Getting up before my daughters has been key to starting my day off on the right foot. This Bonus Hour – or sometimes more – has been just wonderful. I have time alone to read, write, and enjoy my coffee while it’s still nice and hot.
Does any mom out there finish a complete mug of coffee before it gets cold??
This morning a little darling decided to get up with me. As soon as I came downstairs to start my lemon water and coffee, I heard my one-year-old crying in the crib.
First reaction…argh.
Second reaction…change your perspective. Be thankful.
I have a beautiful daughter who is happy and healthy.
Her smile?? I cannot get enough of it.
I enjoy being with her. She is an adventurous climber. Seeing her eyes light up as she darts off to her next attempt brings a smile to my face. Every time. Then I must dart after her. Quickly.
She is testing out saying a few words. It’s so fun to encourage her.
She is also experimenting with a few really loud and obnoxious noises. Just testing out her voice. Hilarious.
I often read articles and stories about little ones who are sick. Or parents who have lost a child. This has even happened in my family. I often get a lump in my throat. It’s such a perspective changer for me.
I then want my girls to be up. I want to spend time with them. I want to put away my work or chores or my time. I want to hug and cuddle them and be thankful that God has given my husband and me two sweet girls to care for.
So yes, that means lost ME time this morning. But it’s not just about me. I can try again tomorrow morning. Today? I will be hanging out with my sweet girl.
I decided to make the most of my mornings by creating an early morning wake-up habit. Read all about it here: How to Enjoy an Early, Joyful, and Productive Morning.
Stop by to see where I link-up my posts each week: Link-Up List
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Emily says
Ha! One day last week I drank a cup of coffee all the way through for the first time in months! My son is 11 months old and is an earlier riser, so it is difficult to get up before he does. You are right, thankfulness is a great way to start the day out right especially when things don’t go the way we planned. Children are such an important gift to be thankful for!
admin says
Congrats on drinking a cup of coffee while it’s hot. Ha! Drinking a cup all the way through is wonderful! Now that I started getting up earlier than my girls, I get to do that much more often. Thankfully they aren’t usually early risers. :)
Yes, much to be thankful for!
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace says
The same thing happened to me today as well. My daughter woke up even before my alarm went off (and it’s set an hour or so before she usually gets up). But instead of being upset and frustrated, I brought her downstairs and had quiet time with her. I love that. Glad you were able to change your perspective and see the positive.
Thanks for sharing on the Shine Blog Hop!
Ruthie Gray says
“Beating the kids up” is how I often referred to it. Oh, how I remember the days. Euphoria when I made it up before them (plus coffee), aggravation when a kid got up with me. Now that I’m experiencing near empty nest syndrome, I wish I hadn’t been so annoyed. Hard to have the perspective in the moment – oh, how I remember it – and yet, take a deep breath, remember how much those little ones mean to you, and hug them tight. Another chance will come tomorrow, you’re right! Great post of encouragement!
admin says
Euphoria vs aggravation…that is about it!! I try so hard to keep the perspective as I know one day I will wish I could jump back into the days of little ones getting up early. Sometimes I have no trouble when reminding myself…sometimes I’m just too tired.
Thanks so much for writing and sharing your memories on “beating the kids up” in the morning! ha ;)
Keri says
So wise to change your perspective! That is a game changer when you start doing that!
admin says
Yes, it is so helpful!! But not always easy. :)
Sarah says
I’ve given up trying to get up early – but I always make time to give thanks! I love reading the Psalms when I have a moment through the day. And NO – I never finish a cup of coffee before it gets cold. :) Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Talk! I’m giving away FIVE copies of one of my favorite books. Feel free to stop by to enter to win!
Sarah (co-host)
admin says
That’s great that you still make the routine of giving thanks every morning! That must help to start your day off on the right foot.
