The joy of a 2 & 3 year old

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The boys are really fun. I say this at every age, but there is just so much to enjoy about these young years and I’m savoring, SAVORING my time at home with them before school starts.

I have a few friends with kids who entered kindergarten recently and they are gone for almost the ENTIRE DAY! I know it’s normal, and I know the kids are usually very ready for that when that age comes, but I can’t wrap my brain around that right now!

But I don’t have to. I have a few years left with them at home!

If you are new around here, it took Justin and I about 14 months to get pregnant with David. It was very hard to wait on the Lord’s timing with that, and I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with God through that season. My pregnancy and delivery via planned c-section were easy, and then adjusting to life with a newborn was challenging! Despite that, by the following Easter when David was just 4 months old, Justin and I were already talking about trying for a second baby. We thought,”we are in a baby stage now, let’s go ahead and add another one to the mix asap!” We also anticipated it taking a long time like it did for David.

As it turns out, we were pregnant a month later. And sweet Luke arrived 14 months after David was born.

It was a lot to manage at first, but it was all I knew. And we all enjoyed life more after Luke’s 2 month colic period when he was a few months old. Man, those were the darkest days of my life. If you are in that season right now, please know you are not alone and you + the baby will get through it!

And today, I have a fresh 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. And while I’d love to have more kids, I don’t feel a strong desire to start trying for that yet. When David was tiny, I felt very capable to care for a second baby. And now that I have 2 little growing boys, I’m feeling what a lot of moms feel when they say they can’t imagine introducing another one into the mix.

I feel like both boys need so much from me, from my full attention to their play doh creations, to getting them apple juice or a pretzel when they’d like a snack.

I worry that if I were to have a baby, I would feel like I didn’t have the capacity to give both David and Luke what they need and are used to getting from me. Does that make sense? I know my capacity will expand, just as it did when I had Luke. And I’ve seen it happen with my friends. And kids are pretty resilient and will get used to a new normal with a bit of time.

Life right now is full to the very very brim. The boys LOVE to wrestle and will play hide and go seek, even though they don’t really know how to play it correctly yet. David will tell me to go hide, and then he will go hide, and so I’ll have to call out to him to ask him what I’m supposed to do! Or he’ll tell Luke where to hide, and direct him to that exact spot, and then walk away. It’s adorable.

Luke is 100% in love with footballs, soccer balls and basketballs. The kid cannot get enough sports balls. And David is still majorly into trucks and tractors. They are playing less with toys and more with their imaginations in forts, and climbing mountains of pillows. They laugh and play together so well, it makes my heart melt.

David is testing some limits, but that is too be expected as a 3 year old. It’s much more of a challenge than I thought, though, to determine how to correct bad behavior. He’s dropped his nap, so we are trying to enforce a quiet time/room time and that’s taking a little getting used to for all of us!

We stay pretty busy during the week, but there is also an added layer of occasional quiet for me because the boys will play pretty well together in the playroom which allows me more time to clean up the kitchen, or search for new recipes on the computer. I love that they are getting older, and becoming more and more fun to play with, and I know I’ll miss them terribly whenever they are in school.

Anyway, it’s been so long since I’ve updated about them here, I thought I’d do that today! You can see a bit more of them over on Snapchat (I’m K8_smallthings) if you’d like to follow along!

More of my favorite posts about motherhood here.

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Laura McDaniel says · 02.09.17

I feel like I’m looking into the future when I read these posts. Our stories are very similar except mine are girls and 2(on Friday) and 8 months. I’m pretty sure I get asked weekly when we will have another and I feel the exact same way as you! It took 2 years for our first with fertility help and then no help with the second so I just have no idea what to expect! That’s hard for me to plan! 😊 Life is so fun and I look forward to both being more independent (but still napping 🤞🏻). Your boys are precious and we love watching your snaps. My husband thinks your animal snaps are hilarious. 😂

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Michele says · 02.09.17

Frame that picture for their playroom please!!!

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Ashley Beth says · 02.09.17

I love this boys’ update! They remind me so much of my boys who are 18 months apart but are now 9 & 10 years old. You are so wise to savor them because it does go quickly! I had those exact same feelings you are having about not knowing how in the world I’d handle sending them off to school. Turns out, God was calling us to homeschool and it has been one of the single greatest gifts/joys of our lives. I NEVER anticipated homeschooling but we’ve done it from the beginning with all three kids (I have a 7-year old daughter too) and it’s awesome. It might be worth looking into, there’s so many cool opportunities and wonderful curriculum these days. God laid it on my heart in those early days of motherhood and I’m so glad He did because it’s shaped our family in the neatest ways. Just wanted to share that with you in case it’s something rolling around in your heart. Whatever you choose, you are clearly a wonderful mama and those boys are lucky to have you!

