If we were having coffee together this morning, I’d order you an extra shot of espresso to give you a fighting chance of making it through my unloading.
I’d tell you about how it’s been a tough week for me. Nothing bad has happened, but I overcommitted myself with a few side projects that left me feeling worn down and ragged. The worst of it was reflected in the motherhood department. Though I don’t try to hold myself to any super standard, I do focus on always trying to lead with patience and kindness. I’ve mentioned I’m a rainbows and butterflies gal, right? But in all honesty, I believe strongly in those principles and fell short this week, which I have no doubt that is what contributed to more meltdowns than normal. Meltdowns lead to frustration and exhaustion for all and then guilt follows. It’s an ugly cycle.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you that I am working on using the word no. Not to everything, but I’m learning to be more selective in making sure what I say yes to aligns with my priorities and is enhancing my life, not adding unnecessary stress to it.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I booked a place for Hailey 3rd birthday party! I was unsure if we’d have a party, but since she fully understands the concept of it this year, I decided we could keep it small and I really look forward to seeing the joy in her face. I was going to have it here, but we will have some work being done on the house in mid-September, so it was out of the question.
If we were having coffee I’d rephrase what I meant when I said ‘two kids are easier than one.’ Because that’s a lie. I think what I meant is that the second time around, the baby phase is SO much easier. Seriously, Kaitlyn is a breeze, all things considered. But juggling two while trying to figure out nap schedules, play time, meals, etc is not a piece of cake. There are many times each day I wonder how a mom of three or more does anything. Hats of to you mommas!
If we were having coffee I’d tell you about how yesterday I told myself to go jump in a lake. And I did. For about 20 minutes while both girls were napping and it totally turned my day around. Not sure if it was the cool water or break in routine, but man, I need to do that more often! Koda enjoyed it too.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you we are thisclose to having Kaitlyn sleep all the way through the night. She’s going to bed by 7:30pm and made it to 4:00am this morning. Then I’d throw confetti up in the air and do a jig.
If we were having coffee, it would be obvious to you that mommyhood is consuming me right now and self-care has taken a back seat. I need a haircut, a couple doctor appointments, more exercise sessions than once or maybe twice a week and I need more than one pair of (still) maternity shorts to wear. It may sound selfish to some, but taking care of me makes it easier to take care of everyone else. So I’m going to work on it. A friend is letting me borrow her BOB Duallie while she is at the beach for the week and I am excited to see how I can work that into our routine.
If we were having coffee I’d hope that you would give me a BIG hug and then shake me hard and say SNAP OUT OF IT. IT’S FRIDAY! And I would listen, smile, hug you back and thank you for listening. My frustrations may seem like nothing to you, but we all have our weeks where life seems a bit harder than usual and having a friend to lean on can make all the difference.
I’m off to lay low, recharge and enjoy some family time. I hope your weekend is full of just what you need too!
Anna says
Happy Friday, Brittany! Thanks for sharing!
Susan H says
TGIF! My Grace will be three in Sept too and we are party planning also. 🙂
I only have one and the thought if two was never a plan, lol. I always say, when I have a week like yours, this too shall pass! I hope you have a more relaxing weekend. Call your Mom and ask her to come for a visit, hehe. She seems like a huge help and then go get your hair cut. 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I hope you get to recharge this weekend! And I love that you just jumped in the lake when you had time!! 🙂
Kathy says
It will all be fine. don’t be so hard on yourself. Take a deep breath and enjoy today…and the weekend. What ever doesn’t get done, I hate to tell you this, but it will still be waiting on you when YOU are ready. Enjoy those kids. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Sherry says
Hugs coming your way. You are a terrific mom! And you are also human (sorry to break the news) 🙂 So don’t be so hard on yourself. Have a wonderful weekend!
Marjorie says
Aw, HUGS Brittany! I have those weeks with one child. I am in awe of all that you seem to get done! Motherhood is not for the weak, I tell you. Hang in there.
I am hoping you can get some R&R this weekend. And maybe a few more dips in the lake.
