I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was to start drinking coffee again after the first trimester repulsion. During each of my pregnancies, coffee was – at best – unappealing for the first trimester, and – at worst – completely nauseating, even just the smell or thought. This time around, at about 3 months, I attempted to make my first cup since reading that positive test, because the thought didn’t sicken me and I was craving the experience. I was relieved to find out I hadn’t forgotten how to make a pour over, and it was a really beautiful and rewarding cup.
Coffee is such an important part of my mornings, and while I do love a good cup of tea, it just doesn’t compare. It’s not even [just] the caffeine. It’s the beautiful process, the intentional slowing down, the end result of a perfect cup of coffee.
I’ve never been much of a “morning” person; I love my sleep and if I had a choice, I’d probably sleep in until 11 AM every day. But, since becoming a mom, like a lot of moms, I’ve come to really savor and appreciate the quiet early morning hours.
Side note: We recently instituted a new family policy, and it’s been life-changing! The kids aren’t allowed to come downstairs until 8:00 AM. At 7:30 AM, they are permitted to quietly play in their rooms. If they wake up before then, they have to stay in bed quietly. We purchased this incredible sleep training CLOCK (the blush pink option), which changes colors based on the time; at 7:30 AM the light turns yellow, and at 8:00 AM the light turns green. I love the simple, modern design, and the fact that it’s training the kids while also teaching them the time and making my life easier. I highly recommend it, even if your children are much younger; children simply just need to understand their colors for the clock to do its trick!
I’ve been trying to wake up by 5:30 or 6:00, to give me a minimum of two hours before the kids’ descent. It’s been such a cherished time. I can really do anything or everything or nothing. It’s quiet. I can collect my thoughts, neaten up the kitchen, listen to a sermon, read my Bible and pray, get some work in, etc. I don’t have a particular “routine” except that I always make a cup of pour over coffee. First thing. Always.
I’ve gotten lots of questions about my coffee ritual, I thought I’d explain the process here and link to the supplies I use! I started using a Chemex for my daily cuppa back nearly 10 years ago. I like to think it was before it was trendy, but I highly doubt that was the case. My friend Wendy actually picked up a Chemex coffee maker for me at a yard sale, and that started my obsession. I was so intrigued by the beautiful design, I began to research how to use it.
The basic idea behind the Chemex is that, if used properly, it will brew a perfect cup of coffee every single time. Based upon the coffee beans you are using (quality is huge here!) and your personal preference, you develop the perfect ratio of ground beans to water. The beans need to be ground at just the right coarseness to allow for proper extraction, the water needs just be just off the boil, and the pour should be slow, steady, and circular. It sounds like a lot to remember, but it all becomes second nature, and a beautiful ritual to look forward to each morning.
There are much more in-depth explanations (and suggestions for coffee beans to water ratios) all over the internet. I particularly like Intelligentsia’s brewing guide; it’s a great place to start if you’re just beginning. Here’s a very detailed article about coffee extraction, among other things.
I’m currently brewing 25 grams ground coffee beans to 335 grams water, but I like my coffee on the stronger side. With a splash of heavy cream (because I’m not THAT legit to drink it black, at least not most of the time).
Making coffee in this beautiful, intentional way has become a part of my day that I look forward to the moment it’s over. I love that these day-to-day necessities are beautiful enough to serve not only their intended function, but also as kitchen decor. They are stored on my open shelving, and bring me much joy to look at. The interesting sculptural shape of the Chemex, the sleek white scale, the matte black kettle, all intentional objects with which to play around with and make vignettes and fill the kitchen with simple moments of beauty.
Are you a morning person (or trying to be one)? Here are some other posts I wrote on mornings:
Five Ways to Start a Good Morning Routine
My Morning Routine (from two years ago, in 2017)
Making the Most of Working from Home
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