The Biggest Surprise as We Became Parents
When we first became parents, we expected surprises - teething at the worst possible time, a diaper blowout in the middle of Target, or finding a shoe in the dog crate (see last week’s blog for that gem).
But one surprise has been constant: everything is timed.
We are at our best - both as parents and professionals - when we’re physically and mentally fit. But with young kids and full work schedules, those precious windows of opportunity open and close fast.
It’s like a constant puzzle of nap schedules, feeding schedules, pumping sessions, and early or late meetings… all while trying to fit in even 30 minutes of exercise or downtime.
If you’re in the same boat, you know what we mean: sometimes you have exactly two hands for self-care. Sometimes you have zero.
That’s where being organized comes in. In last week’s post, we shared how we keep our household running smoothly by handling important tasks immediately, having backup essentials, and creating “safe zones” for the things we can’t lose.
This week, we’re talking about how that same mindset - preparation and organization - helps us get the most out of every workout, even when time is tight and distractions are plenty.
Our Always-Ready Workout Fuel
💪 Pre-workout power foods
We keep simple, portable options like peanut butter, fresh apples, bananas, raisins, and oatmeal on hand. These give us quick, clean fuel for our day.
💪 Post-workout protein, prepped in advance
We mix protein powder with plant-based milk ahead of time, so when we’re racing from gym to shower to “Mommy/Daddy, can you help me?!” we can grab recovery fuel without skipping a beat.
💪 Protein-rich staples at every meal
Our fridge is always stocked with 0% plain Greek yogurt, Good Culture or Kalona cottage cheese, kefir, grilled chicken, Wild for Salmon, and bone broth. That way, hitting our daily protein goals doesn’t require extra thinking or time we don’t have.
Why This Matters
We’ve learned that life with kids is full of surprises - some hilarious, some challenging, and some that leave you wondering how you managed to get through the day. But being prepared turns those moments from stressful into manageable.
Whether it’s finding your keys in the bathtub or trying to squeeze in a workout before daycare pickup, organization is the thread that keeps it all together.
Oh, and for the record—Jana was holding the dogs while we were running. I just took them for the picture.
Parenting while working full-time isn’t about mastering one single skill. It’s about weaving together a lot of small, intentional habits that make life smoother. In Keeping Organized with Young Kids and Busy Jobs, we shared how simple systems help us avoid daily chaos (and keep our sunglasses where we can actually find them). In Traveling with Small Children, we showed how preparation and flexibility make even big adventures possible. And in this post, we’ve talked about how that same organization helps us make the most of our limited workout time. Different challenges, same approach: stay prepared, stay adaptable, and keep a sense of humor along the way. That’s the modern parent juggle—and we’re learning more about it every day.