by Kristina | Mommy with a K
If you’re anything like me, motherhood has completely redefined what “balance” looks like. Before Jace, I was a full-time worker with side passions for photography and writing. Now? I’m still that woman — but I’m also a diaper-changing, breastfeeding, baby-snuggling mom doing her best to keep all the plates spinning without losing sight of who she is underneath it all.
So today, I thought I’d pull back the curtain and share what a real day in my life looks like — not the Pinterest-perfect version, but the beautifully imperfect flow that helps me keep it all moving with heart and intention.
Morning: Snuggles & Structure
I usually wake up around 6:30 AM to a sleepy-eyed Jace babbling, in-between us (yes, we co-sleep). Mornings are my favorite — he’s all smiles, and we cuddle for a bit before Stephen (my fiancé) takes over baby duty while I clock in for work at 8 AM. Having Stephen home in the mornings is a gift, and we’ve really found a rhythm that works.
My job allows me to work remotely (grateful isn’t even the word), so while I’m answering emails or hopping on calls, I’m also listening to Jace giggle in the background — and yes, sometimes bouncing my leg to rock the baby monitor like it’s part of the meeting.
Midday: Naps, Nourishment, and a Little Hustle
Stephen heads to work around noon, and that’s when the real juggling begins. I take my lunch break at 11:30 AM, usually with Jace in my lap or playing nearby. After lunch, we go for a little walk if the weather’s nice (hello, Florida sunshine) or play indoors to burn off that adorable baby energy.
When he naps, I squeeze in a bit of me time — sometimes editing photos, sometimes journaling, and other times just sitting in silence with my sparkling Waterloo. As a freelance photographer and writer, these little windows are golden. They keep me grounded and creative in a life that’s otherwise very go-go-go.
Afternoon Flow: Finishing Strong
By mid-afternoon, I’m wrapping up work and mentally prepping for the evening shift — dinner, playtime, bath, and bedtime routines. I try to stay super hydrated and get outside for at least a few minutes during the day. It’s not glamorous, but it helps me stay human.
Evening: Zumba, Downtime & Love
As Jace is winding down, I give myself 30 minutes for my favorite kind of self-care: Zumba! It’s not just a workout — it’s therapy with music. It’s how I shake off the stress and reconnect with my body.
Stephen gets home around 8 PM, and we catch up, decompress, and sometimes plan little pieces of our upcoming beach wedding. Even if it’s just 20 minutes on the couch with a bowl of popcorn — that’s our time, and I protect it like gold.
The Real Truth?
No two days look exactly the same. Some are smoother, others are a mess of rearranging, never-ending laundry, and takeout for dinner. But I’ve learned to give myself grace, to celebrate small wins, and to keep showing up with love — for Jace, for Stephen, and for me.
Motherhood didn’t erase my passions — it gave them deeper purpose. Every photo I take, every word I write, now carries a heartbeat that wasn’t there before.
If you’re a fellow mama trying to find balance (or just clean leggings), I see you. You’re doing better than you think.
Thanks for spending a day with me 🤍
Until next time,
Mommy with a K
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Mommy with a 'K' 