The night before (no not Christmas).

Does your morning feel like a game of speed as you shower, dress, pack lunches, the diaper bag, warm up the car, wake up the kids? Oh and don't forget coffee so can you stay awake all day. Or is it such a rush you forget things and really don't know what your morning is like, you're just happy if you make it out the door by 7:30? If you say yes to any of these I'm here to tell you: you are not alone.

However your morning goes I'm hear to tell you there is hope! It is called: the night before. 

Both my husband and I have been working full time since our now 3 year old turned 1. After forgetting to pack essentials for our days away from home I've learned a few things. First of all, without preparation I'd surely continue to rush out the door and leave behind a shoe, lunch or worse. (no one is perfect and occasionally I forget to pack salad dressing or a fork for R.) I can chuckle now knowing my husband has creativity to figure out how he will shovel in his food, even if it means using a cup for a spoon.

When I started setting aside time the night before for things that I would normally do in the morning I felt a huge change. I wasn't rushed or stressed as I grabbed my purse and Es hand to go out the door. 

Here is my list of everything you can do the night before: 

• Set out your outfit and Moms: decide what you want to do with you hair.
• Pack lunch. Time saver alert: If there is leftovers from dinner pack those for lunch the next day. 
• Pack the diaper bag with extra diapers, outfit and appropriate attire for the current weather.
• Put diaper bag, winter wear, etc. by the front door. Not in the kids room, laundry room or other random place where you will have to go searching.
• If you are like me and carry your half awake child to the car throw their shoes/boots in the bag too.

• Pack your bag with anything you'll need through out your work day. I always put my most recent craft project in just in case. I never know when I will have a spare minute on my lunch break to crochet or loom. 
• Set out your coffee/tea mug. 

• Get the sippy cup and snack ready. I decided to pre-pour juice and or milk into a sippy cup and leave it in the fridge so it would be ready to go too. I put a healthy snack in a ziploc bag for E too. 2 more things I don't have to do in the morning. 

With all of these things to do no wonder why we're always running out the door late. But, I'm not a huge fan of late or running so that's why I do them the night before. I hope they help you're morning routine. If you have anything to add to the list I know a lot of career Mom and Dad's would appreciate the advice.

Until next time.

So greatful.

Another week has gone by in the blink of an eye. The cool weather that has been rustling the Grand Haven trees reminds me of my favorite time of year. And I can't help but feel a little nervous (and very excited) when I think of October. I almost feel as though I should stop counting down the days til it arrives. Maybe then time will slow down just a little bit. Then again I have such anticipations for all that is on its way I wish it was here already.

October, this year, means so many things. Not only am I looking forward to Fall decor, autumn scented candles, leaves covering the ground, pumpkin patches and scarves. But the birth of baby E and our anniversary. These events will make this time of year a time to celebrate. I feel like a kid again. Eagerly awaiting what's to come. My anticipation makes me want to jump up and down (If only I could).

Everything is going really well with the pregnancy. Well, atleast I can't imagine it going much better. My chubby feet are currently propped up on my coffee table and my belly feels stretched to its limits. But, I'm so glad to be home, writing and resting. I've had a light headed feeling on and off for a couple weeks now. My midwife says it is normal, which it definitely doesn't feel like normal and other than getting lots of iron, protein and vitamin c I have to sit and wait for it to pass. So, I eat only foods that are rich in these vitamins and have much benefits to my body and the baby.

And speaking of her, as I always do: We are officially prepared. All thanks to the women in my life. Ryan's Mom surprised us with a beautiful crib. It will turn into a toddler bed and then a twin bed when baby grows out of that! My mom insisted the crib needed a bumper so we found an ordable bed set for $35 (originally $70)!! She also got me a baby book that I have already started filling. My sister, Kacey, knew of a thrift store that turned out to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! She purchased a bassinet (for $20), which is the one thing I REALLY really wanted for the baby. And Trina found a car seat in perfect condition for only $35. Did I mention the bags of clothes we found. 10 outfits for about $20! I'm so glad my family enjoys thrift shopping! Without these excellent deals we wouldn't be blessed with as many adorable things for the baby. Now she just needs to arrive to use them all!

I want to thank all the people for their gifts, words and love. I'm slowly working on thank you gifts and cards but I want to tell those of you who have given your time and effort to us I am more than greatful. I feel rich because of all you have done. I know this journey wouldn't be as bright and wonderful as it is with all of you in my life. Thank you.

Keep loving.