Before becoming a mom, I imagined my days would be like a cozy Pinterest aesthetic- coffee, books, soft sunlight, and a baby peacefully napping.
Reality? I’m running on caffeine, surviving diaper explosions, and using one hand to hold my baby while the other scrolls through Bookstagram. Welcome to Bookworm Mom Life– where I somehow balance my baby, my golden retriever, my book blog, and my never-ending TBR pile (which, let’s be real, I’ll never finish).
Mornings and Me-time
The day starts with me waking up 15 minutes before my little one, which is just enough time to enjoy the sacred trifecta of motherhood- coffee, books, and silence. I grab my current read (or whatever book I swore I’d finish last month), sit on the balcony, and let the morning sun convince me that today, I’ll be productive.
Muffy, my golden retriever, lounges next to me like he, too, had a rough night of staying up past his bedtime. But before I can get comfortable, it’s time to take him out for his “business” while mentally drafting a Bookstagram caption for later.
Book Blogging & Baby Cuddling
Once my little one is up, it’s game over for alone time. The morning becomes a blur of feeding, cuddles, and trying to explain to my baby why chewing on my book edges is not a personality trait.
During her first nap (bless her tiny sleepy soul), I switch into book blogger mode. This is when I:
- Check emails from authors and publishers.
- Stalk—I mean, engage—with bookstagrammers.
- Take and edit bookish photos (which may or may not involve Muffy modeling with a book).
- Attempt to write a blog post before she wakes up five minutes earlier than expected.
Some days, I actually manage to post content. Other days, I spend an hour deciding which book to photograph and end up posting nothing. The Bookstagram struggle is real.
| Read: Are you wondering if you should start a bookstagram? Here are some tips and insights for beginners!
Afternoon: Books, Baby Naps & Midday Delusions
After lunch, I do what any responsible adult does- I ignore my chores and read. I grab a paperback and tell myself I’ll just read “one chapter.”
My little one naps, Muffy snores, and I get lost in a book. Until, surprise!- the nap ends, and my bookmark placement now depends on how quickly I can throw the book aside.
Evenings: Strolls, Stories & Sneaky Bookish Moments
Evenings mean stroller walks with her, fetch with Muffy, and pretending I’m outdoorsy. I take my Kindle along, just in case I can sneak in a page or two (spoiler: I don’t).
I help Dad feed our koi fish and snap pictures of his blooming garden—because somehow, his plants thrive while my succulents cry for help.
Late Nights: Kindle and the “One More Chapter” Lie
After dinner and rewatching House MD (because I never actually finished it), I prepare for my final reading session of the day. With my little one bathed and asleep, Muffy snuggled up, and the house finally quiet- it’s Kindle time.
I tell myself, “Just one more chapter.” Two hours later, I’m 27 chapters deep, my Kindle battery is at 2%, and I’m contemplating my life choices.
The Beautiful Chaos of Bookworm Mom Life
Being a Bookworm Mom means learning how to:
- Read in tiny stolen moments.
- Balance baby bottles and book stacks.
- Prioritize books over laundry (no regrets).
- Convince yourself that you’ll sleep early (you won’t).
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So, if you ever feel guilty about not finishing your TBR, just remember- some of us are out here trying to read while covered in baby spit-up.
Are you a bookworm juggling reading with real life? Tell me your struggles in the comments!
| Read: How to Build a Reading Habit
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
That’s all for now.
So relatable. These become find memories and with babies no schedule is fixed; as they grow, so do we have to keep changing to keep up with it. I enjoyed reading and reminiscing my “good old days” though bookstagram wasn’t known then. But yes, stealing moments to read and never ending TBR piles– these are forever.
Muffy looks majestic.
I’m a bookworm. Right now buried in Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
Such a beautiful and honest post—it truly resonates with me! Last year, I was in the same boat and could hardly read any books (e-books didn’t even cross my mind then). This year, I decided to join a reading challenge to get back to reading, and that’s how #ReadingWithMuffy began. Now, as my baby naps, I’m slowly but surely making my way through an e-book!
I love this so much, Shalini! I can totally relate to the beautiful chaos of mom life. During my early days of motherhood, I used to love reading too, but now, well… let’s just say my TBR is gathering dust. Loved how you captured these little everyday moments so perfectly!
All the best Shalini. I hope your baby grows up loving books as much as you and Muffy do. And I hope you find more time to read more often and post more often.
