Time for a routine

The 'Back to School' day arrives and I have decided that after all the chaos (and fun) of the last six weeks, we now need to get back to the routine.  I am used to the working routine and getting the kids to all their various places on time, but I am currently a SAHM (Stay At Home Mum) and need a new routine.   More importantly, Nathaniel needs a routine as he is nearly 4 months old now.  Unfortunately, over the last 6 weeks, he (like the rest of us) has got used to the go-with-the-flow of the holidays, so it might come of a bit of a shock when nasty Mummy puts him into a routine.

I'm happy just as things are, thank you, Mummy

Where to start with the routine?  Well, for the first morning in quite a while, I had to set the alarm clock to ensure that my girls were up and ready to get to school on time, so I decided that Nathaniel could also get up with the alarm and that was my starting point.  I have since written a routine for him (and Hannah and I) and we will see how it fits in with daily life.  The great thing is that I can adapt it if it doesn't work but the essential thing is to have a routine so that we all know what we are doing when.

So this is what I have come up with and tomorrow we will see how it works (or doesn't!):

6.00	Nathaniel and Hannah up and feed
6.30	Nathaniel and Hannah dressed and have playtime
7.30	Girls go to school.  Housework
8.00	Nathaniel down for a sleep.  Playtime with Hannah.
9.45	Nathaniel awake and feed
10.00/10.30	Go out to baby clubs, friends, park etc
12.00	Nathaniel down for a sleep.  Hannah has lunch and play
13.30	Nathaniel awake and feed
14.00	Go out if weather good or playtime inside
16.30	Nathaniel short sleep.  Cook dinner
17.00	Nathaniel awake and feed
17.20	Dinner for everyone
17.50	Nathaniel and Hannah have bath
18.10	Hannah in bed
19.00	Nathaniel feed and down for night sleep
19.30	Janette does 2-3 hours work

On top of this, I have really got to get Nathaniel to self-settle to sleep quite quickly as I will be away from my little boy for three days next month while I am on a training course, and I don't think that any babysitter will want him chewing on their breast!  Going to be a tough week (at least) I think but so worth it in the long run.  Will let you know how it goes.