Schedule

Since Joash's birth, I've not really followed any rigid schedules as I prefer flexibility. I only go by the wake-food-play-sleep routine. Thank God Joash has no problem eating or sleeping outside so I've been blessed enough not be a slave to my baby's routines. But we somehow have settled down to a sort of rhythm that seems rather predictable each day. Here's my so-called "schedule" now:

6am
Joash wakes up. Joshua will be the one greeting him good morning and feeding him breakfast since he has to prepare for work anyway. I'll wake up and take over when he leaves for work. My breakfast only consists of a glass of milk.

8am
Start of my work day. Joash will be left alone with his toys while I do my chores and cook my lunch + dinner for Joshua and I. I eat the same thing twice every day. That's how lazy I am. :P On normal days, I only need to check on Joash once in a while. But when he is fussy, I'll have to be more creative in keeping him contented by letting him play with something novel or continuing some part of my chores while carrying him. That's how I get my biceps... heh heh...

1030am
Joash's morning nap. The time can vary actually. I never put him to bed if he does not indicate that he is sleepy. There will be no fuss at all if I only let him nap when he is ready. 80% of the time, he'll just sleep after a short prayer if he is really tired. The rest of the time, he'll just protest for a couple of minutes before drifting off to dreamland. While he naps, I'll prepare his lunch and do the more intensive chores like ironing or mopping the floor or washing the toilet.

1100am
Joash usually naps about half an hour. After which, we'll both have lunch. He usually waits for me to finish my lunch while playing with the plastic fork and spoon (or the cooled teether). But when he becomes really fussy, I'll take my lunch into his room. (Definitely not my first choice but there are just such days...)

12pm
Then we'll have quality time together (reading, praying, playing with toys or simply have fun together) Sometimes we will go out in the afternoon to run errands or meet up with my friends who are fellow mothers.

2pm
Joash's afternoon nap. This is the probably the only time in the day that I'll have some rest. On fussy days, I will use this time to complete any unfinished chores. If we are still out, he might delay his nap-time since he is always so excited to meet people and see new things. He can sleep just about anywhere. (in the pram or on any safe flat surfaces like sofa or comforter)

230pm
Joash's tea-break which is milk.

230pm-5pm
This is the period when Joash may get a little cranky. On good days, we'll watch the "Your Baby Can Read" video and just hang out in his room. When he gets fussy, we'll go out for a walk. On worst days, I may have to carry him for hours before he is contented! (Thank God these days are not that frequent) During short segments of free time when Joash can play by himself, I'll prepare his dinner and heat up our dinner.

5pm
It's time to pack up his room. His room will be in constant mess the whole day with toys and books strewn everywhere. I am looking forward to the day when Joash can learn how to help me pack the room instead of competing with me who's faster: Me, clearing up his mess or him, taking out the toys again.

6pm
Joash has his before-dinner milk.

630pm
My husband returns from work and we'll all have our dinner together. On days when Joshua comes home late, I'll proceed without him.

730pm
Joshua will bathe Joash while I brush his teeth and wash the dishes. If Joshua's not home by then, I'll do everything. Sometimes, my husband will help me with the dishes out of love for his tired wife. *swoon*

8pm
Joash's bedtime. And I'll knock off too! (Yippee!!!)