Yesterday Hailey was invited to visit a horse barn with a friend and eagerly accepted. This ended up giving me an entire afternoon alone with Kaitlyn. I had grand plans of knocking out a bunch of organization tasks I have on my list with help from my littlest buddy.
We started off strong with the coffee (/whiskey?) station that desperately needed to be weeded out. Pictures don’t do justice to the peace of mind this brought me by easing my fear that an i love mom mug was going to fly out at my face every time I opened the cabinet.
It didn’t take long after this though to find a distraction from our to do list.
But when your two year old asks “please you paint my fingers mommy?” you just can’t deny her.
From there we moved to Kaitlyn’s room. I’ve known I’ve needed to undertake the tedious task of combing through the girls’ drawers and closets to sort into the proper bins (donate / secretly throw away when they aren’t looking / save for Kaitlyn fall 2017 / save for Kaitlyn spring 2018… #littlesisterproblems) for a while now.
I decided to start with her bedroom nook, which really is hers despite the fact that pictures of toddler Hailey still hang on the wall.
At least the drawers are cleaned and sorted and the diaper pail and changing pad (which haven’t been used in…???) are gone. I’ll get to a more comprehensive and updated wall hanging at a later date.
When we turned to the closet, we hit the jackpot- my old dance and Halloween costumes.
Needless to say, we got a little distracted.
Between costume changes and impromptu dance parties, I somehow managed to pull all the bins out of the attic to properly sort the chaos formerly known at Kaitlyn’s closet.
Sure we created a disaster in our wake, but we sure had fun!
The afternoon made me realize that I don’t really have a lot of one on one time with Kaitlyn. I’m grateful for the two mornings a week we hang out while Hailey is in school, and I appreciate how well my girls play with each other, but this entire afternoon felt like a special treat. We could make everything into a game and she ate up the focused attention.
Yes, I totally set up my camera timer to try and capture this time with my baby girl. #sap
Plus I had time to teach her about the more important things in life, like the art of the perfected selfie.
It made me realize how big my little girl is getting. She is the almost age that Hailey was when Kaitlyn was born. I remember thinking how big Hailey was at 2 years and 9 months when she became a big sister. To be honest I have had a lot of waves lately of excited to be moving into the next phase of parenting coupled with lows of accepting the fact I won’t be having anymore babies. I don’t even think it’s truly an ache for more kids, but just another reminder of how short the years can be. I feel I’ve been able thus far (a whopping 26 days into 2017, but still) to keep my priorities where I want them to be. I’m hoping I can keep it up and savor as many of these quiet afternoons as possible.
And I hope it’s still many years to come before she tires of helping me make dinner!
No big closing thoughts here; just an ordinary, but beautiful, afternoon with my Kaitlyn.
What is a recent ordinary-looking moment that felt special to you?
John J. says
Having special time with one’s child is definitely one of life’s sweet moments. I had that with my two adult kids last weekend. It is always wonderful no matter the age!
Brittany Dixon says
Glad to hear it stays just as sweet! Love that we can be together as often as we can!
Nadia North says
SOAK IT UP! An ordinary afternoon, but precious memories for both of you.
Love your before and after’s – I am doing the same thing at my house!
Brittany Dixon says
Your most recent post makes me want to run out and buy ALL the baskets! Looks great!!
Nadia North says
Thank you! Those baskets are actually pretty inexpensive and have held up beautifully. I got them at the “Christmas Tree Shoppes”. Not sure if you have one on your area, but they have some hidden gems!
Heather says
This is honestly so sweet. I just love reading your blog for posts like this. You can really tell that you are such a great mama and are doing a great job with your girls. Keep it up!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you Heather! I really do feel lucky that I’m my sweet spot. I’ve always wanted to be a mom <3
sherry says
Such special times! I remember you in that clown costume 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Was it for the 5th grade play? When I was “the big wheel” — hilarious!!
Heather says
Sometimes these kinds of days are my favorite. I love a combination of productivity and play and those times when I can look past the mess in favor of building a fort to play in and sit and read books in. The time really does pass so quickly.
Brittany Dixon says
YES! I really think those days are my favorite. Nowhere to rush off to. Everyone just seems more chilled out. I love it <3
Liz T says
Loves it. So tender. And the super sap coordinated self-timer pic is a precious keeper.
Brittany Dixon says
I felt a little silly but I always take the pictures and I wanted to be IN one with my girl, darn it! Haha
Christina says
Ok, I seriously laughed out loud at your comment about “secretly throw away when they aren’t looking.” I’m glad I’m not the only one who has to do that!
Brittany Dixon says
All day e’ry day! (insert the little hands up emoji). I used to feel guilty but got over that when piles of “must keep” art started taking over my kitchen.
Katy @ Dirt to Delish says
What a sweet post! I loved your before/after pictures. I’ve been doing a lot of the same organization-type stuff in the new year, and it’s amazing what a little organization can do for your sanity/quality of life. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Isn’t it!? I seriously skipped over to get my tea and mug off the newly organized counter this morning- ha! It’s the little things 😉
Jerrica says
I had a moment this morning that connected to another moment last week. We were on vacation last week and I had asked my husband which backpack he wanted to carry with us. He said “why? We don’t need one” and I realized at that specific moment that I don’t have little kids anymore. I don’t need a bag of extras and stuff, I don’t need a stroller. We only need ourselves and off we can go! And then this morning at school drop off my oldest, who is almost 7, got in line and then ran back over for “one last big hug” and I started crying! I plan to hold onto those moments as long as possible even though they are physically growing into big kids! Never too busy for another hug!
Emily S says
Your relationship with your daughters is so sweet! My mom is my best friend so I love seeing sweet mother daughter relationships like yours :). They truly are the best!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
What a beautiful post! My son is SO active right now, but I absolutely love the minute or two he cuddles with me before bed. I’m savoring it!
Julie says
Just wanted to say how much I love your blog! I just found it…and it’s so refreshing to read someone who is so real. I’m not a mom, but I am an RD, and I just love reading how you parent those two little cuties. Thanks for sharing your life. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for your kind words- I really appreciate it! <3