Early Mornings {with a newborn}

“It is well to be up before daybreak,
for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.”

~Aristotle

 

Right now, the house is still. Outside, the world remains dark for this mild October morning. I am sitting in the dimly lit, quiet kitchen of our home, holding my baby son wrapped up in my arms … in the distance, I can hear our three roosters crowing to gradually awaken the household … the only other sound is the steady ticking of our old cuckoo clock, hung firmly on the wall beside the kitchen pantry. And the occasional sweet baby sigh …

 

 


Before Loyal was born, I was unsure how I would keep my morning routine of getting up early.  I’m not sure if I have ever posted details on this, but I decided to be an daily early riser about 2 years ago.  I was never one to sleep in as my parents trained their children to get up on time, even if it was Saturday, and that training stuck with me like a sticky burr on your favorite shoe. However, in my early years as a mother, I was a night owl, doing most of my photography work in the late evenings. Over time, that changed, my workload shifted and eventually I realized getting up before the family was a wiser idea. I have always treasured getting up early, but was making it more of a priority over the past few years. It would be my time for my devotions, a cup of coffee or tea, some quiet before the rush of the morning in our busy household.

Thankfully, even with a newborn, it is still working out to get up earlier than the household. I simply bring Loyal downstairs with me and snuggle him in my arms. It is so pleasant. There have been a few chilly mornings where we started up the cookstove, but so far the weather has stayed very warm and pleasant for October. The smell of bread rising, a sip of hot coffee and the taste of the Good Word is a splendid way to start another day.

 

It has been two weeks today since our sweet baby boy, Loyal, was welcomed into our arms. I can only wish to slow down time and yet I still want to embrace every moment of each stage in our family’s life.

On Sunday, we walked into church as a family of 10 for the first time. Generally, our church is welcoming of new babies and so there, of course, was a sweet reception from many lovely church go-oers. One precious elderly friend of mine, Mrs. White, who always stops to say hello to all the children every Sunday morning, sent us a beautiful card in the mail to welcome Baby Loyal, along with a gift certificate to buy diapers. I thought that was so precious – she certainly did not need to do that and she would see us at church in person, however – she took the time to mail us a note and a gift. I was certainly blessed.

Many of our friends – and my mother and mother in law included – have supplied incredible dinners, which has been such a blessing. I am grateful for this loving community. Having muffins and meals and granola and homemade yogurt dropped off has been such fun for the children – and it truly has helped me out with my work load. It is such a lovely way to bless a family.

Loyal is proving to be a very content, calm baby. He is happy snuggled in my baby wrap or held tightly in loving arms. I am able to do a lot of things while still holding a baby, which is fantastic! A friend came to visit and after a while, her arms were so tired and sore from holding Loyal. I can skip the gym membership and hold my babies instead – 😉 – it works some muscles I never knew about!

 

P.S. The girls helped me make a triple-sized batch of sugar cookies, as we were invited to a friend’s home for an Autumn sugar-cooking-decorating tea.

The older girls cut out apples, pumpkins, bunny rabbits and biscuit shapes for our cookie stash.

We will walk over tomorrow (as they are our new neighbours – another blessing!) with our wagon loaded with sugar cookies and super excited little girls.

 

Here is the recipe:

Autumn Spice Sugar Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
½ cup sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and spices in a medium bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar and butter.  Blend in the egg and vanilla.  

Mix wet and dry ingredients.
Form the dough into a ball or disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
 Chill until firm, at least 30-60 minutes.
Roll out and cut out shapes. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Decorate when cool.

 

 

 

October 7, 2017 - 4:50 pm

Gigi Stacy, thank you for the encouragement!
Our clothes are randomly bought – thrift store, used on ebay, etc. I am always looking for pretty dresses and flowerly fabrics. They are a favorite in this household. The skirt I am wearing, however, was new and came from Modest Apparel USA. It is incredibly comfortable! Here is the link: http://www.modestapparelusa.com/modest-clothing-for-women/modest-skirts-for-women/long-denim-prairie-skirt-with-eyelet-lace-trim.html

October 7, 2017 - 6:55 am

Stacy Dick I look forward to each post. The pictures are gorgeous!!!!! Love your outfit in the outdoor pictures. Where do you buy your and your daughters clothes?

October 6, 2017 - 4:11 pm

Gigi Chris, so lovely to hear from you! I was just thinking of you – wondering if your boys and you would be up for building a skating rink (I heard they were talented in this are!) this winter on the Gauthier homestead? 😀 We must chat!

October 6, 2017 - 4:10 pm

Gigi Bobbie, before baby it was 4:30 a.m. to wake up, but now it’s more practical to wake up at 5 a.m. This leaves two hours to get dressed, have a coffee or tea, read the Bible and then start breakfast or another chore for the morning. Sometimes, I can start the dough for bread or get dinner into the crockpot. I always do laundry in the night so if there is time, I will hang out my laundry load. Otherwise, I hang it right after breakfast. The children wake up at 7 a.m. The little girls need my help to get dressed, but I try to have their clothes laid out so there is a bit of practical help for them. They must have their hair done before breakfast and rooms tidied, so that takes a while. We try to eat by 8 a.m. The older girls go outside and do barn chores from 7ish-8 a.m. After breakfast, it’s hustle time to get chores done (again!) before school. Every other day has a second morning chore, so some days we are a bit late to start school… mornings are super busy around here, especially with the animal chores mixed in. I’m sure you understand!

October 6, 2017 - 7:35 am

Chris McCoy Hey darlin! Loyal looks like he’s fitting into well to your beautiful family. Seeing Lacey making th cookies sure made me smile. What a beautiful young lady she is becoming. They al, are! We miss you so much and truly enjoy your posts. Hugs to all, love and Lessing to all as well! Xoxox. From all us McCoy’s

October 5, 2017 - 11:49 pm

Our Home of Many Blessings Lovely pictures and such a sweet baby!Do you have a regular time that you get up in the mornings?And what does your mornings usually look like?Are you cleaning and do you try to get breakfast going by a certain time?

October 5, 2017 - 9:53 am

Gigi You ladies are so cute – it’s funny about my hair – it’s the easiest hairdo to do and it’s my go-to for busy days. I have had someone refer to it as my “bird’s nest”. 😉 It literally takes minutes to fix, thankfully, as I do not have time to “do” my hair much.
Yes, the cookies taste so great – especially with tea!

October 5, 2017 - 8:58 am

Sarah The pictures of you, your husband and Loyal are so beautiful! I agree with Katy, your hair is lovely! : )

Thank you for sharing your cookie recipe. They sound delicious! What a fun way to spend an autumn afternoon. I bet they smelled wonderful baking!

October 4, 2017 - 2:50 pm

Gigi Misty, such encouraging words!!! Wow. Thank you. We have our moments where we are NOT precious – but we are human and learning and growing, with myself learning the most along the way!

October 4, 2017 - 12:54 pm

Katy A beautiful post, as always! 🙂

Your photos are gorgeous! Your hair is absolutely lovely! I am so happy for you and your family ~ adding children is *such* a blessing! I am glad to hear Loyal is such a pleasant baby as well…that truly helps a mama with busy littles! 🙂

Have a lovely rest of your week!
Warmly,
Katy

October 4, 2017 - 12:40 pm

Misty I just wanted to tell you that your photography makes my heart melt. The images of your precious angel are priceless. Your family seems precious. Your images and writings are truly a testament to the peace that can be found only in our Lord. Thank you for that.