Michelle says
I still love mornings up before everyone else. My time to get a head start on the day. I have to be honest, I’m a bit spoiled now not having little ones to take care of so early. UNTIL, the grandbabies visit…then I know not to schedule my time because they are up at the crack of dawn. Okay though, because they eventually go back home and quiet reigns again. Almost to quiet!
admin says
Even when I enjoy the morning quiet, I’m sure I will some day miss the morning wake-up time! I’ll try to appreciate it.
Yes, I’m sure it gets too quiet once they leave. My mom says the same thing. :)
Sabrina says
This is SO true! I find the days when I wake up early and embrace the day rather than trying to race through it are so much more enjoyable and I see the blessings!
Michelle @ It's the New Twenty says
Ok, this post almost makes me want to cry (Thank you pregnancy hormones). I am expecting twin girls this summer and am already so in love and cannot wait to spend time with them. I hope the feeling continues and I will definitely keep the thankfulness in my heart when I am tired and missing my “me” time!
admin says
Thank you for sharing. Congrats and enjoy your little ones this summer!
JES says
This is so true! Great reminder!!! Thank you for sharing it on the Art of Home-Making Mondays.
P.S. As I type this, my coffee is already cold too :)
Whitney Jordan says
Such a sweet perspective. I love the quote… Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work. It always helps me keep things in perspective when things don’t go as I’ve planned.
admin says
Oh yes. That is a great quote!! CS Lewis, I believe?
Tiffany says
Hi Emily! Thanks so much for linking up with us at #100HappyDaysBloggerChallenge! I loved reading this story and I love how sweetly and sincerely you shifted your perspective. I used to love getting up before my gang of kiddos, but once they all caught on and started getting up earlier and earlier, I just got frustrated and gave up! You have given me new motivation to try again, and enjoy the “interruptions” of this season! I also signed up for your newsletter, I’m excited to see what those 7 habits are because I’m sure I need them, lol. Thanks again!
Blessings,
Tiffany
Emily says
I am happy that my girls haven’t caught on! They did for a few weeks, and I was worried.
I hope you found the 7 habits helpful! Let me know how it works for you. :)
Tiffany says
Hey girl, just wanted to let you know this post is being spotlighted on our 100 Happy Days Link up today! Be sure to stop by and grab a bage for your blog if you like, and link something else great!
Blessings,
Tiffany
Emily says
Thank you so much for the feature!! I appreciate it. :)
Valerie says
I have been in those same exact moments. My first reaction is the same, argh (especially since I set the alarm to get up before everyone). But I love the encouragement you give to change your perspective and be thankful. Especially when we remember the loss others have faced. I read the FB post you shared last week and bawled! But you are so right. Our children are gifts. As important as my time in the Word is..living the sacrificial love that puts “my time” aside and enjoys the changing moment to love my child is what counts. God bless you! And thank you for your support and linking up with #100happydays.
Emily says
Yes, Valerie. Our children are such gifts! The article ( http://www.today.com/parents/moms-heartbreaking-stillbirth-story-reminder-parents-cherish-kids-t48791 ) and the pictures reminded me just how precious life is. And that I have so much to be thankful for.
kate says
Wow!!! I needed this today. SO MUCH!!! Thank you for linking up at 100 Happy Days!! I do hope you’ll come again.
Marie George says
:: sigh :: I try so hard to change my perspective, but I’ve been trying so hard to wake up before the girls (I have a 3 and 2 year old) and the earlier I wake up, the earlier they wake up. They have an instant radar and it’s so tough. Not just for a morning routine, but just trying to get dressed without one of them getting into something they shouldn’t or crying or whining. It’s painful to wake up to chaos every day! I am trying to figure out a routine that will give me at least a couple minutes to actually wake up before they storm into my room so I don’t feel this immense agitation, or try to find a way to make them PART of my morning routine. I really hope!
Emily says
That is hard when they wake up even earlier just because you do! I was thankful that didn’t happen. Do your girls sleep with any sort of sound machine or fan? My girls have a fan in their room and I think that helps so they don’t hear me wake up.