Life With a Newborn, One Month In

I admit, I’m a task master. I make lists in an effort to keep our family of five organized. Ok, ok. Full disclosure: I feel a sense of satisfaction when tasks are accomplished and I get to cross them off my list.

Running a household requires checking off an endless (and often repetitive) stream of tasks. Children to get to school, homework to complete. Meals to prepare and dishes to wash. Floors to sweep/mop/vacuum. Bathrooms to scrub. Cars to maintain. Bills to pay... you get the idea.

Add a newborn to the mix and most days are considered a success if everyone is clothed, fed and well-rested.

That said, yesterday was a GOOD day because:

• Baby was not fussy. (That alone has the power to swing a day.)
• Baby was bathed and napped for solid hour-long stretches.
• I went grocery shopping sans children (thanks Matt!) to replenish our dangerously low milk, fruit and veggie supply.
• I exercised and showered.
• Two loads of laundry were washed, dried, folded and put away.
• For two out of three meals I was able to sit down, chew and enjoy my food. (Better than skipping meals or gulping down whatever I can grab.)
• Before dinner, Jo and CoCo worked together to pick up their toys and put them where they belong.
• Matt taught Jo and CoCo to play a new board game. After playing one round they swiftly (without complaint) went to bed.

What determines a ‘good day’ at your house?