Anyone up for grabbing a quick cuppa-something and chatting? That’s not an uncommon text for me to send to a friend so let’s for good measure pretend you just responded with yes and will ever-so-kindly (like the great friend you are) allow me to ramble your ear off for a bit…
Body
I had a moment the other day that I realized I haven’t really thought about my body in a long time. Or should I say I haven’t picked on my body for a long time. Which is kind of funny because it’s not like I’ve reached some super fit milestone, but somehow, unintentionally, I’ve found a happy place of feeling strong and content without wishing for once that my thighs would shrink “just a little.”
Again, ironic because I haven’t even been the best about making it to bootcamp. (broken record alert) I’m really struggling with the class timing at the moment but will continue to do what I can when I can because I left yesterday’s quad and arm/shoulder class on a complete endorphin high! Daniel is seriously an incredible and motivating trainer and somehow several of my girlfriends and I ended up there on the same day/class which always makes things more fun.
Post Burn spinach salad picnic at the playground with friends. PS- these leggings are life.
In skin update news, I’ve been using quite the random array of products. It’s like I can’t decide whether I love or hate chemicals on my face so I’ve been doing both.
My skin has actually felt smooth and looked (dare I say) slightly brighter lately. I just don’t know which product to give credit too. The experimentation continues…
Mind
You guys, being a woman is tough. And baby fever is legit. I don’t think I’ve ever felt it until recently but I have waves where it feels really intense. Let me clarify- we are done with kids. Not sure I’ve ever said that because it still feels surreal to me. How am I already on the other side of getting married and having kids? 90% of the time I’m great with our decision and am really excited to embrace each phase at it comes, but there are waves (generally after the girls go down- ha) where I feel like I’d give a kidney to have one more baby. However, I typically tend to romanticize everything in the past (which is actually a fortunate trait I think for the most part) so I easily mentally erase the fact that I’m not the most fun pregnant woman and how much sleep deprivation sucks. Also, we are at great ages around here that we can go and play all day long without accounting for nap times and set feedings.
Yet, baby fever can still occasionally rear its ugly head- can anyone confirm that it eventually fades? Truly though, my heart really does explode with gratitude for the amazing family I have and the sweet, sweet phase we are in.
We have, however, discussed a puppy. Which would definitely help with my deep seeded need to be needed. To be continued.
Soul
My soul is happy. So happy that I sometimes worry I need to give myself a reality check by worrying a bit more. (Did I mention being an emotional woman is weird?). My days around here are filled to the brim. They are full of messy chaos, like a newly 5 year old that insists she can cook BY HERSELF and ends up with large chunks of butter in her hair at 8:00 am.
My days are also full of the sweetest that life has to offer, like a two year old that jumps up in her crib in the morning to scream BOO! I mish you mommy.
She misses me. While she sleeps. She may know how to play my like a fiddle but my goodness she does it well.
David has been working his tail off recently, but one thing I really love about David is his ability to be present when he is present. He can somehow set the stresses of work aside and focus on tickling the girls, helping them on their bikes and chatting about all the stuff that happened to me in my day. I’m not sure I mention all those things on here very often, but he’s a big part of my joy.
And don’t they say a factor of happiness is having something to look forward to? Well, I can check that one off too because I’m giddy with anticipation of seeing so much family next week. Thanksgiving will be here soon and we have a household countdown going on. We’re ready!
That’s probably enough about me. Thanks for letting me chat your ear off. I’d love to hear what’s going on with you too.
What are your current struggles or triumphs?
What brings you joy?
How are you doing: body, mind and soul?
Jen says
I feel you on the baby fever. You would think being 43 with 18 month old twins would squash that nonsense. But no…I’d have another in a heartbeat if my husband were on board. And I wasn’t 43 :). Lucky for me, my friends are all younger and still having babies so I can just steal theirs for a few hours. A puppy is definitely a fair compromise!
Brittany Dixon says
If toddler twins can’t squash it then nothing can π It’s nice to feel I’m not alone and I’ll bet your house is full of so much fun- I always thought twins would so incredible to experience (though I’m sure it’s a bit hectic too ;))!
Haley @ Hobson Homestead says
I totally feel you on the baby front. I think we are done too, but it’s still not easy. I can’t imagine being pregnant again but then I also can’t imagine the ‘having babies’ stage being over with. We’ve talked about fostering in a year or two once we are more settled, but a lot of things need to fall into place first. I need more friends with new babies, maybe that would satisfy me π
Brittany Dixon says
Yes exactly! I imagine I could have 3, 4, 5 kids and I’d still never fully be at peace with being done with babies. My maternal gene is STRONG haha. I get to see my baby niece next week and plan on trying to soak it up!!
