When I went to get Hailey out of bed yesterday morning, Kaitlyn ran over to Hailey with her usual squeal of excitement and I gave her a big morning hug. As I helped her out bed I asked if she had any dreams. Suddenly her face fell as she told me she did.
“I had a dream that I was ice skating and you and daddy and baby Kaitlyn were there. Then you left me and I was all alone.”
Heart. Broken.
I immediately smothered her in another hug, told her I would never, ever, ever leave her and carried her downstairs for breakfast.
At that moment I decided to abort the plan of working out and just spend the morning with my girls.
I took them to Whole Foods where Hailey was pumped about the wagon of fruit but hesitant about the idea of story time that the store was putting on. After a little coloring and a book reading by Sarah, I’ll give you one guess how she was won over…
Yes, that’s a cupcake at 10:00 am. I think Hailey found her new best friend.
From there we took off to Target, making sure we spent a solid 20 minutes just wandering and playing in the toy aisle. It wasn’t anything super special, but we were all together and having a fun time.
Well, except for my trying to navigate the double carts through the kids’ clothes aisles. There is nothing enjoyable about that.
From there, we rushed home to put Kaitlyn down for nap, then I made Hailey and myself matching lunches and we sat down together to chat.
About dinosaurs.
I love how Hailey will randomly say things like let’s talk about dinosaurs. We talked about how big some of them were. I tried to explain the word extinct and why, yes, I was certain that the zoo didn’t have dinosaurs.
A silly conversation but it made me smile because these are the little moments I sometimes forget to be grateful for.
I know being at home isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, it’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing. Still, I sometimes get so bogged down by the to do list that I forget how much I love these moments and I forget to live in them. I get sidetracked by the must-dos and forget about the get-tos. But then sometimes I look at Hailey and feel like, true to cliche, that I blinked one day while I was holding her as a baby and suddenly here she is, a funny, vivacious, walking, talking little person.
Before you think the rest of my day was spent in a fairytale land of happiness too, let me tell you that Koda went crazy barking at the washing machine, which woke Kaitlyn up early from nap, leaving her quite cranky. Due to this, Hailey missed her quiet time (I can’t call it nap time anymore with a straight face) and it led to a long afternoon to fill.
At Hailey’s swim lesson, I did my usual chasing around and corralling of Kaitlyn as I tried to stay in the one spot Hailey knew to look at and wave to between her turns swimming, because she always turns to make sure I’m watching. And you know after that dream she had that I couldn’t NOT be there when she turned to wave at me.
By the time we got home, we were all pretty worn out.
Physically I was ready to kick my feet up and call it a day, but somehow mentally, my perspective was right where it should be. As I watched Hailey clean up her toys before turning in a TV token and Kaitlyn follow her around like a lost little puppy, I said a quick thank you for the opportunity to be the one to keep up with their craziness. Because for all the whining, dirty diapers, crying, scraped knees, barking dogs, meltdowns and missed naps, I wouldn’t trade where I am for anything.
And after all, there is always wine for the long days.
I know, I’m a walking talking cliche.
The good news about missed naps is that the girls fell asleep quickly, leaving David and I to enjoy some downtime and dinner.
And charge our batteries for another full day of this crazy, wonderful life.
Is there anything in your life that you sometimes forget to be grateful for while being caught up in the business of the day to day?
Al says
Great post. They way they tug on the heart strings sometimes and are able to remind you of what really matters is truly amazing….. And the things they come up with to talk about…..
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
This post made me so happy 🙂 I love what you said about the “have-tos” and “get-tos” and I’m glad the haves didn’t over shadow the gets 🙂 It sounds like you girls are having a lovely time, even with the occasional bump in the road!
Brynn says
yes to this post! I recently had one of those moments and had to check myself. Being home with my babe is wonderful, crazy and a blessing. But it’s so easy to get caught up in the momentum of life. And you’re right, blink and they’ve grown a foot!
John J. says
A touching parental commentary on the privilege of “being there” for your child blossoming in front of you while time passes too quickly.
Karenr says
Health and Wellness.
To many of us take our health for granted until something goes terribly wrong. (I am guilty of this)
Lately our lives have been filled with dr appt’s, therapy, tests and scans. I will be so grateful to get the last results today and to hope for my husbands health to take a turn for the better again.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Karen, I do not know what is going on but want you to know I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes I think I am so happy because I am so aware of how quickly something could change. Health is definitely not to be taken for granted. Hoping you get great news today <3
Jeannie says
I love all your posts and go with the flow attitude. I need to remind myself of this with my 18 mos old son sometimes.
