I mentally checked out of parenting yesterday afternoon. After several middle of the night wake-ups over the past few days from a stuffy-nosed three year old, I was tired, but so was she.
I want to tell you that my mama heart understood her struggle and embraced her short fuse and excessive whining with open arms, but truth be told, I was OVER IT. A threenager moment of her screaming about wanting to buckle herself while I was LETTING HER buckle herself was all the confirmation I needed that we all were craving some downtime. So by 2:00 PM we were all washed up and in pajamas. Then the kindle came out.
I don’t know exactly what they did on it, but isn’t that the purpose of buying the kid version? It’s all appropriate stuff, right? I heard something about the Odd Squad (which of course I googled) then I heard them “baking” with Strawberry Shortcake but for the most part I was running laundry back and forth while listening to the book for my women’s group, Uninvited.
Speaking of laundry…
I have to stop. I asked a friend a few weeks back to add me to a couple B/S/T boards on facebook. Don’t know what those are? Good. SAVE YOURSELF! They stand for buy/sell/trade and they are groups where moms join a B/S/T group for a brand they like and then other moms, you guessed it, buy, sell, and trade those clothes.
I am on an Eleanor Rose B/S/T and a Matilda Jane B/S/T and I can’t stop checking them. Seriously, give me ALL the Matilda Jane please! I’ve snagged a couple good deals but really, I need to step away. I wish ThredUp would process the bag I sent them already so I can use that to fill out Hailey’s fall and wardrobe and retreat from the madness.
The good laundry news, however, is that at this moment in time, my laundry hamper is empty. Like not a single thing in it. I am considering making the family walk around naked for the next day so I can enjoy having an empty hamper for at least 24 hours. It makes me that happy.
The horrendously messy cubbies on the other hand… They’re on my list to tackle at some point. I’m still on an organizing kick, especially after my mom sent me this picture of her cleaned out fridge:
Swoon! A thing of beauty, right? I don’t think she intended it to end up on the internet, but mom, you should know that everything is fair game for blog content, especially fridge shots. I will tell you her motivation came from Irma and an extended loss of power, but at least she made lemonade out of (no longer cold) lemons.
Where was I? Oh yes, confessions. So I’ve written a lot about how once upon a time I was a counter: calories, diabetic exchanges, carbs, etc. I’ve been off of that for years but a couple weeks ago I decided I wanted to try counting macros. It’s all over social media, right?
Last night’s dinner (unrelated picture but tasty nonetheless!)
Anyway, I signed up for My Fitness Pal and the whole thing lasted a whopping 5 days (not even long enough to constitute a “I tried macro counting” blog post) before I threw in the towel. It was too much to keep up with, but one thing that came out of the experience was noticing my protein intake. I found out that I don’t really get much protein. Healthy fats? I’m just dandy on those! And carbs are good, but protein? Always low. So I ordered this:
Shaklee just came out with a new line of protein that is 100% grass-fed whey so I decided to give it a try. It just showed up on my doorstep, so I can’t even report back about it yet, but I’m excited to try it.
Another rando confession? I let my kids play with a poisonous caterpillar that stings last week.
The above is not said caterpillar (this is). I had no idea until my friend called me 10 minutes after we left to share that we were basically the worst moms ever. OK, maybe those weren’t her exact words, but wow, I’m glad we lucked out in that scenario!
Whew, this has been a nice chitty-chat (and yes, I say annoying things like chitty-chat IRL), especially after I really felt like I had nothing to say today. I actually put a shout-out on instagram (stories) yesterday asking for input and what blog topics would interest you most and I’m PSYCHED about all your incredible suggestions. Posts about routines, marriage, recipes, meal planning, and finances were suggested, but there was also an overwhelming response for deeper topics: maintaining friendships, self-care, staying positive on tough days, dealing with the ache of being done having children. Lots of good, real stuff that I look forward to diving into. I’ve written them all down, and the more specific the suggestion, the better. Always feel free to comment or email your ideas to me because I LOVE THEM.
