Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Blaire Frey | From “The Blairette” to Motherhood: The Update You’ve Been Waiting For!!

Episode Date: February 12, 2026

#919. This episode is a full-circle moment in every sense!A few years ago, Blaire Frey came on Off The Vine asking for a boyfriend and Kaitlyn fully committed to her matchmaking era. What sta...rted as a fun segment called The Blairette turned into a real love story… one that changed Blaire’s life in ways no one could have predicted!!!In this conversation, Kaitlyn, Blaire, Luke ( and a very special appearance from baby Dawson) look back on how it all began, then fast-forward through the moments that reshaped everything: marriage, motherhood, an early NICU journey, loss, gratitude, and the identity shifts that come with growing up in real time.This is the update you’ve all been asking for! An episode that reminds you life doesn’t always go according to plan — but sometimes it gives you something even better!If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE!Thank you to our Sponsor! Check out this AMAZING deal!Covergirl: Go the distance with COVERGIRL’s new Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara for a lash extension effect. Shop at your nearest retailer now. Only from Easy, Breezy, Beautiful COVERGIRL.comEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: (6:20) The birth of The Blairette — asking for a boyfriend, the five F’s, and how a fun segment turned into something very real!!(15:15) Luke & Blaire’s proposal story.(22:40) Dawson’s early arrival — navigating an unexpected NICU journey and all the emotions that came with it.(25:00) Grief and gratitude — losing their beloved dog, Waffle(47:19) When content doesn’t perform — comparison, pressure, and being your own worst critic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 This episode of Off the Vine is brought to you by Cover Girl. Go the distance with Cover Girl's new eye enhancer wrap tubing mascara for a lash extension effect. Shop at your nearest retailer now only from Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Cover Girl. You're listening to Off the Vine with Caitlin Bristow. Hey, Vino's, real quick, if you are listening right now, which obviously you are or you wouldn't be hearing this, can you hit the subscribe or follow button on whatever platform you're on? Please, that one simple thing helps more than you even realize it allows me to keep growing on this podcast and making these episodes the best they can possibly be obviously for you. That's the only favorite I'm going to ever ask. Okay. It truly means the world to me. Thank you. Now let's get into it.
Starting point is 00:00:47 Hey, everybody. Welcome to Off the Vine. I'm your host, Caitlin Bristow. And today, I was going to say the fresh prince of Blair is here. But my guest has obviously been on the show before. I think the last time I was on it was when we were traveling abroad in 2022. We were in Thailand. Was, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. On Zoom, we did a Zoom. Yeah, you're right. So long ago, though. But I did, when we first met, I confidently stepped into my matchmaking era where Blair became the real-life Blorette. She met her husband, who is now her baby daddy. They are joyous on the podcast. Because since then, you've become a mom. You've navigated incredibly intense years and loss and life and joy and moved across the country and all the things that people would not recommend doing all at once that you did. just while simultaneously growing an audience online and just having so much fun with your platform. So today's just a full catch-up. I feel like we caught up on everything. We laughed.
Starting point is 00:01:40 We did cry and we got a little deep where we went, oh, we should have done that at the beginning at the end when our brain was mashed potatoes. Yeah, for sure. But I just feel like we talked about motherhood, identity shifts, social media pressure, comparison, grief, gratitude. We covered everything. And what it looks like when the version of your life you planned didn't happen. So thank you. Thank you for being vulnerable today on the podcast as well. It was really sweet and something meaningful that I will cherish our conversation today. It was really sweet. Thanks.
Starting point is 00:02:07 Yeah, I love you. Oh, no. That was sweet. Ramen and Pino get a bit jelly when there's babies in the house because I have the same baby voice as dog voice. Do you guys have baby voices as dog voices? You do, right? Yeah, but it's the same. Like my baby and dog voice.
Starting point is 00:02:25 Yeah. Yeah. There was like a study that was done, this person that I know, doesn't do dog voices or baby voices. Like they just talk normal? He just talks. He'll be like, Chandler, what's up, dude? And like, Pito, what's up, dude?
Starting point is 00:02:36 Hey, ramen. And I'm like, they don't understand. They need that. And he was like, no, and then a study came out that says if you have different dialogues and different voices for dogs that you're more intelligent person. So I was like, oh, Jesus. I was like, I am. A tip to myself.
Starting point is 00:02:51 Yeah. My IQ is high. I've never taken a test. The high of the voice. The higher the IQ. Yeah. Yeah. See? And then they get jealous because they're like, that's your voice for me.
Starting point is 00:03:02 Yeah. That's your baby. I just need them to both come on the couch and then we'll just have all five of us on the couch. I mean, this is, I feel the love in this room. I needed this today. Oh, this is great. I'm going to say, I can tell you more after a podcast.
Starting point is 00:03:18 For people listening, I'm probably already will have said it by now, but I'm just dealing with work visa stuff. Okay. Anyways, I'm getting kicked out of the country. I'm leaving tomorrow at 9 a.m. But I'm lucky enough I get to. to come back. So I just have to go hang out in Canada for a minute. And I wasn't prepared for this. Oh, goodness. And it feels like Friday the 13th and it feels like everything's going wrong.
Starting point is 00:03:37 Like I got out from my last podcast, Pino like kicked the computer over a huge candle smash. There was like shards of glass everywhere. So if you see some, let me know I've got the vacuum right there. When's a bunch of bad stuff happens, I feel like something that is bound to. Please Lord, because bad things have been happening. I just got my power back two days ago. Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. I'm being deported. Like everything's going wrong. Something good is, that's right.
Starting point is 00:04:02 And I have my period. So something good is on the way. I just got my period a few weeks ago and I was very not happy. Because usually if you're breastfeeding, they say that like, oh, you won't get it for a while. And I was like, which means you could get pregnant again if you all aren't careful. And guess what? That we are.
Starting point is 00:04:17 We are careful. I was like, Brian, you heard of your first. I was like, oh my God, an exclusive. No. There's twins over here. No. That's actually crazy, though, because if you get your period, that does mean. But it's going to be too late of a PSA.
Starting point is 00:04:34 If people are on their period right now, just so you know, Valentine's Day, you will be ovulating. Oh. So let that be known. Let the party begin. For the people who either want to or don't want to. Yeah. Let it be known. Okay.
Starting point is 00:04:46 I don't even know. I mean, obviously we started at the beginning, but I don't even know how we like cover everything. Because the fact that, what year was that 2017? 2018. 2018. 2018. End of. 2018.
Starting point is 00:04:57 Mm-hmm. You win a contest. Yep. I wrapped. You rapped about scrunchies. Scrunchy gang. You didn't watch The Bachelor. Or did you?
Starting point is 00:05:05 I watched it. I didn't listen to the podcast. Yes. I'm not offended. Sorry. Now I do. Sometimes you're on road trips. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:05:14 I'm not a podcast listener. Neither am I. Yeah. But you, so you won this rapping contest to come on a podcast that you've never listened to, but people were like, you and Caitlin would get along or something. I knew who you were. Yeah. And someone told me about your scrunchy line because I loved where, like, I wore scrunchies all the time at work.
Starting point is 00:05:30 Right. And someone was like, oh, did you see Caitlin Bristow? And I was like, no. They were like, she's doing a contest. And I was like, oh, but she's so funny. I'd go on her podcast. That'd be so fun. Well, let's roll the clip of your video.