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Maria says · 02.09.17

LOVE THIS ^^^

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Leigh Ann says · 02.09.17

We’re thinking about homeschooling, too! I am a former teacher in both public and private schools, so I’ve been in the trenches, and I just don’t know that I can turn them over…I can imagine doing some awesome stuff on our own with a curriculum customized to where they’re at and how they learn!

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Ashley Beth says · 02.09.17

I hear you completely! I can’t tell you enough what a total JOY it has been to walk through every academic & emotional stage with my kids. I always marvel how many amazing quips and questions I would’ve missed had I not been there to homeschool them. It’s a commitment and has its challenges but it’s so worth it! Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

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Nicole Saldivar says · 02.09.17

So fun! I’m getting ready to have my 2nd boy, but they’ll be 4.5 years apart (not part of our plan). Even though they’ll have such an age gap, this gives me hope that eventually they’ll like each other. 😂

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laura says · 02.17.17

My boys are 5 years apart, not like we had planned but it took so long to get pregnant the second time around. At first when my youngest was born I noticed that my oldest acted out a lot but now even with the age gap, my youngest just turned 2 my oldest 7, they are having fun and I love how my youngest looks up to his older brother, the love they have for each other melts my heart.

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Sarah says · 02.09.17

Such a fun update! Glad you are enjoying life with the boys so much. My plan was always to have kids close together in age, but I had major trouble getting pregnant with my third. By the time my third (a son) was finally born, my daughters were 5 and 3.5. I thought I wouldn’t love the age gap but it has been AWESOME! My girls played together beautifully and I felt like I could give a lot of attention to the baby. The girls also totally understood what was happening and it really felt like my son was the family’s baby, not just my baby. Now he has three mothers and it’s perfect 🙂

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Lynn says · 02.09.17

Savor away. It goes by in a blink. My precious little boy is 17 and I miss those toddler days!

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Heather says · 02.09.17

This is how I’ve come to view motherhood. It is a job that is constantly frowned upon, but this mother/blogger gets it. Enjoy!

http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=5435940913&blog=2155880&frame_type=feed

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Allison Vizzo says · 02.09.17

I agree, these days are so fun! I have a 4 and almost (but not quite!) 2 year old. My oldest is in preschool 4 half days a week and it really was an adjustment for me to see her have this part of life completely separate from me but she LOVES it and that makes me happy.

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Lindsa says · 02.09.17

I feel the exact some way about having a 3rd and my first 2 are close together as well. I always wanted to have 3 kids, but right now I can’t imagine taking my time and attention away from my first babies. My daughter is also 3 and will start pre-school next fall, and already I feel so sad at the time and life she will spend away from me, but also so excited for her. I know how happy she will be to get out and be around other kids. So, lots of emotions there – haha!

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Michelle says · 02.09.17

We had our second children at about the same time. Why did I think Luke was a surprise like my second was??? I honestly thought I remembered you saying he was a “oops”! Did you do any treatments to get PG with David?

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Kate says · 02.09.17

No way would I ever say “oops” about a baby. It was surprising that it happened so quickly, but we were most certainly trying for him! No treatments for getting pregnant with either boy!

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Michelle says · 02.10.17

Sorry if you misunderstood what I mean when I said “oops”. Didn’t mean to imply that Luke (or any baby for that matter!) was a mistake. Just that it wasn’t totally planned. Maybe you didn’t plan for it to happen as soon as it did, but that doesn’t mean “mistake.” Anyway, just wanted to clarify. And after 14 months, had you consulted a doctor about treatments? Usually it’s a year of trying and then you proceed with other options.

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Maria says · 02.09.17

Three was a tough age – it’s two, but with a vocabulary. The one thing I can say I did well with was not to make any kind of threat (for lack of a better word) and not follow through. So no buying expensive tickets for something if I wasn’t prepared to leave if I said “stop doing that or we’re leaving” and he didn’t stop the behavior. As soon as you fail to follow through on a consequence, they know that they don’t have to listen to you. The book “1, 2, 3 Magic” really worked for us. Consistency is the key.