Let’s end this with one more thing I love. This owl:
He’s just so dang cute.
And with that, I’m off to snag ingredients for macarons, which Hailey decided were her birthday treat of choice to bake. LOL. Wish me luck!
Have anything you care to confess?! π
Cassie says
Oh my, do I struggle with we are both tired (generally teething, bad nap related) and cranky problem. I understand she’s tired and in pain, but it doesn’t make the whining and displeased grunting any easier to deal with, especially when my mama patience reserves are empty.
Brittany Dixon says
Yes exactly! And then I go peek on her while she’s sleeping and my heart explodes and I vow to be more patient tomorrow. Lather, rinse, repeat π
JOHN J STATHAS says
After exhausting my previous Catholic upbringing regarding “confession”, I’m over it! π Also, we have that owl on our dock. It keeps away the bird droppings. So you’re safe!
Brittany Dixon says
Hooray- no bird droppings in our living room! π
JOHN J STATHAS says
Good, cuz I expect a clean house when we visit next week to celebrate Hailey and your birthdays! Plus, I want to be able to see the tv for the Dawg game. π
CΓ©line says
I would love it if you wrote a post about how you decided you were done having kids! I find this is a really hard decision so I’m all ears about how other people come to their decision π
Brittany Dixon says
Ugh it’s hard isn’t it? I’ll definitely write more about how we came to that, but it will be an emotional post to write. I’ve written before about what helps me with the fact that we’re done and I know it’s the right decision for our family but the ache of knowing no more babies can be brutal at times!
Brynn says
Absolutely hilarious! I love the pajamas at two in the afternoon. Will you share where you found your cute owl? I love your fall decor.
Brittany Dixon says
Hobby Lobby! It was 40% off a week or two ago and the grand total was $3 for the owl I think? I grabbed the cotton and the vase from there too π
Shannon says
My Fitness Pal is a blessing & a curse. Sure it gives you helpful data & I could tweak my diet it a bit. But I lasted 1 day before I threw in the towel…last time around I think I lasted for 4. I can measure snacks & the likes..but when it comes to dinner, how do I even begin to KNOW how much of what I am consuming? Then to upload the recipe & attempt to figure it out…UGH. Too much work…!
Heather says
I confess that I have not been the best that I can be lately. My mood is up and down and I’ve given into procrastination and moping. I’m switching that up today and going straight to the gym after work. My husband agreed to get the kids and even though he decided he didn’t want to go today, and I was *this* tempted to just agree and stay home, I packed my bag and now I’m ready!
Lindsay says
It is crazy how many people, mainly women, are under eating protein. I did the same thing. Tracked and found I was not hitting my marks, so I ordered whey. Loved it. It did not mess with my stomach, I was hitting my marks and then . . . break outs galore!! I’ve read that Whey can cause break outs, especially in women, so today was my first day without a shake . . . it can take a month to notice a difference. Just something to monitor and I would be interested in hearing how it works for you. Hopefully no break outs. Thirty-one with acne is no fun!
Whitney L says
I am a long time reader but have never commented. I loved this post. I have a 5 and 3 year old and lately have been just…struggling. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one with “those” types of afternoons. You seem like a really great mom!
Brittany Dixon says
5 and 3 are busy and demanding (mentally and physically) ages aren’t they?! Thanks for your kind comment and know that you are absolutely not alone on those struggle days. <3
Sarah says
Great post! I am one of the people who DM’d you on Insta yesterday saying that I am a fan of deeper topics (marriage, friendship, mom feelings, self-care, AND I also like the idea of a post about dealing with the idea of being done with having babies), HOWEVER, I absolutely love a post like this one, too! Thanks!! π
And PS – I agree that owl IS adolorable, as well as all of the other decor in that photo – such fall vibes, I love it! π
Laura says
The 3’s are so hard at times. I had an epic meltdown (meaning both me and my son had meltdowns) over the summer, over a cantaloupe. Yes, a cantaloupe. He wanted me to cut up an unripe organic cantaloupe and I refused (and offered in its place numerous other fruits that were ripe). Long story short, by the end of it we both were laying on the floor feeling exhausted, hot (no AC… you know, summer in Colorado is almost bearable without) and defeated.