Starting point is 00:05:42 Please, can we not roll the clip? We are rolling it. I've improved a lot since then. We're rolling the clip. Let go. We started with someone till we're feeling fun. Talk about all the things that come to our. Come on the mic is Caitlin.
Starting point is 00:05:56 Blair. Scrunchies in our hair. Because you... No, for 2018, you literally created the most epic video of you on roller skates rapping about scrunchies. And you had like a legit video because you were in that world of doing like content. Yeah. For what country music?
Starting point is 00:06:17 C&T. Yeah. Country music television. And so I was so impressed. I went, get that girl on the podcast. And then when you came on, you were like, I'm looking for a boyfriend. And what was it the Fs? What was the Fs?
Starting point is 00:06:27 Oh, gosh. Faith, family, fruit, friends, food. I don't know. Faith. I was like things I was looking for in a bunch of Fs. Yeah, he was like the five Fs that I was looking for in. Fashion.
Starting point is 00:06:41 Yes. She found her fashion. I don't think I check that one on. Yeah. You used to be fashionable. Now he's like the guy that walks around and crocs. And that's, it's, you just immediately switched gears into dad mode. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:06:53 He was always that way, though. Like when I met him, I was like, oh, he's in a band. He drives a motorcycle. Like he had like the cool cool guy vibes. But then he would also show up in like a bucket hat and a Hawaiian shirt like dorky dad vibes and crocs. And it was like best to both. Yeah, exactly.
Starting point is 00:07:08 I was going to say get a guy who can do both. Exactly. So you come up the podcast. You say these Fs that you want. And I immediately got so invested in you having a love story. And of course, I'm a couple years fresh off the Bachelorette. And I'm going, you're Blair. We're going to call you the Blaret.
Starting point is 00:07:25 We're going to find you. And we did it right. production. We were miced up. We were putting you on dates. Like, I put a budget towards the blaret. I'll send you the bill later. But when you look back onto that episode of like wanting to find somebody, winning this contest, what do you remember about who you were in that season? Oh, gosh. That was so, yeah, that was so long ago. I really don't even. Which isn't it crazy. If you think 2018 doesn't seem that long ago, but when you count the years, you're like, that's a long time ago. Yeah. That was like seven and a half years ago now. Gosh, I don't know. I mean, I was like fresh out of
Starting point is 00:08:02 not fresh. No, yeah, fresh out of college, kind of like two years. So I was like just moved to Nashville, like honestly had my dream job at CMT. So I feel like I was just in this like the world is my oyster kind of thing. I don't know. My grandma always had a saying that she always would say to me. She would say like, why not you? Like when I would tell her like, I really want to do this like thing. She'd be like, why not you? You know? Really? Yeah. And like when I wanted to. to be an intern at CMT. She was like, well, why not you? And so I feel like maybe that was kind of the mindset I was in was just like going for
Starting point is 00:08:33 things. I would like to adopt that mindset. It's a great mindset. So honestly, like when you, I remember when you asked me to go on your podcast, like, and I was like, why not me? Why not? Sure. You know, so I feel like, and then when you all called to ask if I first had a boyfriend
Starting point is 00:08:46 and I was like, still no. Yeah. And then it was kind of just like, yeah, I don't go on dates often. This will be great for me, you know. Which is funny. How old were you? seven and a half years ago. I'm 31 now.
Starting point is 00:08:59 So I was 24. Okay. So you're 24. You were ready. You were ready for finding somebody in your life, which is funny because you had just moved to Nashville. You were like, sure, I'll go on dates. And then you think, okay, I'll do this on a podcast.
Starting point is 00:09:14 We'll make it a bit. And did you have any idea that you would meet somebody and be like, oh, I actually could spend my life with it? Like, were you like, why not meet there? Or were not up? I genuinely, well, first I remember thinking. Oh, Caitlin's just going to like take the hottest guys that apply and they're going to all be like crappy guys and like suck. I was like she's just going to choose the hot guys.
Starting point is 00:09:34 The vote of confidence in me. I'm sorry. But then like once I started going on the dates, it was like, oh, she actually chose guys for me specifically. Oh, we betted them. Yeah. Like I just thought y'all would be like, oh, he's hot. Let's get him on, you know. But it was like, no, we really wanted you to find someone.
Starting point is 00:09:50 I know. I was like, I actually have things in common with these men. And how many suitors did you? have it was five yeah yeah but i do you remember you told me i think it was like i'd went on one date and you were like oh i already know who you're gonna like the most and i was like who and you it was him like you knew there was because you were the last one right yeah yeah so there was five guys i really set up this whole production of blair being the bachelorette she went on dates you literally went like with five different guys out on dates to see and then you would give them a scrunchy at the
Starting point is 00:10:21 end and say we accept my scrunchy and it was this whole bit that we did for the scrunchies and and for you and and And you went on some like a couple awkward dates, a couple really great dates. Yeah. Honestly, they were all really good. There was like, there was like one that was just like not my person. But like all of them I was like, if it was the real life, I would have gone on a second date. You know what I mean?
Starting point is 00:10:40 Which is so funny because, yeah, so I had watched so many videos. Was it your sister that sent in your video? Yeah. Yeah. So I had, I watched your application video. And I was like, this is so funny. But I was like, oh, I think this is her guy. And I really felt something I always pretty.
Starting point is 00:10:56 myself on my intuition and my gut. And I was like, I think this is her guy. Like, I didn't know like this would come out of it. That type of. I didn't know that you're going to have a freaking offspring. But I was like, I think she'd really like this guy. I think she'd be the one out of all five. So I was really saving it.
Starting point is 00:11:12 And I really didn't want you to get spoilers because wasn't there like someone was going to tell you something? No, I just didn't know. You were asking questions. Like they were blind date. Yeah. You showed me a picture of him, though. You're like, I'll give you a teaser of the guy.
Starting point is 00:11:25 I think you're really going to like. and you showed me his picture. And then Cleo had said that they all really liked a guy. And I was like, what's his name? And they were like, Luke. And they were like, Luke. And he was following me. And I saw the picture.
Starting point is 00:11:37 And I was like, this is the guy I'm going on a date with. Right. He was following you. Yes. And I was like, oh, me and my friends like creeped on him. He was the only one because everything was like a not like blind dates. Yeah. But I stalked his Instagram before we went on a date.
Starting point is 00:11:51 And I was like, oh my gosh. I literally texted my friends. And I was like, I need you all to pray. that this man loves Jesus because I think he's my husband. And turn up, here we are. Can you believe it? Yeah. But no, also at the time, no part of me was like, oh, this is going to work.
Starting point is 00:12:06 Like, I'm going to find a boyfriend. It really, I was like, this will get me out of my comfort zone. It'll be fun. Like, why the heck not? Never did I think it would, like you said, be this. I remember so on the pedestrian, pedestrian bridge in Nashville. I made you pick between two guys in the same moment. Like, can't, can you run that day back because I blacked out.
Starting point is 00:12:31 Um, well, funny enough, we're getting coffee with the runner up tomorrow because they're still like best friends. Yeah, we keep in touch like all. But like they're really close. And he was upset. Yeah. I mean, he was, his feelings were hurt that he wasn't picked. Like there was literally to heal those wounds.
