A Change in Schedule

Three months ago, my life changed dramatically (for the better).  The birth of Eliza introduced many new challenges but I’m learning to adjust.  Six weeks ago, I took on the role of a “Stay at Home Dad” coupled with being a full-time photographer.  Meshing these two roles has been teaching me a lot about time management.  I’m finding it’s vital to use my time wisely.  I have begun to establish a “structured” schedule for both Eliza and my photography business.  I’m discovering as much as I try to perfectly schedule my time, Eliza still runs the show.  In my prior life, I was a nightowl.  I really began to find my groove around 11pm at would work late.  However, that schedule is not conducive with taking care of my baby girl. 

I thought it might be entertaining to share a typical day for me.  My schedule is changing day by day, but it’s currently something like this:

• 5:30 or 6am – wake up Eliza to be fed.  While Em feeds her, I start the day by taking Zoe outside for a walk
• 6:30am – Burp Eliza while Em gets ready for work
• 6:45am – Put Eliza back down to sleep
• 6:45 or 7am – Start responding to emails and begin my work day
• 7-9:45am – Work, during this time I make sure to make a hardy breakfast in case my lunch is cut short or nonexistent.  I also make sure to get Eliza’s first bottle ready too.
• 9:45am – Eliza typically starts making sounds  so I run downstairs to warm up some water to warm up here bottle
• 10 or 10:15am – Start Netflix of the DVR and get ready to change a diaper.
• 10:15am – Grab Eliza for her first feeding. 
• 10:15-11:30am – Eliza plays on her pad and I “try” to work from my laptop
• 11:30am – Eliza goes down for first nap
• 12:30pm – Eliza generally wakes up unless I get lucky she might stay down for another 30 minutes.  I try to fit my lunch in somewhere here.
• 12:30pm or 1pm – Let Eliza play on her pad for a bit
• 1:30pm  – Change another diaper
• 1:30pm or 2 pm – Feed Eliza her 2nd bottle
• 2:30pm – More play time, maybe go out for a walk with Eliza
• 3-4:30pm – I find myself giving Eliza most of my attention and we play.
• 4:30 or 5pm – Em comes home and we make the handoff so that I can go back to my office and work.
• 5:30pm – Em and I tagteam taking Eliza and making dinner
• 6:30pm and on – Call clients, work
• 9 or 9:30pm – Get Eliza into bed
• 9:30-11pm  – Relax :- )

I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit tiring, but soooooo worth it!  Getting looks from Eliza like the ones below make it all worth it!