I really enjoyed this round of Day in The Life. So much so, that I think I’ll start doing them more often. I’d like to do one more before I leave for Washington, I’ll definitely do one while I’m staying in Washington, another when I am here with a school-free husband in August, and maybe I’ll do one in Poland too to show you what it’s like to visit there! (Not that I don’t already plan on taking a whole lot of pictures while we are on vacation )
Having you choose the day was a really good idea too, because I would have kept putting it off otherwise. I still don’t know if I would call this a “normal day” for me, but again, I’m not even sure I understand what that means. Look for a poll in the next week or so to choose the next DITL day, and thanks to all those who voted on this one!
You won’t see any pictures of That Husband on this day. School is really tough this semester, and he left around the time I woke up and came home really late.
7:37 AM
My day starts with some internet browsing on my phone or ipad, this to get my eyelids open. So much for my Lent-style goal to break this habit!
7:57 AM
I set out our workout outfits. At this point I’m buzzing around the house as silently as possible trying to get several things done before the baby wakes up.
I crush up some cereal and mix it into some Greek yogurt.
And set a bottle of milk and his breakfast out on his highchair.
8:10 AM
He’s awake!
The first of several diaper changes.
8:15 AM
And into the high chair he goes for his breakfast. I do not let him feed himself as I don’t feel like hosing him down (I’ve got too much to do for such things to happen!)
8:32 AM
After his tummy is full he’s a sweet little angel. Or at least that’s what he wants you to think…
8:40 AM
Time to get dressed for our workout! Darling outfit is courtesy of my mom and sister.
8:55 AM
I love when the weather is nice, because I can run outside and I get to run along Lake Shore Drive toward downtown Chicago. Isn’t this view breathtaking? I look forward to the day when I can run all the way there!
9:15 AM
My knee was acting up at the 1 mile point, so we took a break in the kiddie park so I could stretch a little bit.
9:50 AM
Sadly, my knee wasn’t doing any better after some resting and I had to walk back. I made an appointment with a doctor when I got home because it’s time to get this issue taken care of!
10:20 AM
My boudoir marathon with Lisa is happening the next day, and the clients are coming into our apartment to get ready, which means I need to get this house into shape! How about I start with that dirty mirror?
10:42 AM
I only get about 20 minutes of cleaning in before the T1 is ready for a nap.
While he sleeps, I work like mad to try to get as much done as possible. I edit photos, categorize things on Mint, write posts, answer emails, and keep a tap open on my Remember The Milk site to help me focused on what I need to get done that day.
12:38 PM
Just shy of 2 hours later, he’s awake again.
Another diaper change
12:45 PM
Time for both of us to have lunch. I let him chew on his bottle while I heat things up.
I put some kale in the oven for some kale chips.
1:15 PM
And heat up some leftovers for the two of us to share. This day it was roasted potatoes, lamb, and turnips in mustard sauce.
T1 loves the turnip in mustard sauce!
I thought I’d see if he would eat kale chips. He liked crunching them up in his fingers more than anything.
1:40 PM
An hour after I set him down in the chair, lunch is done.
A friend came over with her son (exactly one month younger than T1) and they had some fun playing while she tried on some things from my closet for a party she was going to. I realized that T1 is finally old enough to appreciate other kids and it’s time to start making room in my schedule for regular playdates.
2:54 PM
After they left it was time for another go on the diaper station.
And then back to cleaning.
4:45 PM
All clean! My favorite project of the day was rearranging the bookcase in our living room to eliminate some of the clutter and try to make it a little prettier. While watching America’s Next Top model of course.
He is hungry. Again.
5:00 PM
Edamame is my new favorite thing to have on hand for his snacks. He’s old enough to eat it without choking, and it’s one of the few healthy things that I can prepare really quickly.
I cleaned the kitchen while he ate.
6:00 PM
And then it was time for my shower. Lisa was almost here!
7:00 PM
Hair is dry and I am dressed.
Another diaper change, with a very dirty footed baby (because I let him wander the hall outside our door, which makes me realize how filthy that carpet out there is).
It was a #2 diaper, which means I had to take a trip to the rubbish bin (it’s only a few doors down from our apartment door which is nice). I think the word rubbish is funny.
7:20 PM
I put together one of the quickest/easiest dinners I know of. Stir fry from frozen veggies with white fish (from frozen as well).