Starting point is 00:12:46 But we came together as bros and now we are here. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, but no, oh my gosh. Running through that day. I mean, it's funny.
Starting point is 00:12:55 because the actual like bachelor bachelor bachelor, you've spent months with those guys. You know what I mean? Like I was like at the day, I've been on two like two on screen dates. I went on one off screen with each of them. But I was like, this feels kind of awkward being like,
Starting point is 00:13:11 hey, you're not my person. Like, because it's like, no, I really made you go through it. Three days. Yeah,
Starting point is 00:13:16 I was like, we've been on like three dates. And I'm like all dramatic. I'm in a ball gown and I'm like, hey, Jacob, you're not my person. Literally walk away now.
Starting point is 00:13:24 You can not take a scrunchy. You're like in a ball gown, not getting at it. But it was dramatic. Well, I mean, when you think about it, it's like, here's a friggin' rose. But it was dramatic. Yeah. Gosh, yeah. I mean, I was nervous because I didn't really know his thoughts either.
Starting point is 00:13:38 Like, so while you guys. He hadn't even kissed me yet. And I, that was a big thing. I gave him like the perfect opportunity to kiss me. And he didn't. And I was like, does he even like me? What if I choose him? And he says, no.
Starting point is 00:13:49 Oh my gosh. All the real feelings of Bachelorette would have. Yeah. Here's my question because you guys, it's not like I removed your phone. and you were like part of a production that you couldn't speak to each other were you not talking behind the scenes about like I'm picking you?
Starting point is 00:14:01 Oh yeah. No, I didn't tell him, no. But I mean, yeah, because we FaceTimed like because he was in Pennsylvania at the time. So we facetined a few times like throughout those two weeks that we were filming and stuff. But no, I didn't tell him.
Starting point is 00:14:15 I think he, did you think you were going to be chosen? You know, I was being a little confident. I was going to say. I was that I feel good about this. Because he, y'all got him a room like downtown. to stay that weekend because he wasn't there. And he, this is where all my money went.
Starting point is 00:14:30 This is where me and my friend like got ready because he like left. So we like changed into my dress and everything before going to the pedestrian bridge. And he left a note like on the thing. And it was like, see you see you soon with like a wink or I don't know. It was something. And I was like, oh.
Starting point is 00:14:45 So it's like he probably felt. Yeah. But also, I mean, on the show, I feel like they kind of do that. Like totally. Every guy is like, oh,
Starting point is 00:14:51 she's going to say yes to my proposal. And then you got to break her heart. I was manipulating the show. out of you. I just wanted the real true reaction, but I was nowhere near manipulated. But I was just like, I couldn't believe it was all happening. And I remember, I think I was in Canada and I like flew in because I was like, I got to be there for the finale.
Starting point is 00:15:09 Yeah. It was like so real. Yeah. It was so real. You gave your final do scrunchy and then how long after did you propose? Ten months? Yeah. So 10 months after we meet on that same pedestrian bridge.
Starting point is 00:15:24 I know. Yeah. Surprise of my life. No, let not. I want Luke to walk us through that day. I mean, honestly, I am still surprised I put that together myself. It was like a flash mob moment. Yeah, it was a funny because I always, there's a proposal that happened at like Disneyland.
Starting point is 00:15:43 It's a flash mob. And I used to always joke and be like, dream proposal. And then it was like, he kind of did that. You did. I just, yeah, kind of wanted to go over the top with it. And luckily I had friends here that did music. And I was like, hey, and they came out with a single, the cover of, you're the one that I want. And it's just like a perfect song.
Starting point is 00:16:00 That was our song too when we dated. Yeah, it was our perfect song for us. And so I just started piecing all the puzzles together. I was like reaching out to people. I was like, I don't do this in real life. I'm not good at like managing things and putting things together. That's usually what she does now. Yeah, you like have the dream and you're the, you can like put.
Starting point is 00:16:15 Okay, but also in some ways with life now, I feel like I'm the like big vision and he helps me execute. Well, there you go. Like for our garage performances. I have a vision and I'm like this is never going to work and he like rigs something up and I'm like So what you're saying is you're the perfect partnership and team.
Starting point is 00:16:32 It came together. So you created a flash mob. You're the one that I want? Yeah. He had just done a cover of that your friend. Yep. And we all walked down the pedestrian bridge that she gave you her final scrunchy at
Starting point is 00:16:44 and you freaking proposed. Families were there. Yep. Go on. It was just like more or less it just like it was the perfect day. Like nothing. It actually exceeded my expectations
Starting point is 00:16:53 in the sense that I had a plan put together. And then the fact that, like, she looked back at me and then, like, she looked back, I look, sorry, she looked back at the musicians. And then she looked around and it was, everybody was out already. Yeah. Everyone was hiding on the sides of the bridge. She couldn't see it. She looks back and she just breaks down.
Starting point is 00:17:12 Oh, yeah. Six-six. Yeah. Also, all I wanted. All the signs. Everyone cheering. Scrunchies. Didn't you?
Starting point is 00:17:19 You were wearing a scrunchy on your wrist? Yeah, for sure. Probably was. No, you had, y'all got a ring. Oh, yeah, we got the scrunchy ring. That's right. Yeah, it was like when he opened the box, there was an actual ring, this one. And then there was the scrunchy ring.
Starting point is 00:17:33 I still have that. And then everyone started singing the song together. It was just like, what is it happened? That was not planned. Everyone just chimed in. I was like, oh, my goodness. And the weather was perfect. Perfect.
Starting point is 00:17:44 Sunset was cotton candy. Oh, my gosh. It was cute too, because I feel like a lot of guys for the proposal, they have like a kind of idea and then it's like their girlfriends help him but like I saw so many like people were taking videos and stuff of like him that day and he was like okay then y'all
Starting point is 00:18:01 are going to go here and then when she looks that way you're going to walk out it's like he I was like he actually like planned it if I put my mind to it if there's enough reason why you want to he would yeah and then he did oh my gosh that's so I forgot just how romantic that was I'm like reliving it in my head right now
Starting point is 00:18:20 Yeah, I think the best part was truly just that friends and family from like all stages of my life were there because that I did not expect and would not have expected. Which was awesome. Everyone wanted to be a part of it. Yeah. That was super cool. Yeah. Oh my gosh. And your parents both approved immediately.
Starting point is 00:18:35 Everyone got along. Yeah. It was just literally a match made in heaven. It really, I can't get over it. Well done. Thank you. Yeah. All the credit.
Starting point is 00:18:44 Well done. And then this bitch doesn't show up for the wedding. You are having to do the stars. You had a very. behind you. You have a very valid. It was the year of COVID. It, yeah, you were, like, y'all couldn't leave Dance on Stars. No. And you had a quarantine wedding in your parents' backyard?
Starting point is 00:19:00 In June, yes. And then we had our Nash, the one in Nashville was when you were on Dance with the Stars. Gosh. Because it was September. Right. Because you sent in the video. And we watched the video. Oh, yeah. You did send in a video. I did send a video. Yeah. Sorry, I can't be there. I was going to officiate it. I know. I was invited to officiate. And I couldn't do it because you were. Winning a mirror ball. I was too busy. Too busy dancing my tits off.
Starting point is 00:19:24 So all this happens. I'm still in disbelief. Are you still in disbelief by the time you get married? Are you like, yeah, this is our reality? Because I still can. Yeah. I don't think I think about it. But then when I do, I'm like, whoa.
