You can sort of think of this post as a “Fun Facts Friday” post of sorts…just all about my kids. Because, well, they seem to be the most fun for me to talk about these days.
And first things first, can we talk about how adorable their shirts are? The lovely Katie from Follow Your Arrow Clothing generously offered to send a couple for the boys this season and I absolutely love them. If you haven’t checked out her Etsy shop before, definitely do it. She has so many adorable items!
And speaking of adorable, I have become absolutely obsessed with this photo that Jay took over the weekend of our little Alex. I want to blow it up poster size.
Believe it or not, this kid is going to be SIX MONTHS on Saturday. Seriously…how the heck did that even happen?! I look back at this past half of a year and I see soooooo many ups and downs. Many, many downs. MAN, it has been hard. And I’ve been wanting to badly to sit down and actually type up a post about it all, but there’s just that whole ‘finding time’ thing that’s been throwing me for a loop. So, one of the days it’ll happen.
And speaking of things happening…fairly regularly lately…MAJOR blowouts. Like, I’m warning you…this picture is gross.
Thankfully, I was out of the house at the gym on the Saturday morning that that lovely one took place, so I lucked out. Poor daddy. I couldn’t help but chuckle for basically the whole car ride home.
Something else that has me chuckling? Watching Alex have a blast in his amazing new PortaPlay™ Convertible Activity Center from Oribel.**
We were lucky enough to receive this fun package over the weekend from Oribel, a company dedicated to making parenting more enjoyable through original and innovative products, and Alex has just been loving it.
The PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center (retail: $149.99) has a variety of fun learning toys to help babies aged 5-12 months develop motor skills, then grows with kids to become a high-quality activity table. It easily folds flat for maximum portability and minimum storage space (which is always a plus when you have 1,001 baby toys everywhere!).
So seriously…if you’re looking for a great holiday gift for expecting parents, new parents, grandparents (hey, maybe if they need something for when you visit?!) then I’d say to definitely consider purchasing the PortaPlay™ Convertible Activity Center. (To learn more, check out this video!)
OH, and another thing I love about it? It comes with a table top that swaps out for the seat to easily turn it into a Play Table, great for older kids (up to 5 years old). You can purchase additional accessories for the PortaPlay, including sturdy and lightweight Child Stools that come as a pair, and the Art Paper Roll Dispenser (<—which I absolutely love!) that clips right onto the table. Perfect for creating little masterpieces!
I’m sure we’ll probably leave the PortaPlay as the activity center for a while now, but we’ll definitely be swapping in the play table shortly after so both of the boys can enjoy it. Especially our Lucas, who is really enjoying the coloring/tracing/writing a bit more these days.
And speaking of Lucas, he has absolutely been cracking us up lately (while simultaneously driving us absolutely insane). I wish I had more/better pictures to share of him, but these days, this is typically what I get from him.
He’s a character, that’s for sure. But man, he’s funny. And his imagination is running WILD lately, and I just love it.
Don’t get me wrong though. Most days, Jay and I are constantly questioning whether or not this is “really just being three” or if we legitimately have a super challenging child. His personality has remained the same since he was just a baby…his highs are high, and his lows are lowwwww. And his tantrums have reached the ability to become quite epic.
But then he’ll flip a switch and, suddenly, our sweet boy is back! Wahoo! And thank goodness, he’s almost always as sweet as pie with his little brother. He loves him so much, and is always looking out for him.
I’m fairly certain I’ve shared this photo before, but I love it so I’m sharing it again. Kiddos in tubbies = adorable.
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So what’s up with you guys? What’s new? What are you excited about this month? Let’s chat!
**I was not compensated for this post, but I did receive the convertible activity center for free. All opinions are entirely my own and we LOVE the product!
Rachael says
Thanks for your honesty! I’m very worried about having a second. When did you think it started to get easier? Or at least a little more manageable?
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
Definitely have moments of worry with a 2nd being so close in age, but I see the way Lucas loves Alex and I know it will be the best. I would definitely be interested in a post on the last 6 months if you find time to write it. I only have 1 kiddo and i know how hard it is to find time, haha.
Brynn says
Is it just me or are your children growing up at the speed of light?! Your check ins are my favorite. And three cheers for a toy that keeps them out and happy!
Kristen says
Oh man, the threes! I honestly thought about becoming an alcoholic during that stage (wish I were joking Lol). Everyone always talked about terrible twos but no one warned me about the threes! Fours were a tiny bit better and now that my son is almost five, I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. He’s finally chilling out. Just hang in there!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i have heard 3 is the hardest age!! ( dont know where the “terrible twos” came from!!) so i think it, too, is just a phase :) and one that i’m a little afraid of.. i still have a few months left before the threes haha
Kelli Rudolph says
There was no such thing as the terrible twos for us. Tantrums, meltdowns and just general attitude city happened for us when our daughter turned 3. Holy smokes! And you are so right, just like a switch is flipped. Sweet and loving, completely losing her mind, sweet and loving … happens so fast sometimes I don’t even know what is going on! :) Love the table that Alex got. Somehow I have to find a way to get toys for free ;) Things can be so darn expensive sometimes!
Christine says
You’re doing doing an awesome job with those boys! My little one is 1.5 and I am dreadeing 3/4 haha. From everything I’ve heard, the terrible two’s have nothing on the threenager and f$&?ing fours haha. Keep up the good work, you’re definetly an inspiration to your readers and your family. And thank you for being so honest. There are so many blog posts and instagram photos that make it look like everyone has it all together, LIES! ;)
Melissa says
I can’t believe Alex is 6 months either! That poop – oh wow! I hate it when something so nasty gets on a good rug!!
Jen says
I have 4 kids, my older 3 are 14,11and 8 and then we have a 2.5 year old. I swear, this little one is harder than the first 3 were combined. I legit did not know how I was going to survive, but thankfully, I “think” things are finally getting better. Kids. It’s crazy town some days!!
Katy H says
If it makes you feel any better I feel the same way about my 3.5 year old. I asked my husband yesterday, “Is this him being a threenager or is he just going to grow up to be an asshole?” I think he’s just being a threenager, and so is Lucas more than likely! Hang in there, Mama. You’re doing great!
Sarah says
Love your blog so I hope this doesn’t come across in the wrong way – not sure anyone needs/wants to see a picture of a poopy diaper, we all know what that looks like. Wasn’t the most appetizing way to start my morning. I realize you had a warning but hard to read the rest of your fun post without catching a glimpse.