7:30 PM
Once the veggies are hot I blow on them to cool them down and then dump them on T1′s tray and let him feed himself.
7:45 PM
My portion, and T1′s portion.
8:10 PM
Lisa made it!
9:35 PM
I wasn’t excited about how late it was, but I dragged T1 to the grocery store with Lisa and me as we did some shopping for our boudoir party in the morning.
Lisa is really awesome with kids, and T1 loved her. I know he’s walking around today wondering where his new best friend went.
9:40 PM
Bed time for baby! Now the grown-ups really get to have some fun.
10:04 PM
We made some angel food cake for the next morning.
10:59 PM
Watched some TV and ate some popcorn while we waited for the cake to cook and cool.
12:23 PM
And then somehow it was after midnight and I was cursing myself for going to bed so late when I had a shoot early the next morning. I set my alarm for 6:00 AM and crawled into bed.
May 16th, 2011 on 10:15 am
Cute post! I think it’s so neat to see what someone else’s day is like - even if it’s not a “normal” day. Our days are actually very similar! I spent most of my day entertaining my 13 m/o and cleaning. When he takes a nap, I finish up any household things that need to be done and then I can have fun. My most favorite thing to do (while he naps) is surf the net. That way I’m still available if he cries.
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May 16th, 2011 on 10:17 am
Alright, so I feel a LITTLE silly about this since I realize it’s T1′s b-fast but greek yogurt + mashed cereal = BRILLIANT Jenna. I love it.
I can totally, totally do that for work. Milk is a bit hard to transport but Greek yogurt could work much, much better. Plus it has more protein!
Thank you
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Ellie Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:33 am
I eat greek yogurt with Kashi GoLean Crunch as an easy to transport breakfast/snack. It’s pretty much like eating yogurt and granola, and is delicious.
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Sophia Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
I do the same! You can mix in all sorts of fruit as well. Such a good breakfast.
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Paula Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
I do the same as well! I love yogurt and cereal and sometimes put nuts or dried fruit in the yogurt, too.
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May 16th, 2011 on 10:30 am
I’ve been a regular reader since just after T1 was born, but rarely commented. I had to speak up today to say:
You look FANTASTIC! It is clearly evident that you’ve been exercising and watching what you eat. That photo of you in your workout clothes? You look SMASHING!
Also, the photo of T1 after his breakfast, that smile, it kills me.. he looks like such a cute little handful
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May 16th, 2011 on 10:48 am
you and Lisa both look SO great!! Hope your boudoir shoots went awesome
& T1 looks so grown up sitting in his high chair…wow
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May 16th, 2011 on 10:56 am
I really love these posts. I like getting a peek into other people’s lives
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May 16th, 2011 on 11:01 am
I love this post! And I have to agree with previous posters. You look amazing!
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May 16th, 2011 on 11:51 am
Your bookshelf is so cool. What’s that picture to the left of it of?
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Jenna Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
It’s called Hope, and I love the artist’s description of the meaning behind the painting. Her words are the reason I bought it. http://www.reparteegallery.com/pm-10852-159-hope.aspx
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May 16th, 2011 on 11:56 am
I love these posts. I am so interested. I think mine would be really boring since I’m at work all day. I will make sure not to do this until I have an adorable child and/or am not sitting at a desk for 9 hours a day
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May 16th, 2011 on 12:38 pm
That is the biggest bunch of bananas I have ever seen!
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May 16th, 2011 on 12:51 pm
I have to say, you look fantastic! Keep up the good work girlfriend!!
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May 16th, 2011 on 1:05 pm
I love these posts so much. I’m not even sure why, but I guess it’s the heart of why I love blogs so much in general; I love peeking into how others lead their lives. Living alone means my time is all my own, and sometimes I find it hard to know how to arrange my day to be productive when there’s no one else asking for anything from me at any point. (obviously I’m talking about days when I don’t have class or doula duties)
T1 is just so adorable. I can’t believe how big he’s gotten now! And you are looking really great as well. I hope your knee gets better soon so you can get back to running.
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Valerie Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Oh, I was also going to ask about your awesome camera strap. Where’d you get it?!
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Meg Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
I don’t know where Jenna got hers. But they are SO EASY to make. You can google the directions and if you don’t sew (it’s literally a 15 min job with only straight seams) you can use the iron on seam stuff. You need very little fabric too..