I love posts about family travel! Even beyond trip reports, how does travel change with kids, and how does it not change? For use, I’ve noticed I really enjoy hotel stays more with kids (as opposed to mostly using VRBO prior to kids), something about the excitement of the new pool, watching TV in bed, etc. VRBO is still great for longer stays, since having a kitchen is invaluable, but I never underestimate the fun and “vacation-y” feel of a one or two night hotel stay! I also enjoy road trips more! Prior to kids, most all of our travel involved air travel. All of this seems counterintuitive to me, and totally not what I would have thought would happen prior to kids. I told my husband though I do have a 5 year plan to make it back to Europe with our boys.
Erica says
I feel your pain! We are still in the frustration meltdown stage (is that a real thing? I may be just making it up ha) where my 2 year old has a complete meltdown because he is suddenly frustrated at something he thinks he can’t do or simply the fact that he is not getting a response as timely as he would like. Can’t wait for age 3 LOL! My husband and I recently started a new project at challengeyourspouse.com which we definitely have discovered we don’t have time for. But our first big challenge was closet cleaning. If you want to feel better about your closets, check out mine π
sherry says
Hailey looks adorable in her dress (shoes & socks too!) . I’m glad that I didn’t send you a picture of the refrigerator before the clean up began π And I know how you feel about an empty hamper (I’ve actually thrown closes in the sink in the laundry room so that I had one day of no clothes in the hamper :))
melissa says
GREAT POST! as for what I would like to hear more about, I really like hearing how you handle sibling squabbles, not only at this age but when they were younger. Do you have any tricks to help them get along. My three year old is just now starting to show frustration towards her sister (7 months) and wants her to go back in my belly. Um sorry, no can do kid. I also like hearing how you and David set goals, budget etc.
Liz says
I just tried whey instead of vegan protein and oh my insides. After a month of feeling good on it, I had HORRIBLE stomach pains, nausea, and felt like I had to go #2 all the time. I even scheduled a GI appointment. I stopped the whey and after about 2 weeks, I’m good to go again. So, no more whey for me. Back to vegan protein! But I was surprised by how many other people felt this on whey too! I love deep cleaning things, especially the fridge! And the pantry! My kid was sick and a pain too. He had to leave daycare early on Thursday and then daycare was closed from Irma on Mon/Tues and I was pretty excited for a day without him today! (But of course, super excited to pick him up!)
Angela says
I am pretty entrenched in buy, sell, trade. Have you stumbled onto Well Dressed Wolf brands yet? My favorite by a lot. My daughter is pretty much always dressed to the 9s while I usually wear clothes from Target!
Anon says
I would love to read your thoughts and approach to raising children that are aware of their place in the world. Meaning, do they meet lots of different people from all walks of life? How do you approach the topic of racism, or address that some people have more and some have less (if you do address it)? And if you don’t currently address it, when would you start?
I don’t mean this as a criticism or dig at the life you lead, but I struggle with this from a child development point of view. Growing up in a big city with many folks from all around, my parents always said that it doesn’t matter what you look like, your skin is just the outside. This was very important for us because we were surrounded by rainbow people, but I’m not sure if you are where you live.
Brittany Dixon says
Hi, I appreciate your thoughtful question and think it was kindly worded, so next time please don’t hide your name or email address because often I like to follow up with an email to have more of a real connection and answer with the questions at hand!
I take a very similar stance to your parents, that skin is just the outside. Another saying I use is that there are all different kinds of beautiful, but mostly we focus on what makes a beautiful heart- kindness, compassion, inclusion, gratitude, service, etc, and teach the girls that these are traits that we value in ourselves and in others.