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Deep breaths and extra coffee. 🙂 You’re doing great. Your priorities are in line; you’re just a bit bogged down. Bogged down can be fixed, priorities can’t… at least not without a lot of effort. (though I understand both are easier said than done) Glad night sleep is getting better!!
Lauren K says
We all have those weeks–they force you to get back on track! Is Hailey really turning 3?! Have a wonderful weekend!
Brittany Dixon says
I had to stop and think as I typed out Hailey’s 3rd birthday. When the heck did that happen? Would love to see y’all sometime this fall!
Jodi Stutts says
If we were having coffee this morning, you would be staring quizzically at my cup wondering why 2 tea bags were in it. And that’s bc mornings I wake up feeling like a Mac truck ran me over deserve two tea bags…. And a shot of espresso.
Have a great weekend! You deserve it! I totally see Mondays post being titled ‘ I’m baaaaaaaaackkkkkk!!!!!!’
And I wasn’t joking about finding me on your dock around two pm. If only my monitors reached that far….
Brittany Dixon says
I won’t tell if your monitor doesn’t quite make the stretch 😉
Lauren says
Hugs to you! Having little ones is hard, and some days are much harder than others. It gets better! You do a great job with your girls!!
Glenda says
I would greatly appreciate the extra shot of espresso if we were having coffee this morning (17 month old up for the day at 4:00am and I am now at work)
I have been reading your blog for over a year now and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it. I am truly amazed at how much you accomplish as a mother of two. I really appreciate your positive outlook and realistic view of motherhood.
Hope you have a great weekend and get some R&R
Brittany Dixon says
Glenda, I’m sending you over an afternoon latte right now super mom! 4am is an early to start to then have to get up and go to work, too! Thank you for reading and for your kind words <3 I hope you have a great weekend too!
A says
I feel like I should be taking you to the beach with me instead of leaving you with my BOB. Or better yet, wouldn’t it be great if I took H for the week? Oh, just wait until they are older and begging to let us do that!!! You need to definitely start saying some loud and clear NOs and worry about you, your girls, and your overall healthy and household. xoxo
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I enjoyed our coffee break — thanks for the extra shot in my cup — but huge hug to you. Congrats on making it to Friday, I hope your weekend is just the break you need. I love that you were able to share exactly how you felt about this week. Some weeks are just better than others…
Rachel says
If we were having coffee, I’d give you a big hug and tell you that it will all be ok and to hang in there! We’ve all been there and it definitely stinks. Tomorrow is a new day!
Maria says
I read a Pinterest quote last night that resonated with me. It said “The most successful people I know say NO more than yes”. I had to think about it for a while and I realized that I’m such a YES person. Especially at work. I chalk it up to being a team player and willing to help any and all who ask, but in the end, it doesn’t serve me well and the things that I MUST accomplish are done so haphazardly. Saying no is easier said than done, right? 😉
Try to have an “intuitive day” this weekend. Just as you would ask yourself “What do I really want to eat and am I hungry?”, ask yourself what you really want to DO. What will serve you well in that moment of time? I read about this in some of my intuitive research and find it even more fascinating than IE itself.
Brittany Dixon says
Great advice and points my friend. I’m a YES person too and it stems from me being a people pleaser. It’s something I’m constantly working on. Right now my intuition is saying it’s cloudy out so open a bottle of vino and watch Harry Potter. Think H would be down for that? 😉
Amanda N says
Anytime I read something about a mom with two children having a hard time I get nervous and think we maybe shouldn’t have another. But it all passes, my mom raised 2, my husband’s mom raise 5, my grandparents raised 9+. You find some way to make it work and stay sane and it’s worth it! (At least that is what I am telling myself) You’re doing great!
My little one slept through the night for the first time in months last night and I was tossing and turning waiting for her 3am wake up call. (thanks molars and canines!) Looking forward to the possibility of her sleeping through the night all the time again!
Brittany Dixon says
Isn’t it the worst when they are sleeping and you can’t?! And no worries Amanda, though this week is tough, I can honestly say I’ve never had a greater joy than watching my two kiddos interact and it’s only getting better each day. Not always easy but always worth it. I hope you get some sleep tonight!!