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Jenna Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
It’s via Etsy, but it has some issues and I wouldn’t recommend the seller. There are lots to be found on there!
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Valerie Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Thanks Meg & Jenna!
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Amanda @ The Fix-Its Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I got mine from vmjess.etsy.com and I’d definitely recommend it!
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May 16th, 2011 on 1:11 pm
Dang girl! You are looking good!!!!!
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May 16th, 2011 on 1:36 pm
Love this. This is like my weekends (because I work during the day). I wonder how many people will complain this time about your DITL.
I know this is totally up to the people who pose for you, but do you think you’ll be posting any boudoir photos?
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Jenna Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I don’t know if we got any releases (that’s up to Lisa) but I probably won’t post any. I think they are the kind of thing that should be between man and wife an so I wouldn’t want to post that all over the internet, even if the client gives a release.
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May 16th, 2011 on 1:51 pm
I’m glad you are planning to do more in this series: I love these posts too!
And I love your photos.
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May 16th, 2011 on 2:02 pm
I love the “Day in the Life” series! And T1 looks so cute & mischievous after finishing his breakfast. What a gorgeous view Lake Shore Drive is! Makes me want to visit Chicago!
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May 16th, 2011 on 3:32 pm
I just wanted to comment to say that I love this post, and especially the DITL series! I seriously look forward to them with anticipation. Must make me a blog-reading geek, but oh well, it’s the truth! Glad you are considering doing more.
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May 16th, 2011 on 4:27 pm
Loved this post - T1 is cute, as usual & you look GREAT!
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May 16th, 2011 on 8:54 pm
I loved this! I always feel guilty when I stay up late without meaning to as well.
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May 16th, 2011 on 10:28 pm
I love this post! It’s slightly exhausting to read! I would need a nap around noon!
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May 16th, 2011 on 11:39 pm
Okay, this is gonna sound totally mom-ish but I have a few things to say:
1. You. Look. Gorgeous. Your face has really lost weight, and you look fantastic all around! Even that mid-run photo looks great.
2. I’m really glad you’re seeing a doctor for your knee - as an athletic trainer, I’m always pushing people to seek professional help!
3. I’m also glad you’re eating breakfast. Too much? I’m a breakfast person!
I love this post. : )
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May 17th, 2011 on 12:17 am
I’ve just gotta ask. What are you doing with those bananas in a boudoir shoot?!?! Looks racy to me…or like high school sex ed.
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Jenna Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Haha, they are snacks! We bought bananas and strawberries and made angel food cake for them to snack on before their session started.
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Shanna Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Sure they were. “snacks.” Right. Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
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May 17th, 2011 on 1:46 am
Dropped by after years of lurking to let you know… you were featured on Moment Junkie!
I’ve been following you ever since your WeddingBee days, and when I saw the pic on Moment Junkie, I KNEW I recognized the bride from somewhere. Then I realized, she’s a friend of yours whose wedding you shot. The blurb confirmed my suspicion.
I tried leaving a comment on Moment Junkie, but encountered errors, so for the first time ever after years of lurking, am dropping a comment here ;P
Needless to say, am insanely happy you got featured on Moment Junkie
You deserve it
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May 17th, 2011 on 12:29 pm
i’ve followed your blog for a while (since you were pregnant and i was almost pregnant and wanting a homebirth- hubby said no, so i lived vicariously, rereading your blog and taking notes during my pregnancy) and i have to say, you look amazing! it’s so awesome to see your transformation, and it gives me hope that i could one day appreciate running, and not die while doing it. i seriously can’t run 5 minutes without stopping, and my baby is 3 months old, i so want to get into shape. you are inspiring!
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May 17th, 2011 on 3:27 pm
I love Day in the Life posts! Thanks for posting this!
And…totally random comment here, but are your TV console/ladder shelves from Crate & Barrel? I JUST bought a set of ladder shelves (2) with a wine bar insert as well and I ADORE them. I love how you have yours set up - we had to split ours into 3 separate spaces because our apartment doesn’t have enough space for all three in one spot, so it doesn’t have quite as much impact!
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Jenna Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Yes! We bought them when we got married. Not very practical now that we have a baby, haha. But I love them and I’m glad TH wants to drag them all over the place.
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