One Morning with Keira {A Photo Essay Series}

One Morning” is a photo essay series that provides a sneak peek into the everyday lives of the Fairfield County Moms Blog contributors. The morning routine is photographed by N. Lalor Photography, and words are written by each mom to tell the story behind the images. It’s a rare and intimate look into each family’s life, one morning at a time.

When I first agreed to do this very glamouros photo shoot, I didn’t realize that I was signing on for a camera in my face at 6:45 am. As the date loomed closer and closer, I realized that my chaotic morning routine was to be captured on film for the world to see. Okay, maybe not the whole world, but enough of an audience to make me nervous. I didn’t sleep too well the night before, as I worried that it would be one of those days when my daughter woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  I contemplated whether or not I still had time to get some earplugs for the photographer. Here’s the story of my morning…

Like most moms, my day begins before my daughter wakes up. I usually set my alarm for about 6:15 so I can shower and prepare breakfast in peace. Both hubby and baby are still asleep, so I often use this time to catch up on emails and texts as well. My “Genuis” cup is always filled with a hot beverage like herbal tea or hot water with lemon. I don’t drink coffee (gasp) because I know I would probably end up drinking two pots a day! I make oatmeal for myself, but that usually ends up being split with my daughter as she eats right out of my bowl. No, she definitely does not want a bowl of her own.

Right around 7:15, I went in to get Miss G. Sometimes, she is awake and chatting already, while other times, I have to wake her up. This morning, she had to be woken up and was excited to have a camera in her face. She even said, “Cheese,” as she woke from her slumber, so I knew it was going to be a good day.

During breakfast, I try to avoid doing chores so that we can sit together. I try to get as much done as possible before she wakes up so we can have this time together. Fortunately, we always have at least one guest at our table! Cookie Monster is her favorite character, so he is always invited to dine with us. I do not like to cook in the morning, so I always serve fruit, waffles, peanut butter, and whatever baked goods I have made. Banana Bread has always been a favorite, but we sometimes make a pumpkin muffin or spinach pancake. I bake tons and then freeze everything in small portions to take out for a low-stress breakfast.

Around the time breakfast is over, my husband leaves for work. There are always kisses and hugs goodbye! Although he can only spend about 10 minutes with her, I use the time to clean the table, load the dishwasher, and pack the snacks for the day.

Since I don’t allow electronics, Miss G usually “reads” a few books while I make the beds and start the laundry. Yes, I do laundry every single day except Sunday. I’m neurotic about making the beds before we leave the house, so I have to get it done quickly. We’ve been reading together since she was born, and I am starting to see my love for books in her playtime choices.

Once the house is tidy, I have to get her dressed and do her hair. The smile in the picture is because the task of getting ready is complete. Getting her to sit still for her daily hair styling session is quite a challenge. Because Miss G is so active, I have to ensure her hair is out of her eyes and face with rubber bands. Otherwise, the mop hair you saw in the morning picture would be a tangled mess when we left the house.

After we are all dressed and ready to go, we make a stop to brush our teeth. We have two toothbrushes that we use each day. We start with a pink toothbrush on G, and then G brushes the teeth of anyone who happens to be around. More often than not, Cookie Monster is the one to get his teeth brushed. Brushing teeth isn’t always an easy chore, so I find that two toothbrushes helps me distract her so that I can get the job done. Shortly after, she can practice brushing her own teeth with the second brush. After Cookie or Elmo’s teeth are brushed, of course.

Because I tutor, my schedule varies by the day. During the summer, many students prefer to get tutoring out of the way so that they have their afternoon free. Others attend camps and practices during the day, so we meet during the evening. Either way, I get dressed and pack my bag for the day!  I keep two bags packed with things for work or play, depending on the agenda.

The bathroom door is almost never closed, so my daughter feels free to bring in her two guitars while I apply my lipstick. Typically, I allow her into every room with me while I get ready. It does become a little like an obstacle course while I race against the clock, but who doesn’t love a little serenade while they get ready?

One of the most important things I do before leaving the house is to check the traffic. I have clients in both Westchester and Fairfield Counties, so I always have to know which route is quickest. One of my pet peeves is lateness, so I am always prompt. I leave no travel to chance.

Once I am dressed and ready, I spend some time with my daughter before leaving the house. If I didn’t have a client that day, we would have been leaving the house together for an activity. We love going to the library, pool, park, or museum. As an active mom, I like to make it my goal to be out of the house each day by 9:00 am. We usually come home for lunch by noon, watch 30 minutes of our favorite show, and I get some time to answer client emails and prepare dinner while she naps.

Even though we are busy, I really enjoy our morning routine! Having been a teacher most of my life, I thrive in a scheduled environment. Since most children really love knowing what to expect each day, a set routine was a no-brainer for my family. I enjoyed this experience because I got to see all the fun moments I have during my morning routine. It definitely made me want to take more time to pause and enjoy the moments!

Images for this project are captured by N. Lalor Photography, a lifestyle portrait photographer based in Fairfield County, CT. To see all posts in the “One Morning” photo essay series view here.