Starting point is 00:19:36 You know, like if people are like, how did you guys meet? Like just like random people. It's like we're on a cruise and be like, so how did you all meet? And I'm like, we used to just be like, oh, his sister like set us up. Because I'm like, she kind of, she applied him, you know. Right. But then like when people actually like hear the whole story, I'm like, um, kind of crazy. But this is what happened.
Starting point is 00:19:55 And now we're married. And well, now we have a baby. Yeah. Like, and that happened, I think, faster than you thought it was going to. You're like, oh, we're doing this. Baby was right on our five year plan. It was. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:20:09 We always said, we want a baby around like, we want to just be us for like five years. And lo and behold, last year, June was our five year anniversary. Okay. I think I got to start believing in God. Yes, you do. I think I'm there. You guys are proof of the pudding. That's so cool, though, because you literally, like, this is what you've wanted and this is what you have.
Starting point is 00:20:28 We had our travel years, traveled the world. You guys traveled the world in a van. In a van, and then also in Europe for, like, seven months and then travel nursing. Yeah, so it's like, we got to do everything we wanted to do. And then we were like, it's time. We want to have a family, have a baby. I mean, you also experienced multiple major life events in one period of time. What all did you, it was like moving?
Starting point is 00:20:51 What last year? Yeah. Like getting pregnant. Oh my gosh. Mm-hmm. Having Dawson. I was going to say, he surprisingly made his debut eight weeks early. Eight weeks early.
Starting point is 00:21:03 He's like, this is my cue. I don't like this story. I don't like, I don't want to talk about the NICU is obsessed with the baby. Okay, go the distance with Covergirl's new eye enhancer wrap tubing mascara for a lash extension effect. This officially became the mascara I reach for every single morning. You already know I ride hard for Cover Girl. So the second I heard they launched a tubing mascara, I ran. And let me tell you, it delivers.
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Starting point is 00:22:52 was like the hardest thing scary just like so many emotions you're going through like postpartum hormones and then you're also like your baby's not with you you have to we had to go it was like hours every day just going and sitting there and yeah it was terrible which we can get into and then yeah our waffle passed away our dog we won't talk about that because we'll cry yeah so yeah last year was like I feel like the thing I learned the most last year is like two things can be so true like you can be grieving so much and also be like so thankful and like happy like it was like the best thing ever just happened like we have our son he's so perfect and everything but I'm also like this sucks like I want to be home as a family like right I want to have a postpartum experience that you're supposed to have
Starting point is 00:23:38 and like snuggle on the couch not like have wires everywhere and so yeah because I mean you you just don't envision when you have a baby you envision the skin to skin and then the cuddling and the this and waking up in the middle of night and having all these moments. Yeah. And everything just flips upside down and for seven weeks. Yeah. Wait, how long? No, he was seven weeks early.
Starting point is 00:23:59 He was eight weeks early. He was in the naked for seven weeks. So almost until his due date. Yeah. So it was just like so many emotions. Like that's the thing. It's like the highest of highs where I would go spend a few hours with him and it'd be like, this is the best thing ever.
Starting point is 00:24:12 And then I would leave. And then it'd be nighttime. And I remember telling Luke all the time like this is the weirdest thing because our whole life just changed. Like, but then we come home. and it's just us and the pups and it feels like life before Dawson was born. But it's so it was just like very weird. And then, yeah, I feel like I would see everyone on social media like postpartum videos
Starting point is 00:24:31 where like all over my feet of like a day in the life with my newborn. And I would be like, this sucks. Like I want to experience that. And like I have to go drive and can't even do skin to skin some days because of all the monitors. So how did you like what was your mental health process during that time? What did you do to stay strong? Like what, I guess how do you personally define getting through it during that tough time? Prayer.
Starting point is 00:24:55 Like listening to worship music. I mean, that's, I feel like that's the only thing that really did get me through it, I feel like, which is like most tough things in life for us and our faith. Like I lean on Jesus to get me through it. And he did. And honestly, like this is what is so hard. But so many people said they feel like Waffle like stuck around to get me through that. Sorry.
Starting point is 00:25:17 Dang it. No, please. I would be in the same way. Yeah, that makes so much sense. I mean, I would come home and just snuggle with the pups. And then, like, as soon as Dawson got to go home, I'm so thankful that, like, Waffle and Dawson did get to meet and stuff. But he did pass shortly after that.
Starting point is 00:25:32 And so many people were, like, Waffle was, like, holding on to be there for you during that, like, season. So, yeah, Waffle. And then, yeah, just the Lord and praying and all of our, I mean, honestly, our community too. Like, that was a big thing was we moved. We lived in Utah. We loved it there.
Starting point is 00:25:48 Yeah. Like life there was amazing. Like the mountains, skiing. And did you think that was your forever home? Oh, yeah. Okay. We always said like we would never move back to Dorka. You're like absolutely not.
Starting point is 00:25:58 And then as we like once we got pregnant and it just started, it's almost like we just had a complete mind shift. And it was like I started feeling, okay, when Dawson's growing up, do I want him to grow up seeing mountains and having cool hiking experiences? Or do I want him to grow up like seeing his cousins all the time? Yeah. Hang out with my parents. all the time. And it was kind of like this thing where I was like, that's what I want. Like I want him to
Starting point is 00:26:22 be near family and, you know, all this stuff. And truly, but truly being near family and like friends and community during that time was, I mean, I couldn't have done it without them. Because yeah, it's like we'd go spend the whole day at the NICU come home and like someone would bring us a meal, which was amazing. Because it's like, I'm exhausted, emotionally, physically, still recovering from giving birth. Yeah, seriously. So, yeah, I think like having community was truly huge. for us too during that season. I just can't. I just can't with how hard that must have been and then losing. You know me with dogs. Yeah. But also having to do that on top of postpartum and not having, you know, but that's, I hear stories like that all the time about dogs
Starting point is 00:27:04 hanging on for people for what they need. And I'm like, of course, they're little angels in a fur suit. Yeah. That's what they are. I think that's just so, wow. Okay, give me a little bit of perspective here because I think I can't handle things. Yeah. What like keeps you going? Obviously, okay, no, Dawson, obviously, duh. What would you give advice to somebody that was going through all those things at once of like how to stay strong and not, not being strong as in like you don't cry? Yeah. I mean, stay strong as in like knowing that you're going to just get through it. Gosh. I mean, I mean, I feel like taking it one day at a time is like all you can do. But especially like the, as far as like, the NICU and like anyone going through that?
Starting point is 00:27:47 Because I feel like babies going to the NICU is like way more common than like I like it's, oh, every baby goes to the NICU. Was it as soon as he was born because he was that early, they knew right away he had to go. Yeah. And he needed like oxygen and all sorts of stuff. So like literally he was born. They laid him on my, well, he was born. They took him.
Starting point is 00:28:06 They put like oxygen and then they laid him on my chest for 30 seconds. And then they like took him. And then he had to actually go to a hospital that was like, two minutes down the road, but like a different hospital for the NICU there. So like I'm just like chilling in my bed all night, like pumping, learning how to work that. And he wasn't even there. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:28:26 Luckily they discharged me quick so I could go be with him. But as far as like the NICU, I mean, this is anything in general. Like every emotion you're feeling is so valid. Like you're going to feel the highest of highs, the lowest of lows. Yeah. I think you're strong. Like that was what so many Niki moms told me. Like they were like, you're going to come out of the.
