picked up two girls and we snuck out to the garage to put them in the stroller in their jammies, It's 6 on the weekend....
Here we go! A beautiful quiet walk/run..so much joy in my heart.
All these thoughts came:
-Even if this is a 20 minute exercise it is better than nothing, why do I always think it will take so long? It's always all or none.
-the boys don't need Mike to manage them in the morning, its ok that I just have the girls.
-I have been asking the Lord to help me with these things, and this looks different than what I thought it should or would look like, so I have put it off for a long time waiting for the stars to align
-I didnt have to get up at 4:30 to do this!
-The morning is beautiful, it was quiet, I spent amazing time with the Lord.
-im doing this!
I have had an easy wake up. God is always faithful when you ask Him to help you figure out your life, and He has given me an idea for today. I suspect this way will need to be re evaluated in a few months again, But TODAY these are things I could say YES to!
This song was playing on my walk, take a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ
I have had an easy wake up. God is always faithful when you ask Him to help you figure out your life, and He has given me an idea for today. I suspect this way will need to be re evaluated in a few months again, But TODAY these are things I could say YES to!
This song was playing on my walk, take a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ
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