Only a few days left in October, and it’s been a whirlwind over here lately!
October has felt like a rollercoaster — full of milestones, meltdowns, and moments that make me laugh (or cry) all at the same time. My youngest just turned TWO, and we celebrated with a little party that was equal parts adorable and exhausting. 🎉 He got SO excited over his little gifts, but his favorite was by far the monster trucks from a dear friend! My oldest had to learn that sometimes things are not for her and that she does not need to be the center of attention for EVERYTHING. 😅
Low quality pic, high quality fun! Kyler's fun little birthday party spread.
Potty training has been… interesting. We’ve had some major wins (finally getting the hang of it!) and some setbacks that made me question my sanity. Like peeing his pants every. single. time… but then turning around and staying dry for the babysitter, even telling him when he needed to go! And sleep? Well, we had almost a week of nothing but brutal nights, but then, out of nowhere, one miraculous night where everyone slept all night. I woke up and my watch told me I slept great - it’s amazing what happens when kids aren’t waking you up every hour! 🙈
Unfortunately, with all of this chaos, my side projects — the courses, TpT resources, and creative work I’ve been dreaming about — have barely moved. My time has been swallowed up by teaching, cleaning, cooking, and keeping little humans alive. And honestly? That’s okay. ❤️Sometimes life just calls for our full presence in the little, messy, joyful moments. It’s a struggle for my perfectionist soul, but I’d rather take my time and create something amazing instead.
This week hasn’t been all fun for sure. It’s been hard for my heart as well. We learned that a friend of ours just lost a baby, and at the same gestation I was with Myla. It’s brought back all the memories of the grief of when we first lost Myla, and my heart is broken at the thought of someone else we know and love experiencing the same thing. It’s a stark reminder that life has highs and lows — sometimes in the same week. And grief, even when it’s not our own, has a way of touching us deeply - even more so when it’s a kind of grief we have experienced.
As we close out October and Infant Awareness Month, my constant prayer this week has been for peace, hope, and comfort for anyone experiencing a hard time, but especially for those experiencing loss. There is no pain like it. If you have experienced loss, this week I’ve been saying special prayers for YOU. God loves you, and if you love Him, He WILL create beauty from your tragedy. 💔❤️
October will always have a different meaning to me - Infant Loss Awareness month. I didn't know anyone who had lost a baby late term till this year.
Parenting, like life, is a mixture of joy and heartache, small wins, and big setbacks. But I’ve found that taking a pause, celebrating the little victories, and choosing gratitude — even in chaos — makes a difference. I’m grateful for messy toddlers, for moments of laughter, for the chance to teach and nurture, and for the quiet reassurance that God is with us through it all, even in the moments of grief.
As for my courses and resources? They’ve been on pause this last week, but I can’t wait to dive back in when things calm down a bit. For now, I’m soaking up these chaotic, fleeting moments of toddlerhood and learning to embrace the beautiful mess of life.
I’d love to hear from you — how is life right now for you? Are you navigating parenting chaos, loss, or just trying to keep your head above water? Hit reply and share a little of your story — I see you, I hear you, and I’d love to cheer you on. ❤️