Starting point is 00:28:45 this so much stronger. It's going to, you're going to look back and it's just going to be like a blip. Yeah. And now I do feel like that. Like I'm like, I look back at pictures of him when he was like so tiny, hooked up to all these things. And I'm like, and I look at him now. I'm like, you would never know. Because I've seen, I've only seen photos of him and that's how I was picturing them. And then he walks in this room and I'm like, you're a baby. No, yeah. You're just like a happy little sweet baby. Yeah, you'd never know. Oh my gosh. But yeah, he's, he's a fighter and they all are. So did it shift your expectations of what motherhood was going to look like? Or is it kind of now you're in that phase of what motherhood would look like?
Starting point is 00:29:20 I think it was, yeah, it just like delayed everything. Because the way it works is because he's five and a half months, but his adjusted age is three and a half months because of how early he was. So he, even though he's five and a half months, he only like he looks and his like developmentally, he's like a three and a half month. So really when we brought him home from the NICU, it's as if we brought him home like basically a newborn, like fresh out of the womb. And so it was just like a weird thing where it's like, I feel like I've known you for so long. But also, yeah, I'm just, I'm still getting to learn everything about it.
Starting point is 00:29:53 And that time probably teaches you. This is why I always get so scared because I'm like, someone's going to teach me a lesson about just letting go of control. Yeah. You can't have control over a situation. You can't have certainty. You're just full of uncertainty. And you have to just surrender to it.
Starting point is 00:30:08 Absolutely. I mean, we had, we had one wall of our nursery painted. And the rest of it was just an empty room. Like, we had nothing. We were not prepared to have this baby anytime soon because he was due in October. And it came in August. So, yeah, I was just like, really, it was one of those things that you realize, like, I'm not in control.
Starting point is 00:30:25 And everything does happen for a reason, I think. And yeah, it's like. Do you remember that moment where fear turned to trust? Like, do you remember? Was there a moment where you're like, we can do this and it's all going to be okay? Yeah. I mean, not like a specific moment. Because, I mean, yeah, I definitely remember, like, the first few days in the next.
Starting point is 00:30:42 you were, it was like this rush of, oh my God, I just had a baby, like unexpectedly. That was crazy. Right. And then we went and visited him and it was like, oh my gosh. Hi. You're like, this is crazy. And then it did hit me of like, because I think he started like struggling. And I was like, I, this never crossed my mind of like, what if something happens to him? Like I just thought like, oh, we're going to go to the NICU. He's going to get better. And then we'll go home. Like, so there was a ton of fear at first of like, what if my baby doesn't make it? What if, you know, and then it was, then I started. feeling like, oh my gosh, like if he would have just stayed inside me, like I could have kept him safe in there. Like, why did this happen? You know, like so many things. But then I think, I mean, it's like I always just go back to like, I think I just had to trust that like the Lord was watching over him and gonna get us through it. And yeah, that was just kind of what I had to put my trust in or else I probably would have just been a ball of anxiety the whole time.
Starting point is 00:31:33 What do people do if they don't believe in the Lord? I don't know. Because that like I have thankful I don't have to experience that. I have so many people who. lean on faith that come on this podcast and who talk about it openly. And it just seems so powerful. Yeah. And I mean, you know, I've talked about my journey all the time with like what I believe. But I'm just like to me, faith looks so different for so many different things. But it's always so inspiring to hear stories like that. No, I mean, it's definitely, I feel like it's for me, it's always been this thing, you know, because people might say like, well, what if there's not? Like, what if you've believed this your whole life? And it's not, it's not end up being anything.
Starting point is 00:32:09 And it's like, well, at least I had hope. trust and joy my whole life. Totally. You know, so the happiest people I know believe in Jesus. Always. So I'm like, damn, guys, you really got to figure it out. Not to keep bringing up Waffle because I just am like, I'm just, you know, I'm a dog lover. But having that kind of loss while becoming a mother probably does it change your experience
Starting point is 00:32:30 of grief? Does it give you a different perspective? Should I have a baby when my dogs die? I mean, I really think it, I think I would have been way worse when he passed. if we didn't have Dawson because that's, I have those. I have two. And it was like,
Starting point is 00:32:46 I think I, if, if Dawson wasn't here yet or we hadn't, you know, had him like I really think I would have just laid around and cried for days, you know, but it was like I had to get up in the morning and take care of a baby. And also like he does bring me so much joy.
Starting point is 00:33:03 And yeah, it definitely was still so hard. And I mean, even every day, it's like, I think about him. And I'm like, Gosh, like even Dawson growing up and hitting milestones.
Starting point is 00:33:15 And I'm like, which waffle was here? You know, but he's in doggy heaven. He is. He's eating cheese playing with his spiky balls. But he loves. Yeah, I think that like Dawson truly got me through. It was like waffle got me through the NICU. And then now Dawson helped get me through.
Starting point is 00:33:34 Bless. Losing waffle. I believe that. Yeah. I really do. What do you think has surprised you the most about being a mom? Oh gosh. I feel like that's a question that every, if you ask me every day, it'd probably change.
Starting point is 00:33:46 Yeah. That makes sense. At first, it was breastfeeding. Yeah. Is that a trip or what? Oh, my gosh. It was painful too. So hard for us.
Starting point is 00:33:53 Yeah. Yeah. I mean, everyone has such a different experience. Like, some people can't even get their baby to latch. Some people get, what is a mastitis? Oh, I went to the hospital. Because I got mastitis in a UTI at the same time. Oh, Lord.
Starting point is 00:34:06 And I was septic. Like, I got to the hospital and they admitted me I had to stay overnight because I was like, my vitals and everything were oh i was literally had never felt that bad in my life like luke because he's a nurse yeah he brought home some like ivy bags yeah from work and i was like hooked up ivies he did like two or three bags my fever was still 105 like oh my gosh terrible so yeah mastitis sucks no joke and that's from breastfeeding yes um at the time i was just pumping because that was when dawson was still in the nike you oh my gosh and but yeah it's like some people have quickly their baby's latch but and if they do so it's like this blitzers
Starting point is 00:34:40 experience for them. And if they do, that's amazing. But there's sometimes, like, it hurt for us for a long time. We had trouble latching. And I was like, I don't think this is talked about enough. Because what you usually see on social media is like the moms that you just pop the baby on. You're out in public. And it's like, oh, this is great. And then they're getting shamed for that. Yeah, which right before we came here, we went and did an awkward family photo shoot at JCPen. And I literally just plopped him on in in the middle of JCPen. But it's like, that's us now. And I'm so thankful. But at the breastfeeding was not easy. Yeah, you went through it.
Starting point is 00:35:14 It was hard. And I cried so much over it. So if you're in it, it's hard. And that's very valid. Yeah. That surprised me. And then I think, too, just like how hard it is for babies to nap. I'm like, you're so tired.
Starting point is 00:35:28 I saw your Instagram real over that where you're just like, you thought you'd be like these chilled parents. Like, we'll just make them go with our schedule. And you're like, it's got to be on the nap schedule here and here because it really doesn't make a difference. Yes. Yeah. If it's like, if you get him at the right time, he might fuss.
