It’s been a little while since I’ve written here, but life has been full in the best (and sometimes most exhausting) ways. I thought I’d drop in with a simple “right now” update—what we’ve been reading, how bedtime’s going, and what life looks like lately.
We’re deep into Harry Potter
My oldest and I started reading Harry Potter together, and it’s been so much fun. She’s absolutely loving it—asking thoughtful questions and getting swept up in the world. I’m still going back and forth on whether she’s ready to watch the first movie. The later films get darker, for sure, but the first one might be okay. I just want to make sure it adds to the experience rather than takes away from the magic she’s building through the book.
Evening reading with her has become one of my favorite parts of the day. Over the years, we’ve made our way through some truly wonderful chapter books together, and I treasure this rhythm we’ve found.
Our current bedtime routine (real, messy, and sometimes magical)
Bedtime with three kids has always been a bit of a juggling act. I’ve tried a lot of things, and while no two nights are ever exactly the same, this routine has been working lately:
- The two youngest take a bath while my oldest reads or does art in her room.
- I get the littlest out first—we brush teeth, get jammies on, and then big sister comes in to read with him. She lovesreading, and reading to him makes her light up. I love watching that bond grow.
- While they read, I get my middle one out of the bath. We brush teeth, do a quick braid, and snuggle.
- Then I tuck in the little guy with one last book, sing our bedtime song, and kisses all around.
- While my oldest showers, I snuggle the middle kiddo and read with her. She gets her kisses goodnight… and I send up a quiet prayer that she’ll stay in bed (fingers crossed, but let’s be honest—rarely happens).
- Then it’s my time with my oldest—brushing teeth, helping with hair, and reading a chapter of our book together in bed.
It’s a lot. It feels like a lot. Some nights it flows, others it’s a marathon. But these little pockets of connection—especially the sibling moments—make it worth it.
Back to routine
Now that our remodel is officially done, we’re slowly finding our way back to a daily rhythm: outside play before the heat sets in, and gently starting school back up. This was our first real academic break in a long time, and honestly, we needed it.
Also… I need to get back to reading
I was reading each night, and it felt so good. But with early wake-ups for Pilates and all the end-of-day chaos, I fell off the wagon. I’m tired. It happens. Maybe I’ll carve out a new pocket of time somewhere, or maybe this is just a season where I read less. That’s okay too.
Life lately
The kids are healthy. My husband and I snuck away for our first overnight anniversary trip since having kids—just a simple getaway up the road, a quiet hotel, dinner out, and a bike ride the next day. Nothing fancy, but exactly what we needed. And I’m just so, so grateful that the kitchen is finally done. It feels like we can exhale.
If you’re reading this and also juggling a million things, just know you’re not alone. Some days feel easy, others feel like a marathon. But there are sweet spots tucked in all over the place—we just have to notice them.
Run Teach Bike 