Can you tell me what bran those muffin cups are for the hummus? Also the sand which looks good what is in it?
Keep these awesome posts coming!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Jeannie! I think you got my reply on instagram, but just wanted to follow up here too. The muffin cups are silicone and linked to in my side bar and the sandwich roll is just roast beef and colby jack- surprisingly delicious 🙂
Kate says
Hailey looks so much like you in the picture of the three of you! This was a precious posts and great reminder that it is alllll in the little moments.
Brittany Dixon says
I secretly love that she looks so much like me! I hope she doesn’t mind 😉
Lisa O says
What a lovely, warm and fuzzy blog. Thank you Brittany from a grateful reader 😉 I have a 3&1/2 year old and a 10-month-old, plus I’m a SAHM (with a freelancing business very much on the side) so pretty similar circumstances and I feel so many of the same emotions. I’m grateful for your ability to put those emotions into words and the thoughtfulness of your delivery!
Sometimes, when both kids have a cold (it’s cold n flu season in Aus) and both want to be koala-ing all the livelong day, I feel pretty exhausted and low in patience. It’s these days I need to remember to be grateful, because it is a privilege to be the person that gives them the most comfort in the whole world. That’s pretty special and worth all the lack of personal space, drinking lukewarm coffee (it’s still life giving in its tepidness!) and early morning wake ups.
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Brittany Dixon says
I love what you said Lisa! I certainly have days when I’m just not patient, but like you mentioned, I try to remind myself that at this age I can make all their problems better with hugs or books or attention and I know I won’t always be needed so much. That usually helps me refocus on what matters. Our lives do sound so similar- how fun! I’d love to do a life switch and come check out Australia! Thanks for your comment 🙂
christina says
you are a busy, busy lady. but i do love that you take time to reflect and appreciate. another reason i admire you!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Dinner looks delicious! And what a fun start to the day!
Carrie says
Exceptionally sweet post today, Brittany. And just when I was in the need of a reminder as well. Thank you! Hope all is well. Love your crazy cabin idea!
Brittany Dixon says
I say we start looking at places. February? Miss yall!
Donna says
Brittany, I just ADORE your family, your blog, your writing all of it. You are so uplifting about life and it shines through in everything you write about. The picture of the three of you in this blog is THE BEST, A FRAMER!!!!!!!!!!! I pray Koda is doing well and responding really well to treatments. You mentioned a few weeks ago that he was. I keep him in my prayers.
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for your kind words Donna! <3 Koda has her last chemo tomorrow and they'll be doing a biopsy to see if there is any persistent lymphoma or if she is in remission. We decide how to proceed from there, but I'm just so grateful she has taken to treatment really well and has had a really fun summer. She's snoring at my feet right now. Love that pup. Thanks for thinking of us!
Jennifer says
I am a recently new reader, and I have really been enjoying your posts. I am currently starting my own blog, which I plan to launch next week. I’m trying to find the balance of motherhood and blogging, which it seems like you do really well balancing it all! I agree, it is so important to try to be present and live in the moment. I love your line about the “get-tos” – so true! I am taking some time off work with my two girls (4 and 6 months), and I am new to SAHMommyhood. I will continue to remember that I “get to” do all the wonderful things I do for my family each day. Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, our girls are close to the same age- how fun!…and crazy some days 😉
I balance the best I can and try to remind myself that the girls come first, but everyday is difference. My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself grace and know that every day won’t be balanced. Welcome to the SAHMblogging world 😉
Josephine sharpe says
Loved this post Brittany, beautifully written and made me tear up. I feel the same as you do, very privileged to be a SAHM. I loved your response to Hailey’s dream, dropping your plans and spending time together, just what I would do. The time they are little does indeed go too fast. Arianna has been doing two afternoons (10 hours) at day care for about 4 months now but September she starts Nursery School three days p.w. 8.30 – 3.00. I know I am going to miss her so much, I’m anxious already! Gosh time to start a new phase in my life and find some hobbies and ‘me’ things to fill my time, scarey!
Kiki says
I have 3 boys and am always grateful for the summertime schedule when we can spend our days together. Like you said sometimes those days can be crazy and stressful but I know soon enough they will want to be off with their friends so right now I am grateful for the time together and the memories we are making.
Dana says
Just had to comment…..LOVE this post! Thx for being so true and honest. Love reading your blog!