One Morning with Michelle {A Photo Essay Series}

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“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.

I am NOT a morning person! Even when I go to sleep early I still struggle to get up the next day. And sadly I cannot remember the last time I woke up on my own without finding my 4 year old’s face inches away from my own. He claims he’s checking if my eyes are open, but I think he secretly likes to torture me. However as much as I dread rolling out of bed each day and the chaos of getting my 3 children fed, dressed, and ready to go, I am learning to appreciate the small moments of happiness amongst my hectic life of being a working mom of small children.

Mornings in our home sometimes feel like the movie Groundhog Day. We’ve gotten into such a routine that it seems that each day it’s the same old thing with a few surprises thrown in here or there. Every morning my husband and I try to lay in bed as long as possible, while my big boy zooms trucks around our bed. Once our 2 year old twins start yelling and/or laughing at each other {and I’ve checked my social media} I make a dash to the bathroom while my hubby attempts to fall back asleep. Luckily, our big boy does not allow that to happen.nlalor-photography-2015-07-08-one-morning-michelle-sanford-2We enter the twins room all together and are always greeted by a distinct pungent smell and our boy/girl twins jumping and yelling in their cribs. They usually roll around and play trying to avoid getting scooped up for a much needed diaper change.I don't want to get up!After everyone is cleaned up we all march down to our kitchen to start breakfast. Luckily this is Daddy’s job every morning. Most mornings breakfast is made quickly, either frozen waffles, muffins or cereal with some fruit, but on Wednesday Daddy is home all day and he makes a huge breakfast and blasts some tunes from Pandora. Breakfast takes a little longer to prepare on these days so I have time to check my email, and play with the kids. Our favorite thing to do in the morning is color. My little guy loves to yell out, “I draw! I draw!” and we dance of course.Morning coloringI try to help out my husband as much as I can but I always seem to get in his way. After 6 years of marriage we have yet to perfect our ability to work as a team, but at least we can somewhat laugh it off. As long as I give him his space, I’m guaranteed to get a hot cup of coffee {that I rarely get to finish}. Usually we can get the big boy to help, but the little one’s want to copy everything he does. Especially feeding the dog which usually leads to a huge mess…but at least they are learning responsibility, right?Get out of my way!

Big MessOnce breakfast is served we can sit down and enjoy a meal together as a family. Since my husband usually doesn’t make it home in time for dinner, breakfast is the only time of day where we can all be together. My husband and I attempt to discuss the plan for the day/week in between picking up thrown sippy cups, stopping the little ones from feeding the dog, and my big boy’s interruptions of hysterical imaginative stories. Each morning there is lots of laughing mixed between the crying, fighting, and mess making.Breakfast

Enjoying BreakfastAfter everyone has eaten, it’s my job to clean up. I loathe washing dishes, so my dishwasher might be my favorite household appliance {that or my Keurig}. My kiddos think it’s hysterical, but I have to wear my rubber gloves in order to tackle the mess. As I do dishes I sing songs to keep them occupied; Wheels on the Bus is our jam at the moment.DishesThen it’s time to march down to the bathroom and brush teeth. This is where our routine begins to fall apart; especially since the twins are no longer gated into a small area or locked in their highchairs. Once they are set free it’s really like herding cattle…I would assume. Everyone usually heads in a different direction. It is near impossible to get them all, including myself, ready calmly. I have to admit there is usually some yelling in the morning, “That doesn’t belong in the toilet,” “Keep your hands out of there,” and “Leave the dog alone,” are some frequent phrases. If my husband wasn’t home to help in the morning I think I would go nuts!Brush Your TeethBut somehow every morning I do manage to get dressed and even put some makeup on! It’s really helped that I’ve started showering at night. I let my hair air dry while I do FCMB work and simultaneously catch up on my Bravo TV. In the morning all I have to do is quickly pull out my hair straighter, apply some mascara and lip gloss, and I’m good to go. As little time as I take to get ready, means the less likely things in my house will be destroyed!MakeupOnce everyone is dressed it’s time to pack the diaper bag, and find everyone’s shoes. I have yet to come up with an organized system for actually getting out of the house. On this day we were heading out to family story time at our local library. Even with my hubby assisting it still takes multiple trips to get everyone and everything loaded into our minivan. I love to hate my minivan, but it makes my life so much easier!shoes

MinivanAlthough our mornings are pretty routine, the rest of the day is usually a big unexpected adventure where the real fun begins.

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

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Michelle
Michelle is the Owner and Editor of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom. She has spent her entire life in Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk and now residing in Fairfield, CT. Michelle married her husband, Chris, in October 2008. Before motherhood, she thought she was busy, but now life with her son Shane (March 2011), twins, Blake and Brynn (June 2013), Hank the Lab, and Bruce the Frenchie; the meaning of hectic has been redefined! Michelle is also a working mom, teaching third grade at a local public school. When she’s not making lists, chauffeuring the kids, and doing laundry, Michelle enjoys standing along the sidelines cheering on her kids, lounging with a good book, eating dark chocolate, and sipping on some tequila.

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