Thank God for Coffee.

 Two o'clock in the morning and I am awakened by a growing wail on the baby monitor. I get out of bed to put the pacifier back in. Then repeat the process one or two more times even though I know it won't work.

 My four month old is usually pretty good at sleeping through the night, but that certainly wasn't the case yesterday morning. Which is unfortunate for my boyfriend and coworkers because I'm terribly slow, irritable, and sometimes downright depressed when I don't get my eight hours in.
Thank God there's coffee! I've always enjoyed a good cup of coffee or tea, but motherhood has taken my caffeine consumption to a whole new level. A glass of iced coffee while I use my breast pump, or one after work, gives me just the boost I need to finish household chores. 
Fortunately for my wallet there's no coffee shop in my town, otherwise I'd be there at least four times a week. Something I certainly can't afford when my current budget doesn't even have room to buy a coffee maker. Luckily there's Instant. I know what you're thinking. Instant? Yuck! At least that was my reaction when my boyfriend made that suggestion. But trust me, you're going to be pleasantly surprised when you try it. On my days off I try to make a big pitcher to keep in the fridge for a few days, but it always seems to disappear much quicker. I've splurged and bought the Starbucks Via iced coffee packets before, but cheaper kinds can taste just as good. Try the Aldi's brand I've heard good things about it. 
Make your favorite instant coffee like the directions say. Add some sugar to taste. Then, let it cool before pouring it in a pitcher with milk. I prefer a ratio of one cup milk to one cup coffee but make it however you like it best. Next time you are feeling run down; take a break, pour yourself a glass and enjoy!