One Morning with Maria {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 each mom writes words to tell the story behind the images. It’s a rare and intimate look into each family’s life, one morning at a time.

Most mornings, my alarm clock is set by my newborn, Christopher. After his 5:30 a.m. feeding, I put him back to sleep and start my day. I try to sneak in a shower, breakfast, and any easier task without children vying for my attention. My husband leaves for work by 6:15 a.m., so it’s nice to have an opportunity to talk before the madness begins. Having recently moved back into our house after a small kitchen renovation, I am still trying to unpack, so every moment I can get is valuable. By 6:45 a.m. Christopher is ready for another feeding. We enjoy our quiet alone time before my older son wakes up. On this particular morning, I hit the jackpot; my older son, Michael, woke up at 7 a.m. I love to get him and the special toy he has decided to sleep with, which, as of late, has been whichever Lego he is currently obsessed with. This is our special bonding time during the school year before I leave. It’s been great to be home on maternity leave and be a part of the morning routine. Michael’s up just in time for Sesame Street. After some time to figure out the Letter, Number, and Word of the Day, the battle of breakfast begins. During the week, Michael’s breakfast is pretty much the same thing every day: oatmeal, sausage links, some fruit and/or fruit pouch, and a cup of coconut milk. We are still trying to get him to be a completely independent eater, so the deal is he can play with his toys as long as he eats….preferably at the table, but that never lasts the whole meal. And without fail, I caved in after about 20 minutes and fed him. By this point, Christopher needs to be changed and fed again. Michael is still adjusting to not being kingpin after four years as an only child. Curious George is our signal to get dressed. This summer has been big for Michael’s independence. He is almost able to dress himself, including shoes completely. Once Christopher is asleep again, I can focus on the breakfast cleanup, vitamins, plans for the day, and checking in with social media. Today’s big plan is to have a play date with my cousin and her two boys. Four boys, ages 4, 2.5, 10 months, and 6 weeks! I love when Michael and I can take advantage of an opportunity to have a quick snuggle. We are lucky to have a nice-sized backyard for Michael to play in, so outside we go, which helps keep Christopher asleep. Between the toys, basketball hoop, and hand-me-down playset, there’s no shortage of independent opportunities for Michael and any friends we have. By this time, Dad has checked in and is wondering how our morning is going. Thank goodness for picture and video texting. This morning, Michael was feeling particularly adventurous. He climbed the playhouse, which he learned from some older friends we had over earlier in the week, and upped the ante and started swinging like Tarzan from the climbing rope on the treehouse. I am already envisioning Lord of the Flies activities. As a child of the 21^st century, Michael loves watching his videos repeatedly. This new life of balancing being a mom of two hasn’t been easy, but I know it’s all worth it. Soon enough, I’ll be able to shower and drink a cup of coffee while it’s still fresh, but until then, I’ll try to appreciate the chaos. I know how fast it will go. Sometimes, the days go slowly, but the years pass quickly. I’m just trying to balance the chaos and enjoy the wonders of childhood.

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.