The Bakers Adventures

The day started with getting the girls to breakfast club… something I’m patting myself on the back for because, let’s be honest, mornings are not our strong suit. Success, in my world, means reasonably brushed hair, half-ironed clothes, clean teeth, and something vaguely nutritious in their bellies… all achieved without shouting. It’s rare but oh, when it happens, it feels like winning gold at the Olympics.

Once they were off, I realised with a sinking heart that I’d completely forgotten to walk the dog last night. It hit me then… I’m now the only one who can do it. No more waiting until the kids are in bed. Nope, this is my gig now, another thing to squeeze into an already jam-packed day.

Dan, in his true showman fashion, has started what we’re calling “DDOD” (Daily Dose of Daddy). He sends a video every day, keeping things light, upbeat, and full of his signature energy. The girls love it.. of course. It’s like a mini pep talk from him, and they go to school with smiles on their faces. FaceTiming, however, is proving tricky. Between school clubs, dinner, homework, baths, Dans working hours, the time difference and the inevitable emotional outbursts that follow saying goodbye, it’s a lot. They have been good as gold the last two days for me yet the minute they were on the phone they turns into witches. Snatching, interrupting each other, disrespecting boundaries, having attitude. We’re still figuring out a routine that works for everyone because, selfishly, I’m not sure I can cope with those tearful goodbyes every evening or the negative deflection of their emotions while juggling everything else.

After the school drop-off, I had my ADHD life coaching session with Rebecca. If you haven’t heard of ADHD coaching or just life coaching, I highly recommend looking into it. Rebecca’s guidance has been a game-changer for me. She helps me tackle everything from emotional overwhelm to time management in ways that actually work for my brain. And the best part? It’s fully funded through Access to Work, which Dan applied for when I was at my lowest last year. Between this and the orthopaedic chair I now have for editing, I feel like I’m finally getting some of the support I need. The access to work grant is something not many no about but most are entitled too. I’m most happy to educate anyone who thinks they might apply.

Speaking earlier of editing… it’s currently my Mount Everest. My list is so long I want to scream when I look at it. But I know I’ll get through it because I love what I do (and, frankly, I have to). It’s an ADHD thing.. pressure weirdly makes me thrive.

After school, we tackled piano lessons and dinner. The girls were sorted with a nutritious meal ( Toad in the hole – what a throwback LOL) while I… well, I had a pot noodle. (This week’s priorities are about survival and focusing on them. Next week, healthier habits will happen, promise!)

Cooking is something I’ve struggled with for a while. When I was at my most stressed last year, following a recipe felt impossible, so Dan took over as our family chef. His biggest fear about leaving was me not eating properly. He wasn’t wrong… it’s something I’ve done in the past when overwhelmed. Meal skipping is a bad habit of mine. But, I’m determined to find my confidence in the kitchen again. I’ve even bought an organic cookbook to inspire me. Who knows? By the time Dan’s back, I might be the one cooking for him.

For now, I’m taking things one step at a time, celebrating the small wins (like remembering to walk the dog this afternoon) and holding onto hope that I’ll find my rhythm and keep this 7.30pm bedtime routine going strong.