I feel like every blogger I follow is constantly writing about their morning routine. I have too, in the past. And while I sometimes wish my mornings were still filled with sun salutations, oil pulling, and 10 minutes of meditation, they’re not. But in a way, they’re better because I appreciate the quiet and fill it with things that both make me feel centered and are productive.

I never set an alarm anymore. Turns out when you have a baby, you get one for free, ha! Despite that fact, I’ve been waking up consistently between 6:30-6:45am every morning. It’s been great because it gives me 45-60 minutes of morning time before Amalia gets up and mommy duty begins. That might not seem like a lot but for all my mamas out there, you know how luxurious even a few minutes can be.

Wake up: Whenever I wake up, I do the usual morning things like brush my teeth, wash my face, tone, moisturize, and put on deodorant. Most people I know like to lounge in PJs in the mornings, but I like to feel like I have a handle on the day early and part of that is getting dressed ASAP. Granted, I work from home so that usually consists of yoga pants and a sweater or slouchy tee… so basically PJs but slightly more chic. I also throw my hair up put on a little make up. It sounds crazy since I’m home most days, but it makes me more productive later on for some reason.

Caffeinate: I don’t drink coffee… I know, such a weirdo. It makes me jittery and anxious so I only have it on special occasions or if I’m insanely exhausted. I’ve always been a green tea kind of gal but lately I’ve been drinking black Earl Grey with just a dash of coconut milk creamer. It feels indulgent like a cup of coffee with cream and sugar, even though it’s not.

Read the news: Sitting down with the New York Times would be nice and all, but it’s not in the cards so I sit with my tea and read The Skimm every morning. At this point in time, that’s about all I can handle anyway without feeling depressed.

Puppy snuggles: I never want Boots to feel like he’s second fiddle to the baby, but let’s be honest, I definitely have less time for him than I used to and it breaks my heart. While I read the news and sip my tea, we snuggle on the one couch he’s allowed to sit on. It’s important for him to get some one on one time with me, so that’s where we squeeze it in every day.

Eat breakfast: Because this time is so limited, I try to make my breakfasts quick but healthy. My go-tos are instant oatmeal (unsweetened/unflavored) with a scoop of collagen peptides, chia seeds, a dash of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and a spoonful of almond butter. It is so fast but so good. When it’s warmer out, I make a Daily Harvest smoothie and add protein and almond butter. (PS you can use code LEMONSTRIPES at Daily Harvest for 3 free smoothies!)

Wake the baby: If Amalia isn’t awake by 7:30 (She usually wakes up around 7:15), I wake her up for her first feed of the day. Before I go in, I make sure I’m calm and ready to make her my priority for the next hour or so until she goes back down for her first nap of the day. If I have a bunch of tasks that need to be done, I try to do them either before this, or wait until after she’s down so that I can give her my full attention.

Ok mamas, what do your morning routines look like? Do you also wake up before your babies to get some me time?

My fleece, before you ask!