Cassie says
I love this post! I totally can’t decide about skincare products either. I’m on the opposite side of baby fever. I have a 14 month old and remember the sleep deprivation too well, but really want the little to have a sibling. Please tell me I’ll forget a little or my desire to have another sweetie in our family will override how terrible it is to not sleep for 6 to 8 months?
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, the old saying is so true- once you are sleeping again you totally forget how tough those first months are! It’s such a strange phenomenon. Plus kids can be so different that if you have a second, you might get a great sleeper from the start (fingers crossed for you if you decide to go for two ;))
John J. says
No baby fever, tho grandkid fever/expectation next week is present. Current: Body = biked 13 miles yesterday. Mind: Reading “God Delusion” book = stimulating thought. Soul: Celebrating a grateful life of family love!
Brittany Dixon says
Do men even feel baby fever dad?? π Can’t wait to see you soon!! xoxo
John J. says
Nope, after two great kids like you and Kris. I knew when to stop – having the best! Now, it’s enjoying y’all and the grandkids.
erin says
ah baby fever, I get it! My kids are 4 and 7, and we are so done, yet I still crave a baby in my arms. For me, I think wanting another baby is more about the fact that my kids are growing up fast and while it is amazing it also hurts to know they are no longer babies. This leads me to thinking I want another baby to relive those baby days, where in reality I don’t really feel like going through that all over again and life is sooo much easier with 2 “older” kids. I will say thought I have a lot of friends who were 100% done until their youngest turned 5 then bamm… they decided they wanted another:)
Brittany Dixon says
This! This is exactly how I feel. It’s like I can physically feel time flying by. It’s funny because I don’t even wish mine were younger again, there is just something bittersweet about watching them grow. Still I agree with you that having “older-ish” kids is a ton of fun and there is so much we can actually do together now! Thanks for your comment π
Jessica says
No baby fever here at the moment, but I LOVE babies. I’m sure once my bestie has hers next month I’ll have it, but I know we are done. We are happy with our two healthy kiddos. My struggles right now is feeling like me. I tend to lose myself in motherhood and finding my way out can be difficult since my husband’s job is very time consuming and keeps him away until dinnertime or later many days. But I have been working on finding more joy in the small things in life.
Brittany Dixon says
First of all, it was so fun running into you the other day- your kiddos are adorable!! π Second, I feel you on the husband’s long hours front. If you’re ever around and want to hang out, let me know! I have a lot of girlfriends in the same boat and keeping days full certainly helps π
amy says
Would love a post about this. My husband travels a ton for work and when he isn’t traveling he isn’t usually home until after our 19month goes to bed. He is ready for #2 but I just feel like I found my groove on being a mama, working part time, etc. Would love a post about things you do to help manage with a husband who is not around often. We have a great marriage and I feel bad for him missing out on so much time with our girl, but sometimes I also get annoyed and feel burnt out. I don’t have baby fever yet but several of our friends who have toddlers our daughters age are already pregnant with #2 and it makes me wonder why I’m not ready yet and overanalyze the perfect space for siblings to be apart….
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Amy, I could definitely write a short novel about this- ha! I’m fortunate to have many friends in the same boat whose husbands work crazy hours or travel a lot. I feel lucky that David doesn’t travel often but it isn’t unusual for him to not see the girls for a couple days in a row because he leaves so early and comes home once they are in bed. What really helped me (especially when the girls were babies) was keeping a full schedule, getting out of the house, assuming he wouldn’t be home (then happily surprised if he was, rather than upset if he wasn’t), him telling me how much he appreciates what I do (huge for me- my love language!), giving myself breaks when I need it and finding friends in similar situations. I have even more to say about it, so I’ll put this down on my post idea list. Hang in there, it sounds like you are doing an incredible job!!
April says
Love this post! But no baby fever for meβ¦not even a little π We are getting a puppy however, so that’s basically the next best thing to a baby, right?! LOL. I love your positive attitude on life in general, I try hard every day to enjoy the sweet moments with little ones without worrying about the things that don’t really matter. It’s hard sometimes but having that positive outlook really makes a difference. Can’t believe how big your girls are getting! So precious π
Brittany Dixon says
You are getting a puppy?!? I want to come snuggle! What kind??
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
My struggle for more than the past year has been dealing with infertility. It’s changed my life in so many ways and it’s easy to consume your every thought. I’ve worked really hard the past 5 months on trying to focus on the good in my life, living in the present, but also looking forward to the future (i.e. vacations or holidays & not having a baby).
My family and Ryder bring me so much joy! I’ve also been trying to work on being better at HIIT workouts. I used to HATE burpees but now I’m getting better at them. π It’s the little things that count.
