Brenda is a stay-at-home mom of two boys (Riley, 3, and Elijah, 1). She works part time at the Nappy Shoppe, a North Texas cloth diaper store, and recently started the DFW Cloth Diaper Group. She and husband Ryan, a compressor mechanic, have been married for four and a half years. They currently live in The Colony.
5:20am Ryan’s alarm goes off way too early. As I wake up, I realize Elijah slept all night! Last night was night three of night weaning him. Despite my excitement, I roll over and go back to sleep while Ryan gets ready for work.
6:43am I hear Elijah fuss, but he goes back to sleep after nursing and some cuddling. I try to take advantage and get some more sleep, but I’m already thinking about our day and am wide awake.
7:40am Riley comes in to let me know he’s awake, and we go cuddle on the couch.
8:15am I’m amazed that Elijah is still asleep. I cut up an orange for Riley and start making some cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
8:39am I throw Elijah’s cloth diapers in the washer. Still amazed that he is asleep! Then Riley and I enjoy our yummy breakfast.
9:06am Riley and I start getting ready for the day, even though E is still asleep (he must be completely worn out from our museum trip yesterday!).
9:27am Elijah finally wakes up, just in time for us to finish getting ready. I think this is a record for him—he has never slept this long!
10:09am Check mail, then leave for a playdate.
Noon Post playdate, sit down at Riley’s favorite restaurant, IHOP.
12:51pm On our way home I remember I need to return an outfit Elijah got two of for Christmas. Really hoping it’s not clearanced out now, but doubtful.
1:09pm Get in the car to head home after exchanging the now-clearanced outfit for dinosaur jammies for Riley and monster house shoes for Elijah. As I’m getting Elijah in his car seat I realize he has left me a “present.”
1:16pm In the car again, with a freshly changed little boy.
1:40pm Arrive home and immediately nurse Elijah and lay him down for a nap. Put the clean cloth diapers I washed earlier in the dryer; I wish we had a clothesline!
2:02pm Play some board games with Riley. Wish I could take a nap, or that Starbucks made home deliveries.
2:48pm While Riley watches his favorite show, I check my e-mail.
3:15pm Elijah wakes up. I change his diaper and cuddle with the still-sleepy boy.
3:53pm Take Elijah’s temperature since he feels warm; he has a 101-degree fever. I think he’s getting an ear infection. I make the call to his doctor to see if he can get an appointment for tomorrow. Give Elijah some infant Ibuprofen to help with his fever.
4:30pm Riley’s hungry (surprise surprise!). Get them a snack of orange slices and string cheese while I attempt to do the dishes.
4:48pm After a little “help” from the boys, the dishwasher is loaded and running. Now Riley and I take turns reading books to each other, while I tell Elijah not to eat them.
5:10pm The boys are playing with their toys. I love watching them play together! Riley is such a sweet big brother—so kind and thoughtful. I love how Elijah looks at Riley, trying to figure out how to do everything like him. I feel so blessed, especially in small moments like these.
5:35pm I start dinner (pan-seared steaks, green beans and steam-in-the-bag vegetable medley) while the boys stack canned goods on the kitchen floor.
6pm I sit down to dinner with Riley and Elijah since Ryan is just on his way home. I love how Riley takes a bite, then grins and exclaims, “Riley likes broccoli!” He did this for every bite he took during dinner.
6:23pm Done with dinner; the boys are playing with their Weebles treehouse. I decide to take advantage and put away Elijah’s diapers that have been waiting for me in the dryer. Riley decides to help me.
6:35pm Reading again with the boys while waiting for Ryan to get home.
6:50pm Ryan finally gets home after a long day at work. The boys hear him at the door and run excitedly to greet him. Giggle fest ensues as Riley jumps at his daddy, which Elijah finds hilarious.
7:05pm Ryan warms up his plate and eats his dinner as the boys continue to climb on him.
7:40pm Riley goes to bed a little late tonight, but we all get hugs and kisses before he lies down.
8pm Elijah is now in bed. Hopefully he‘ll sleep well tonight. Ryan and I sit on the couch and finish watching one of our favorite shows.
8:30pm I decide to make some brownies. Ryan asks if I feel guilty for doing so while watching a show about weight loss.
9:10pm Enjoy a delicious brownie before getting ready for bed.
9:40pm I lie down in bed, wondering how Elijah will sleep tonight. I’m also trying to decide if I should cancel Riley’s speech therapy tomorrow since Elijah isn’t feeling well. Those are questions to be answered tomorrow! For now, I’m off to sleep after another busy day with my favorite boys!