We live in suburbia and there is not a lot of diversity immediately surrounding us, which is something that does concern me. We read books about all different walks of life and hope to increase our experiences in new places with new people as the girls are now getting out of the challenging baby phase. I will say though that my girls have never brought skin color into question. We have friends we see, including Kaitlyn’s best friend in preschool last year, with all different color skin and neither Hailey nor Kaitlyn has asked about it, they just run off with them to go play.
As for more or less, yes we talk about this quite often. The girls have an understanding of this and we have them involved in giving back. It’s something we will expand upon is each year as they grow, but it is an important value in our family.
Anon again says
Thank you! As it’s something I’ve dealt with a fair bit (I grew up a minority) and has been painful at times, I understand that we have to be kind to one another as we discuss this, otherwise people will get defensive and the conversation would become unproductive quickly.
I would like to share a few articles with you, if you don’t mind. I bring this up as your brought up Ms. Brown… and it sounds like you are genuinely always trying to grow and be your best self, so I hope you might be open to it.
I have been on the same path as Ms Brown, as I started with anthropology and moved into social work. I currently work with people involved inthe criminal justice system. A bit irrelevant, but I wanted to share that in university we discussed the different types of racism, one of which is color-blindness. This is where the articles come in:
everydayfeminism.com/2015/02/colorblindness-adds-to-racism/
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/26/do-not-see-race-ignoring-racism-not-helping
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dani-bostick/how-colorblindness-is-act_b_10886176.html
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/color-blindness-is-counterproductive/405037/
I understand that you mean well by saying that your children never bring up the issue of skin color… but as a parent I feel strongly that it’s OUR responsibility to bring it up. I really believe that hate is learned from parents or people around you, and I don’t imagine that your kids have anything hateful to learn (from you especially) but they will absolutely, unfortunately, be exposed to racism at some point as they grow up. I personally feel very strongly that children should understand that all humans have worth, and that if someone were to be bullied because their skin is different, we should all stick up against the hate and speak up. They should be warned that some people ARE meanly, directly, and loudly racist, and some are indirectly, subtly racist, and that all types are not acceptable.
I would also like to bring Maslow’s pyramid of needs into the conversation, as an interesting thought. If we are lucky enough to be free from oppression, we may be struggling to fulfill the higher levels of the pyramid. But if we’re stuck in a cycle of poverty, or crime, or unsafe places far away from the suburbs… we may be struggling to meet our basic needs, dreaming of having “first-world problems”.
I am obviously not an expert, and just a baby academic at this point, as well as a parent struggling and making my own mistakes (I can’t get away from my own sexist language sometimes, and gender-specific toys are literally everywhere!) and these are just my thoughts and opinions… but THANK YOU for engaging in my rambling that’s pretty off-topic to your blog! <3
Brittany Dixon says
I read the articles you linked to on colorblindness and definitely agree with them, as I’ve never thought to not see color and definitely don’t have my children “not see color.” What I meant in my story about my kids running off and playing with all the kids, is that they do see all the different shades of skin color and we talk about celebrating what makes us all unique and that we all bring something special to the table, and that we all sit at the table together.
I’d really love you to email me about this as I find it to be a really incredible conversation and would like it to continue. My email address is brittanydixon09@gmail.com. Truly, I’d love to continue this because it’s such an important topic that I’d love to discuss with you further, as you have an incredible perspective and obviously a passion for helping others learn more about it. I’d especially love to hear more of your viewpoint on the conversations I should be having with my kids, and how to approach the topics. Again, please email me and we can continue things in that way. Thank you!
Stephanie says
Have you tried any of the Dot Dot Smile dresses? Oh my goodness are they cute and my daughter is obsessed. She calls them “twirly dresses”. I joined a couple of BSTs for them, especially to get some of the more sought after prints. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dotdotsmilejenm/
Brittany Dixon says
I haven’t heard of these, but will go check them out now! Goodness knows we can never have enough twirly dresses π