What an adorable post Shalini. And ever so relatable. I am thrilled for you and very proud that you are managing to sneak in reading time. I gave up reading for a good two years when I had the twins. As always, your pictures are an absolute aesthetic delight.
Your post took me way back to 40 years ago.I was such a bookworm and sneaking time to read through baby time was difficult. We were ina. joint family and believe me it was extremely difficult to find me time.
Oh what a chaotic world it is for a new Mom!
But your irrepressible wit and humor make it sound light and fun. Only a devoted bookworm can worm their way through Mommyhood the way you do.
I passed through this time and I can feel it. I am still making efforts to survive and he is growing old watching mommy busy. Its part of life and it will go in its way…. You will also go with the wind and experience the taste and I am sure you will do brilliant. My best wishes for you.
Shalini keep it up dear. I was in the same boat for the two year. And you know I have twins. Last year I able to read and I can totally understand how it take to read in stolen moment and more over the feeling of completing the book is like a victory.
I have tweens and teens, and even now, finishing my TBR feels impossible. Seeing you manage it with a baby is seriously impressive. Loved reading this—your balance of books, baby, and blogging is inspiring and Muffy just makes it even better.
Thanks for taking us through your day – very enjoyable. I was reminded of my first baby, when I would work on my laptop while he slept!! And then taking him in his pram in the evenings! btw Muffy is beautiful!
Jindagi chalti rahe gi, lekin kitabe padhna rukna nahi chahiye! This is what our motto is…
I love your daily routine. I cant decide which I am more jealous of 😉 the time you have with your baby or with your books. I can only live in reflected glory of baby time coz I’m way past that (though I still miss hugging him without his protests then) and the amazing time with your books is definitely what I need to do too. Hope to be inspired by you to fit in reading time whenever I can.
I can totally relate to the struggle of finding uninterrupted reading time! Life gets so busy, and squeezing in those precious moments with a book feels like a win. I love how this post beautifully captures the balance (or chaos!) between responsibilities and personal passions. It’s inspiring to see how you make time for reading despite everything else on your plate. A bookworm’s dedication is unmatched.
Raising a baby and finding time for your reading love feels like a tough balancing act, and it seems you are learning this act with all its enjoyment! I am sure you will be a pro in some days to balance your baby and books together. Shalini, I always admire your bookish snaps, they are so awesome!
What a relatable and lovely post. To grab time and keep reading is so very imp but difficult too. I hope your child grows to love books !
Ah, juggling so much at once and still managing to produce great content. Aapke paav kidhar hain Shalini? You finding time to read either such a packed schedule is motivating me to put off my excuses too. Keep reading!
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This was so relatable as this was me three years back. My tbr isn’t gathering dust but isn’t getting lesser too
Haha…’a baby peacefully napping’ is a plain lie! But I am amazed at your skill in still finding time amidst the chaos.
This is a wonderful post and now I should be thinking of my tbr that isn’t going anywhere!
Oh this was such an adorable and witty post. You have caught the nail on head, when you need to prioritize reading over other chores. I remember I used to read while feeding the babies ( those were the times of paperbacks). I did go in a slump when they were toddlers and had no schedule whatsoever plus the chores seemed to have multiplied then, but then after they were about three, we used to have baby and mommy reading time.
Also I have to say, you pictures, and your insta is so so aesthetically pleasing. love it!
“I do what any responsible adult does- I ignore my chores and read.”
This needs to be a t-shirt! you made me chuckle and lol so much with the honesty in this. Though not a mom, I could relate so much as a bookworm especially the part where you’re able to read the most only before bedtime *sigh*
The struggle indeed is real
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As a new mom, I feel like reading about my day. You beautifully capture the delightful chaos of being a book-loving mom! With humor and honesty, it paints the reality of juggling baby cuddles, book blogging, and sneaky reading moments between diaper changes and dog walks. The witty storytelling makes it relatable, while the love for books shines through every word.
The part about trying to read “just one chapter” only to be interrupted by nap times ending too soon (or ending up 27 chapters deep at midnight) had me laughing! And the struggle of balancing Bookstagram, baby cuddles, and a golden retriever? I feel like you are ready to write a book on this.
This was so relatable as this was me three years back. My tbr isn’t gathering dust but isn’t getting lesser too, I hope I finish lessening the list
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