Jen W. says
You are “super woman”. You should be so proud of yourself. Your accomplishments, big and small, are amazing!
Maria says
Girl, if we were having a coffee date, I’d buy you a sbux gift card and make you promise to take me on another coffee date and make it a standing thing. I didn’t realize how incredibly easy it is to fall into a routine of taking care of everyone else but yourself! And I totally only have one pair of shorts I bought at the start of summer that are too big now but I’m still too big for my regular stuff. Oof. Hoping you have a great weekend!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
I’m not there yet, but sooooo many people have advised me to carve out me-time once baby’s here. I’m a definite introvert, so my closest friends especially know this will be crucial for me, but I think it applies to any mom. You’ll be much more responsive to and fun when with your family when you’ve had time to recharge and be refreshed. I hope you get some of that this weekend!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Sending you huge hugs sweet friend! Hang in there. You’re amazing! xo
Laura @FitMamaLove says
BIG hugs to you, mama! I always say that having two when my 2nd was a newborn was way easier than having my first as a newborn. And it was true! But there were some things that were a lot more challenging even though overall it was easier. Having a baby was a breeze the second time, but it was getting out of the house and dealing with the meltdowns all around at the end of our journey to wherever that was the problem. So I feel you on this!
Have a blast planning the 3rd b’day party. They really are super fun since they completely understand what’s going on now.
Glad you found some release with a jump in a lake. Hope you get to do that more often and are able to make more time for you soon!
Julia @ LordStillLovesMe says
Thank you for sharing your life as a mom AUTHENTICALLY. I am nowhere near being a mom (just about to start freshman year at college), but you are one of the most “real” bloggers in my feed. You genuinely make me look forward to having children one day, while simultaneously point out that it will not be easy 100%, but it is worth it. Thank you for just being honest and sweet, Brittany! Praying for some rest for you. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for such an amazing compliment and making me smile! I appreciate it more than you know. And good luck in college- What an exciting time! I still have so many happy memories from those days (and mannnnn that makes me sound old haha!)
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I love your honesty, Brittany! I hope you, David, and the girls have a lovely and relaxing weekend! Hang in there and fingers crossed, next week will be a bit smoother 🙂
LaToya says
Yes to this “it would be obvious to you that mommyhood is consuming me right now and self-care has taken a back seat.”
And no, it’s not selfish for needing your YOU time. It is what we are supposed to do!
John J. says
Enjoyed sharing “coffee” with you. Sorry it has been such a challenging week but that makes weekends even more special. More lake time?! Thought of you and your childhood particularly today as I reminisce about writing letters to you from birth going forward. I like that you have your own special chronicle for your girls.
Annie says
I could have written this myself! My son will be 3 at the end of the month and my daughter just turned 4 months old. My hubby has been traveling a lot for work and I have also been struggling to uphold my “parenting with kindness” ideals at times. Maybe it’s my son waking up the baby for the millionth time at the end of a long day 🙂 And then that guilt after snapping at my little guy…I know what you’re going through! I always look forward to your posts and you honestly inspire me to be a better mama. You are always so upbeat and positive, and it helps to know that someone else in a similar situation can stay so positive with the craziness that is life right now! So, from one mama to another, you’re doing an amazing job! And yes, that self care really works. Runs with the double bob have recently become our new favorite activity. Baby naps, toddler gets to play at the park we run to, and I feel amazing after getting to work out. Definitely worth the $ for the stroller!
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! says
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. I have only been a mother for a month and I have already learned there are good days and there are bad days. I’m trying to learn that she is in charge now and not everything will go just how I planned or right on schedule! You’re doing all you can and that is all anyone can ask!
Lauren says
I am a frequent reader and love that you are realistic about the trials of motherhood while still being positive. I have also had a long week (lots of chasing my 17 mo around while trying to get through 1st trimester nausea) and am trying to do a better job in the patience department in the coming week 🙂