Starting point is 00:35:40 for like a few minutes and then he goes asleep. If it's the wrong time, you're like, oh, my gosh. I'll never understand fighting a nap. I'm like, close those damn eyes and take him why you can. Yeah. And that's what Luke and I laugh now because like for the first like little bit, we were just like, oh, he's awake. Let's keep playing.
Starting point is 00:35:56 And it's like, no, you have to like make them go to sleep or else they will just then like get cranky and scream. And then you're like, why are you? What are you, what's going on? I would also not like to gloss over the fact that you did a JC Penny shoot with your just plopping the baby on your boob. Can we talk about that? No, no, not in the photo shoot.
Starting point is 00:36:12 Oh! We did it for an awkward family photo. Bloop. Here's my dint. That's what I thought. Get the photo. I was like, wow. Progressive.
Starting point is 00:36:24 No, no, no. Like, we did the photo shoot and she was like, okay, this will be like 10 minutes to get all the photos. And he was starting to get fussy. And I was like, God. Come on. Okay. Then we can gloss over. I thought I was like, what is this about?
Starting point is 00:36:35 I want to know more. This sounds amazing. Yeah. Isn't that like what you're supposed to do? Gosh, I mean, I probably would. Get a photo shoot? Sounds like. something I would do. Would you say the breastfeeding is like for you and your personal experience
Starting point is 00:36:48 the least talked about thing out there that was the hardest? I think like when I was going through it, yes. But like I said, I think, I mean, he's still only five and a half months. I'm sure if you ask me in another month, I'd be like, why don't enough people talk about this issue or this, you know, like that's true. Because you, I mean, I get it. You like to show the highlight reels on Instagram. You want to show the cute photos of your baby laughing. Like nobody, I don't go set up. up my tripod when Dawson's screaming his head off and be like, oh, hold on, baby. Let me go press record. Like, no, it's like, I film him when he's like happy and giggly. And do you take that into account when you're scrolling social media?
Starting point is 00:37:24 Yes. Well, it's definitely tough because I feel like even in it and I realize like I probably do this because it's like I'll see friends with their babies. And I'm like, man, we just cried for like three hours and their babies are always so freaking happy. And then I like, I'll talk to them and like, oh, yeah, we're going through it. And I'm like, oh. So what do you think? You may it seem so, like, y'all seem so perfect and happy on Instagram, you know, but I've probably seen that way too with Dawson. What do you think it should be on social media? Do you think people should show more of the chaos or do people want to see that? I think yes. It's like one of those weird things though, because I'm like, I'm just not the person that I'm going to like go set up my camera and then just like
Starting point is 00:38:03 sob. Yeah. You know what I mean? So it's like, yes, we should show more. I think like showing more real life like that everything's not picture perfect yeah but yeah if your child's having a meltdown like i don't know if you should like hit record and then it could be more of a like um post thoughts like the now the baby's finally napping you come back on and you're like we just had a melt down no for sure because i love seeing your social media with the taylor swift um reveals in the garage and the singing and the dancing yeah but i always want people to like tell me the rough stuff too yeah but i always want to know other people's thoughts on where that line is yeah I don't know. I do think it's like, I think we do need to share real moments as well.
Starting point is 00:38:44 Because, yeah, it makes you realize like, oh, it's not just my baby or not even babies, but like life in general. Because I also think of you as a very, correct me if I'm wrong, but positive, happy, outgoing person who's like, however many percentage of the time, like you're in a pretty good headspace. Yeah. Do you feel like motherhood just added so many different layers to who you actually are and realized who you were? Oh, I mean, for sure. Did it crack you open and as someone new? Did it what? Crack you open? I feel like certain things crack people open.
Starting point is 00:39:15 I don't know. Like more aware of the passage of time, more sensitive, more emotional. Yeah, maybe just more so like trying to stay in the present. And that's a big thing that like I always struggle with, especially like when Luke and I would travel all the time. It's like I would always be looking forward to the next trip, the next this. And with him, it's like. I think I find myself being like, I can't wait till he's doing this. I can't wait till like this part of baby.
Starting point is 00:39:45 Yeah, this part of baby comes. And I think it's just like learning to just be present and enjoy like where I'm at. Because everyone says like the time with your baby flies by so fast. You're going to want these days back, you know. And so it's like trying to really just do that. Marinate in those. Yeah. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:40:03 Even the bad ones. That's and they say that. Yeah, even the bad ones. they say that relationships, like it takes your relationship to a whole other level of like it challenges you, but it also makes you fall more in love. How is your relationship changed since having Dawson? Oh my gosh. Yeah. Definitely experienced all of those things. Like I think, I mean, I'm very fortunate that Luke is an amazing partner, dad, all the things. Like he truly helps out so much with Dawson, the house, like everything. But yeah, I mean, it'll test you in the way of like, like, we recently had a heart to heart conversation.
Starting point is 00:40:40 Like, we went on a little coffee date. And I was like, okay, let's both share like if there's something we could each work on right now. Because like we're, you know, new parents. If there's something I could be doing more of, you could be doing more of. One thing Luke said was he was like, I feel like we both could work on just our tone. And then like, I feel like almost like being like passive aggressive where it's like, because sometimes you're you're frustrated with like, I'm trying to settle this baby. And then like, they ask a question and you just like kind of snap. And it's like you're not actually upset at your partner, but it comes across that way.
Starting point is 00:41:13 So it's like just being more aware of our tone with each other. Because yeah, it's like before like, and Luke and I are not like we don't ever fight. Like we if we have a disagreement, we like sit down and talk it out. Like we never are like screaming at each other. We've never gotten to that point.
Starting point is 00:41:28 Yeah, we've never gotten to that point. And for the most part, we're like extremely similar human beings. Yeah. We agree on most things. We just like enjoy life and have fun. So yeah, it's definitely there's been challenges in the sense of like we,
Starting point is 00:41:41 one, we can't just be selfish anymore. But then two, like just learning how to, I think just the way we speak to each other has been the biggest thing. Yeah. Because you're sleep deprived. You might get frustrated and all these things.
Starting point is 00:41:54 Well, and life's so different. It's just like you went from living your life, the two of you a certain way to something that completely like makes it all about something else. Yeah. And I'm sure there are moments that couples like kind of have to grieve that process too of who you used to be into who you are now. How do you do that without feeling a little shame or guilt or do you even think about that? You're like, well, way to add it to my list, Caitlin. What did you think about it before? No, I feel like the biggest shift has just been like,
Starting point is 00:42:20 like I said, we were just on the go doing things all the time. And now most of my days consist of being at home going from our piano play mat to our bouncer to tummy time to this. And it's like, And even back to what I was saying earlier, like, I'm like, wow, my days are seems so boring now. Yeah. But I'm like, but these are days I'm going to look back on and cherish forever. Yeah. But also back to like our relationship, I feel like, like you said, I, I view it like, yeah, you do fall in love with your partner so much more too.
