Before I had kids, I was nothing if not a morning person.  Morning was my most productive time of the day and the earlier I got up, the better!  In fact, when Chad would have to leave for work at 4 am, I would stay up after he left and clean the house before I went to work.

But now I have two alarm clocks in cute little pint-size bodies.  They get me up all night long and then insist on getting up for the day far too early.  Needless to say, I don’t get much done in the mornings anymore.  Especially since night-time is now my most productive time, since it’s my only alone time!

But, like it or not, I have to hit the ground running in the mornings.  For several months after Kelvin was born, I struggled with getting through the whole breakfast/clean-up/getting dressed routine before noon without someone or everyone melting down.  Then I discovered the benefits of preparing for the day the night before…which is perfect because that’s my most productive time anyway!

Here’s what I make sure to do every night:

1. Unload the dishwasher.  I run it after supper and unload it after the kids go to bed.
2. Get Kelvin’s meals ready.  Since I make my own baby food and have it stored in the freezer, I just get out the food he’s going to eat that day and have it in bowls in the refrigerator all ready to go.  All I have to do is heat it up!
3. Fill up the kids’ sippy cups and pour a cup of milk for Ava (stored in the fridge, of course).
4. Set up the coffee pot.
5. Clean up the downstairs.  I wipe the kitchen counters with Clorox wipes, pick up the living room and sweep the floors.  Coming downstairs to a messy house really puts a damper on the morning!
6. Check the weather and lay out clothes.
7. Take my shower.  Even if I don’t do any of the rest of these things, this one is the most important.  If I tried to squeeze in a shower every morning, I’m sure it wouldn’t happen most days!
8. Fill out my Daily Docket.  (Thanks Simple Mom!).  It’s good to have an idea of what our day will look like and what activities we’ll be doing, whether we’re going to stay home, run errands or go to the park and play on the swing sets!

Yes, it’s a lot of work at night, but it makes the mornings run so much smoother!!!  And a smooth morning paves the way for a great day!!

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