I love these posts of yours and I’m so happy to hear that you are feeling content with your body. That is HUGE! <3 Also, you should definitely get a puppy!
Brittany Dixon says
Kelli, I so appreciate your openness on the subject. I cringe to hear myself whine about another baby when I know you must feel what I do 100x over. I absolutely love your outlook (almost as much as I swoon over seeing Ryder on your snaps — his sleeping/dreaming video the other day made me go tell David I needed a puppy- ha). I’m saying an extra prayer for you that you can continue to embrace the power of positive thinking and for your family to expand in a way that fills your heart. Thinking of you <3
...and get those burpees girl! π
melissa says
I’m 29 weeks pregnant and have been on bed rest since 24 weeks, so right now I am just looking forward to carrying this little one to full term. I started getting baby fever when my first grew out of her newborn clothes. LOL.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Love this! What a sweet phase y’all are in. Yes, I relate to baby fever. We are 1000% DONE, but I kind of mourn that Mallory is my last one.
Jerrica says
Listen…baby fever is REAL. I had the worst PPD after both of my kids and I truly did not enjoy the baby stages at all but now that mine are 7/5 I can only see those days with sweet memories of snuggling their chubby goodness. I am getting ready to be an aunt for the first time and my uterus is aching. My best friend recently had a baby and it makes me so weepy to hold her. I come home often and tell my husband I miss and want it. You know his solution? He finds YouTube videos of colicky babies (our last had it) and will play it at the most ridiculous times…2am, while I’m in he shower, as I’m running out the door, while we all sit down for dinner, in he car!!!! It’s so funny but it sure does help snap me out of it π We are at amazing ages right now and I really cannot imagine going backward at this point…but the struggle is real!
Brittany Dixon says
The youtube videos ideas is the funniest, most amazing thing I’ve ever heard!! I am going to tell David about it because I’m sure he will do the same thing to me. That is hilarious!!
Isn’t the female mind weird though? It erases any struggle and just leaves those chubby little baby faces. It’s so helpful to hear I’m not alone though- I felt like I was going crazy <3
Steph says
I had PPD/A for about 8 months following the births of both of my kids, and while I know I don’t want any more children, I STILL feel that baby fever sometimes. It’s sad to think that we are experiencing the last firsts. Mine are 3.5 and 1.5, so we are exiting the baby stage. It’s a little sad (I, too, love to be needed), but I look forward to the freedom and fun older kids have to offer.
I also think that, even if I had 10 kids, I’d always sort of want another baby beCause of aforementioned need to be needed. I think it’s just par for the course once your kids have left the baby stage behind.
Brittany Dixon says
Honestly just hearing that I’m not alone in my feelings helps so much! Thanks for your comment <3
Daren says
So, I hate to be THAT person, and I hope this is ok to post, but In re: to your skincare, have you tried Arbonne? It’s botanically based, vegan, GF, fair trade–all that good stuff without any bad stuff. I’d love to send you a sample. It completely changed my skin for the better! (www.darennorris.arbonne.com)
Oh! And baby fever is real! I thought I was done after two–well, the second one isn’t even here yet (any day now) and I’m already dreaming of #3!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Daren! I have tried Arbonne a couple years ago- a night cream I think? I remember liking it! I think I just have a bad habit of being a product trying junkie. π
Congratulations on your (soon to be) new baby- what an exciting time for your family!! <3
Leslie says
Mom of two boys ages 4 and 2 here, with #3 (a girl π±) due in March! Just wanted to chime in with my 2 cents: if the feeling is strong, I say go for the third. I don’t think parents would ever regret another little bundle of joy in the family, whereas someday I feel people may regret *not* adding one. I also heard that once you’re done, you will feel complete! β€οΈ
Brittany Dixon says
I agree Leslie, I’ve never heard someone say they regret another baby! And congratulations on your new baby girl on the way- that is so exciting!! <3
Dana says
Leslie…I have to agree. I had two kiddos, two years apart and while my husband and I kept saying we were done having kids, that its so much easier now, something was just missing in my life. I thought it was work, so I went back to work but nope, still had that same feeling. Thought it was just my babies getting older and I missing those younger days…. and 8 years ( longer than we had hoped) but God had other plans for us….we had a third and boy what a blessing she was!!! I have to say that I feel totally complete…it is so true what they say, you never regret adding another bundle of joy but i know some friends who regret not having that third…..all I can say is go with your gut!! Our guts surprisingly can tell us some amazing things!!
Chantal says
We’re on our third and LAST baby, but I still get the nagging feeling like, should we have more? But also, I can’t wait to be done with diapers and all the naps…. my daughter is almost five and it’s so easy to get around with her. The toddler makes things a bit difficult, and then of course we will be adding a baby to the mix! Yeesh.