Starting point is 00:42:49 Because like seeing him be a dad, seeing him take care of Dawson and interact with him, like, you're just like, how do I not just like burst open when I see that, you know? Yeah. So it's like as it has its challenges and we're both learning how to navigate. our new life, but we're also doing it together. And I really do, like I said, I'm very thankful we have such a good partnership because, I mean, taking care of babies hard. Yeah. I can't imagine. Yeah. So it's like, I mean, moms that do with themselves truly heroic, literally, because I'm like, yeah, heroic. Heroic, heroic. Whatever the word is, you're a hero. No, really, though, because I'm like, I have such
Starting point is 00:43:32 an amazing partner and I still, there's days where I'm just like, oh my gosh. How do you do it? What a day. Yeah. I know we were talking about social media and how we can all do. I can't imagine on the level of a mom was seeing other people, how they parent, but the opinions of others coming in for how they think you should parent. Oh my gosh. How has that been? And not even like, I mean, yes in the sense of like I will post something and you're going to get so many different opinions. And it's, and it's sometimes, like, I'm totally, if I ask, like, if I'm like, hey, what are y'all's thoughts? But it's like everything. Even if you didn't ask, you just, like, posted a photo.
Starting point is 00:44:11 You're going to get opinions. Opinions be, sorry, I almost just like burped a little bit. You're going to get opinions being like, oh, we did this. Don't use this. Don't do this. And then even just any content you see, which is anything in life, you read the comments and just 50,000 opinions. And you're like, this wasn't helping. I kind of stopped going to social media because I'm like, I get so many that it almost just overwhelms me.
Starting point is 00:44:36 I think about that with people with any sort of platform because I think people who don't even have a platform get people other people's opinions on parenting. So then you add a mix of strangers. Some people could be having a moment where they really believe they're being helpful, but they don't realize that a thousand other people have already thought they were being helpful with other comments. And then it all just piles up and it makes things worse. It's so hard. I can't even imagine navigating that because I would. want to snap at so many people, but I'd also want to just remove myself and be like, have your opinions. I'm not going to read them. Yeah. I mean, I really, and like I said,
Starting point is 00:45:10 I don't mind it because I know people really are just trying to be helpful. So like when people do message me, it's not like I'm like, stop, you know, but it's just, it really is crazy. Me and my friend were just talking about that the other day of like, when our parents had us, they didn't have the internet and all these things to look at. Like, they just kind of figured it out. But it's now we have so much research and so many. opinions are so much that girl chatty is my best friend when it comes to motherhood i bet because chat is smart i i ask so many questions and chat chatty that's what my sister calls it too gets me like totally gets my sense of humor how to approach tough situations yeah gently with me like i'm like who needs a man
Starting point is 00:45:52 yeah i have chatty i got my girl chatty yeah no for real and so it's like we have all these things that it almost is more overwhelming than instead of just like trusting are instincts with like things. Yeah. You must second guess instincts when you're on the internet, which, uh, not even just being a mom. I'm like, I feel like you're everything. You're like, is this safe to drink? Oh, I know.
Starting point is 00:46:12 I'm like, how's the mold in your cup there? I'm just kidding. Taddy. Is this safe to drink? I'm drinking poison right now. No, that's good. No, it's, it's so true though. There's just so many things out there.
Starting point is 00:46:21 There's pressure. There's opinions. There's comparison. You're also in a world where you do create content. Yeah. So what is that like navigating, creating content while going? through such a personal season. I can't even get out of bed to create content some days.
Starting point is 00:46:35 And I have two dogs. Like, I'm like, nah. Yeah, it's hard. I mean, honestly, I feel like that's one of the hardest things about being a content creator, which you clearly get is like, it's like constantly. But I don't. I'm so inconsistent. I don't do my job properly.
Starting point is 00:46:51 If I really wanted to like grow my platform and like do some cool shit, I'm like, nah. But do you feel like you have to like, you like should be doing it all the time? Yeah. That's what I mean. Like when I, Dawson's in the NICU, I'm like, I'm literally going to the hospital every day for six plus hours.
Starting point is 00:47:07 I don't have the bandwidth to do this. But then there was the other part of me of like, this is my job though. Like if I want to keep growing and if I want to provide and stay home with Dawson, like I need to do this. Like it's like even when I'm on vacation. And your content isn't just like talking to the camera and saying what you're feeling. You put on a production.
Starting point is 00:47:24 That's like my biggest downfall though. It's like I'm almost like a perfectionist when it comes to content. And I want everything to be. be a big production. And Luke really gets in there. He does. And it's, but that's the thing.
Starting point is 00:47:34 I'm like, I wish I could just create more like chill stuff sometimes. But I'm like, I want this. I want everything to be like better than the last thing. Do you feel the pressure to constantly evolve in social media? Um, do you just enjoy it?
Starting point is 00:47:47 Both. Like evolve as in like I said, I always like especially with our garage performances, which is like something everyone loves. I do have that fear of like, oh my gosh, eventually I'm going to like, people are going to be like,
Starting point is 00:47:58 oh, these aren't as good anymore. Because it's like, we've done, we've got a, we've had a flame thrower. We've done this. Like, we've done so many things that I'm like, how do I, how do we keep doing this and it be entertaining? You should have, well, it's kind of hard in the area. I was like, you should have special guests.
Starting point is 00:48:13 But then how do you get people? Oh, we've had some people. But I mean, like friends, but. Yeah, but like I'm talking like influencers. Oh, I mean, that'd be amazing. Yeah. We'll go. We'll fly to you.
Starting point is 00:48:25 Yeah. Do you have a garage? We'll come to you. Yeah. Should use mine. Let's do it. I'll do a T-Swift garage performance with you. Oh, heck yeah.
Starting point is 00:48:33 T-Swift's my favorite. What expectations do you think creators quietly put on themselves that no one else is actually demanding? I mean, I think that it is like pressure to always be growing. And if you don't, yeah, the consistency, that's hard. It's hard. And I, and like I was like the comparison. Like I, I think that's like one of the hardest things with social media is I feel like I do put so much into it. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:48:58 And then when you don't see results, you're like, I'm the only person I feel like I can blame. You know what I mean? Like if you have a, if you're on a job with like a team and like something doesn't go right, it's like, oh, like maybe next time we'll be able to do better. But like when your content doesn't do well, it's like you take it personally because you're like, well, it's just me. Yeah. People don't like me.
Starting point is 00:49:17 It's so funny because I like look at other people's content all the time. And if it doesn't do well, I don't go, oh, no. You know, I'm not like embarrassed for them. No. I'm like a classic Instagram, the algorithm like, blah. I don't think twice about it. I don't care how other people's perform. So it's like we're only being hard on ourselves.
Starting point is 00:49:34 But I think for me, I think it's because I think big term and I'm like, oh no, what if this all, yes, what if this all comes crashing down? This is my income. This is my job.
