POP’S POV: Reclaiming My Time – Baby Girl’s First Day of School
As my daughter heads to preschool, I’m reclaiming my time—and finally getting things done, from DIY projects to uninterrupted peace (for 8 hours, at least)
Young girl in library with backpack, books and reading for knowledge, education and learning for school. Study, kindergarten student and female kid back view, bookshelf with academic development
Feelings, so deep in my feelings! A new chapter of parenting unlocked—my baby girl is heading to preschool. With Jackson currently in the care of my mother-in-law during the workday, I can say I’m going to be fine with her attending preschool, but deep down, I know this will be different. I’m going to cry in the car! I am entrusting the well-being of my child essentially in the hands of strangers—a certified group—but the sentiments remain the same. Because when it comes to my children, please do not let it come to my children.
With maternity leave and baby bonding time coming to a close, and my wife heading back to work, my son being transitioned to mother-in-law’s care, and Jackson headed to the schoolhouse, the home will be empty and quiet during the day. Wait a minute—is it all bad? What did Auntie Maxine say? “Reclaiming my time!” Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed having a full house around the clock, but let’s get back to the program—or start a new one!
With this newfound free time, here’s one of the ways I plan to maximize it. For starters, I hope to be able to get more accomplished around the house. Between the never-ending snacking (and leaving remnants of said snacks everywhere), accidental spills, bathroom breaks outside of the toilet, and the landscape of toys covering the floor—keeping your home pristine with a toddler as an occupant is an urban legend. To be able to clean an area of the house and it remain that way for an extended period of time will feel so good to me, even if only for eight hours. I will be able to take care of daily household chores uninterrupted, like taking out the trash and recyclables without accounting for my little’s whereabouts.
With toddlers, there is a lot of “drop everything and do this for me now,” and to avoid an absolute meltdown—or crash out personally—I bust a move. But not now, since the kid is going to be in school! I plan to create a meal calendar and meal prep for each week so that breakfast and dinner will be simpler. At the end of a workday, trying to determine what to eat, preparing the meal, feeding everyone, and the clean-up is all so much. Using the time to prepare will streamline the evening routine by at least an hour or better. It will be amazing to just be able to get things done!
Home improvement and DIY projects are also a top priority for me in my pursuit of freedom while the kid is in school. I thoroughly enjoy projects around the house, no matter if I am building, repairing, or creating—something I discovered within the last two years or so. I can say it’s in my blood; the majority of the men in my family are contractors. I recently repainted and sealed my desk, which took me about a week to do because of the small increments of time I had available per day to actively complete it. My next project I plan to tackle is landscaping on my patio. I want to remove the current stone ledgers beneath my fence and extend the fence lower to the ground by installing an additional panel, sealing off the dirt, and installing landscaping stones. Luckily, with Jackson heading to school, I’ll be able to get started and complete the project sooner rather than later.
My baby girl is heading to school, and as anxiety-inducing and nerve-wracking as the thought is, there is a silver lining that I initially didn’t realize. With this change, I am able to recover a bit of time for myself and do something for myself. I can relax and recharge with my free time in a way that works best for me.
When getting things done around the house, here are three stores that always have what I need to get the job done:
1. Sam’s Club -Clorox Clean-Up All-Purpose Cleaner + Bleach, Original Spray + Refill
As a self-proclaimed “Do it all” Dad I am an avid Sam’s Club member. Sam’s Club feels like it has the best prices on everything in bulk. I swear by Clorox Clean up all purpose cleaner and bleach original spray and refill for only $16.48! That’s equal to about five refills for a fraction of the price if purchased individually.
When I want to use my free time to plan a sweet surprise for my wife, Costco has the best deal on long-stem roses! You can get 50 long-stem roses for $45.00. Dad Gang, you can never say I didn’t put you on!
3. Home Depot – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact Cut-Off Tool (Tool Only)
I can always count on Home Depot to have everything I need, no matter the size or complexity of my project. My most recent purchase was a Ryobi 18-volt cordless compact cut-off tool! I ordered it and was able to grab it curbside within only a few hours of ordering.
4. Lowes – GRO-WELL Proven Organics 4-lb 10-2-8 Organic Natural Citrus and Avocado Plant Food (Tree)
As the “All-Purpose” Papa, Lowe’s always has my gardening needs covered! Just recently, it was time to fertilize my citrus trees, so I had to make that trip to grab the GRO-WELL organic plant food for trees. It gives my orange and lemon trees the boost of nutrients needed to make for a great harvest come next spring.
5. Habitat for Humanity Restore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is my go-to for discounted brand-new appliances (open box for the most part), cabinets, or furniture that I want to revive and resell! You can visit the actual locations nearest you or stalk the Instagram, like I do, for great deals and the latest inventory. My most recent grab was a used miter saw and table combo for $400. Retail brand-new is about $700 for the same items!