Starting point is 00:49:44 So like when a video performs bad, I'm like, oh my God, I'm going to go broke. Go the distance, with Cover Girls new eye enhancer wrap tubing mascara for a lash extension effect. I tried out Cover Girls,
Starting point is 00:49:58 eye enhancer wrap the tubing mascara that I'm talking about. And I have to tell you, one coat and my lashes were looking so fire that I immediately opened my front camera for a selfie. It just gives me that lifted, lengthened lash moment that makes your eyes just pop without you even trying. And the tubing formula is just honestly the coolest part. It literally wraps each lash in these ultra stretch lightweight little tubes. Fancy, I know, for an instant lash extension effect. It's brilliant. You get length, you get lift, you get definition, you get everything. And then the tapered flexible brush actually separates every single lash. So you're not dealing with clumps. I am obsessed. And when I say it stays put, I mean it stays put. Smudge proof, flag proof, sweatproof, water resistant,
Starting point is 00:50:43 up to 30 hours of wear. I actually wore it on a day when I was running around. I actually wore it to a workout and then ran around and did errands like an unhinged queen and it didn't move. It didn't move. And then at night, removal is a dream. It's just warm, not hot. water on a cotton pad hold it for a second and then the tubes literally just slide off so there's no tugging no rubbing it's actually kind of magical and the three eye enhancing shades made it even better and today i'm wearing the espresso energy because it just gives that soft natural like i swear i didn't try too hard look but if you want you know the drama go for the max motion black and if midnight stride is your jam it's perfect for that bright-eyed extra awake look we all need on a monday
Starting point is 00:51:22 So if you want lifted, lengthened lashes that stay put all day, this is your sign, shop, eye enhancer, wrap tubey mascara at your nearest retailer now, only from easy, breezy, beautiful cover girl. How important is playfulness in your marriage and in dark times? I mean, in marriage, I always have said, marry your best friend. Like people, that's such a cliche saying, marry your best friend. But I'm like, no, actually do it. I agree. Because you could, if you date someone because they're hot and this and that, it's like,
Starting point is 00:51:57 Like, I just. Physical, like the physical part, obviously, yes, you need to be physically attracted to your partner. But like when I even think about our marriage, honestly, I'm like the physical part of it is like. It's just there. Yeah. But it's not like, like we're not going after it every night. Like absolutely not. Like those are people that have the toxic like that, ooh, they love that passion and the fine.
Starting point is 00:52:18 Which is fine. Like, sure. I'm not. I've learned. I don't yuck anyone's yum. No. I've learned that the hard way. That's just not me.
Starting point is 00:52:24 I'm not like a very overly like sexual person. So that's why for us, I'm like, when we're just going to dinner, like, I need to be able to laugh with you and like have fun with you. Like, we need to actually be best friends. Yep. And then the physical stuff is just like cherry on top. Last few questions. Is there something that you used to chase that no longer matters? Luke and I, I mean, I don't know. I feel like just I am a totally different person than we were, I mean, I, but we also were a few years ago. Like we were constantly traveling, constantly on the go. And now I'm like, I want to be home.
Starting point is 00:52:58 I want to just be with my family. And that's kind of all that I want. My last question is, it's deep. Oh, gosh, I'm nervous. Is it actually? Yeah. No, no. What does enough look like for you now?
Starting point is 00:53:11 Truly just, like I said, being at home with Luke, Dawson, Willow. And I'm like, this is, I am happy. I'm intent with just this. That's why I asked because I knew that'd be your answer. I think that I know. I'm like, that's so cliche. No, but it's. It's sweet.
Starting point is 00:53:26 It shows people what really matters. Anyways, I love you so much. I'm like so proud of you and just how you've navigated life and everything that you've done since meeting you. And just who you are as a person is always inspiring to me. It's, yeah, it's crazy. Honestly, thinking back. Like, every time I, like, even just thinking of that picture from the pod, like, I had like the long hair. And I'm like, we were such babies.
Starting point is 00:53:47 Like, we were literally. I guess I was too. I just feel. Yeah. We were so young. And I just, I do feel like I love this. conversation because you're such a different version of yourself without even realizing it. And it's nice to remind people that, you know, life doesn't move in straight lines.
Starting point is 00:54:04 That's why I have this old thing. It's called the Unalone. It's like the path of life. So it goes and then you die. But it's to show you that life isn't just a straight line. You know what I mean? Life will throw your curveballs. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:54:18 Growth just, it doesn't always have to be what we imagined it to be. For sure. You know? Yeah. Like, no, I agree. I didn't kicked out of the country. I feel like for both of us though, like if we look back then, which we were back then thriving. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:54:31 Now thriving. Yeah. It's like a different kind of thriving though. It's a different kind of thriving. What did you answer what your enough would be? This. Like my enough is just my enough is not the bare minimum. My enough is nothing now.
Starting point is 00:54:43 Like I'm just like. But isn't that like kind of telling that both of us are just like I just like being home? It makes me feel spoiled. It makes me feel like I've lived such a great life and that I feel spoiled in a good way. Like I feel so great. and lucky for the life I've lived because enough for me is literally, if my two dogs are next to me, enough.
Starting point is 00:55:01 I got to bring it back to Taylor Swift. Bitch, yes. Because her song, Wishless. I just want you. Yeah. And it's like, she's just like, I just want a house in a cul-de-sac and some babies and you. And then Kelsey Ballerini came out with her song about like, I sit in parks and it's like she just want.
Starting point is 00:55:18 And I'm like, some of the biggest pop stars that literally have could do anything, could go anywhere. And they're like, they've done it all. No, but that's how I feel like you feel in life. I do. And I feel like that's where I feel in life too. Enough would also be selling out a stadium like Taylor Swift does and you haven't been a billion dollars. Yeah. Like you know, we're almost that successful.
Starting point is 00:55:36 Close. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just want that spring break that was fucking lit. But you realize that that's like, no, I do. A lot of people, once you could have all these things in life and then you realize just what's important and you're like, this is enough. I have a couple kids. Got the whole block looking like. Okay.
Starting point is 00:55:53 I'll stop. But that's a good. Good callback. I like that. Thank you. Any opportunity to bring up, my girl, Tate. I will do the same. I adore you. Thank you for being here. Aw, thanks. And I do need to thank our amazing sponsor for this episode. Cover Girl. That feels like enough. When I can say my episode has been sponsored by easy, breezy, beautiful cover girl, I'm like, that's cool. No, that's very cool. That's really cool. Love me some cover girl. I do too. I actually, okay, this is not a plug. I literally only use their mascara. The tubey mascara so far. I have an extra bottle. I'll send it to you. Perfect. Thank you.
Starting point is 00:56:27 Thank you again. Luke, thanks. For nothing. Just kidding. For watching the baby. Yeah. Thank you. Tell everybody where they can find your Instagram is a great follow.
Starting point is 00:56:38 Oh, thank you. Yes. Yeah, Instagram and TikTok. It's at Fresh Prince of Belair. Or you can just search my name. And then I have to give a plug actually really quick because Luke does music. He came out with an EP when Dawson. He's so good.
Starting point is 00:56:54 It was supposed to be when Dawson was born in October. But then, you know, he said, surprise, I'm two months early. Yeah, yeah. So the EP was not done. But he did like a little cover. It was because we were talking about songs that we would sing to Dawson to like, you know, how babies will have like songs for them. So he did a little EP. It's titled Dawson.
Starting point is 00:57:12 And it has Lion King. I just can't wait to be king. A little bird from the Jonas Brothers. And then I can tell that we're going to be friends from, oh my gosh, why am I blanking? It's his favorite artist. Jack Johnson. Thank you, Luke. Literally, it's his favorite artist, and I love Jack. I don't know how my mind blanked.
Starting point is 00:57:29 But anyways, Luke just did an EP. It's called Dawson. It has those cover songs. That's so cute. So go listen. And they're great to play for your kids because he did like very like kind of like lullabyish sounds. Oh my gosh.
Starting point is 00:57:40 I'll play for the dogs. Yeah. They'll love it. But yeah. And then Fresh Prince of Belair on Instagram and TikTok.

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