They are adorable, and it does go too fast! (Mine is 16 . . .)

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Sydni says · 02.09.17

Loved this update! thanks for sharing 🙂

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Jordan says · 02.09.17

As you delve more into the quiet time with David I would love to hear more. I have a daughter who is a month younger and I do believe she should drop her nap SOON. Momma is tired of the 4:30 am wake-up calls. Lol

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Kate says · 02.09.17

I’ll share as I learn more!

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Sarah says · 02.09.17

Jordan, I totally sympathize with you because my oldest also was an extremely early riser for YEARS. She is seven now and it has gotten much better, but her internal clock is just set to get up very early, even at this age. Respectfully, I would tell you to be careful about dropping her nap–it can totally backfire! We tried everything (shifting bedtimes, changing up her bedtime routine, shortening/removing her nap, etc.). Ultimately, I kept my daughter’s nap because she needed it so badly. She ended up napping for at least 2.5 hours every day until she entered Kindergarten! I know different things work for different kids, but I just wanted to give you my $0.02.

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Olivia says · 02.09.17

the boys are soo adorable!!!
new post// http://www.oliviaschueller.com

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Tee says · 02.09.17

Wonderful update! I started occasionally reading your blog from Pinterest before you had David. I vividly remember your post about the struggles of becoming pregnant & stepping out for a walk, not letting yourself come back home until you had your emotions together. I have been a devoted follower of your blog since that day. I was in the same situation & that post has stuck with me for quite some time now. As I am still trying to conceive, I find your occasional family updates so inspiring! I have so much to look forward to when my time comes!

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Gina nieto says · 02.09.17

Respectfully, 14 months does not compare to years of real infertility. Try seven years. Of getting poked and prodded. Your husband j cing into a cup that you bring to the hospital. Waiting to see if your blood counts are right. Waiting for and receiving vaginal scans. Getting your husband’s sperm artificially put into your uterus

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Ashley Beth says · 02.09.17

This comment I s entirely inappropriate in this forum and the farthest thing from “respectful.”

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Rachele says · 02.10.17

You know what? There are just some topics that can really hit nerves with people, and pregnancy timing and struggles are high on that list of topics. Gina, I’m so sorry to hear about what you have gone through. I hope and pray everything worked/works out.

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Megan says · 02.09.17

I always enjoy your motherhood posts! Toddler/preschool age kids are a blast, especially seeing their relationship with each other really blossom. My oldest just turned four, and three was a very fun and also VERY challenging year for her. I joke (but am a little serious) that three is a glimpse at how kids will act when they’re teenagers. I guess what I mean is, you are not alone in those phases of testing boundaries! God will give you strength for each of the tough moments.

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Lynne says · 02.09.17

I can totally relate to what you are feeling. My two older boys are 18 months apart and it took me a while to know if I wanted another child or not. We’d also had a hard time conceiving our first and then when we did decide to try for a third we had two miscarriages. But as you said, God has his time frame and our third little boy came along. Our boys are now 8, 7, and almost 3. Enjoy these days before the craziness of school begins!

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Katie says · 02.09.17

You make me so excited to have kids. You always have such great, positive posts about both of them. Can’t wait to dig through your baby blog posts when it’s time for that! Hope all is well.

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Anhe says · 02.09.17

There’s always homeschooling. And you could add a homeschool layer to your blog. Homeschooling is a natural progression of mommy hood… You’ve already taught them so much in their toddler years, just keep
on teaching them.

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Hannah says · 02.09.17

I know exactly what you mean. I have a 4 year old boy and 2 year old girl and when my baby boy turned one, I was very ready for another baby. But now, with an almost 3 year old and almost 5 year old, the idea of #3 seems overwhelming. They’re both potty-trained, my boy just learned how to buckle himself into his car seat (!) and they’ve both achieved a degree of independence. The strange thing is, my 5 year old asks regularly – at least once a week – when we’re having another baby!! I tell him to talk to his father about that!! Sweet pic of your boys. Thanks for the update. Savor it, I completely agree.

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Hildy says · 02.10.17

I’m so glad someone mentioned homeschooling! It’s a great option, and I love how it has changed our family culture. Especially in thr younger years, it is a great way to gently introduce children to a love of learning while still preserving their own personhood and imagination.

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Michelle says · 02.10.17

Love your blog! We have four kiddos–two boys, ages 4 and 3–15 months apart. And two girls–ages 8 and 10. There are 4 years bw 2 and 3…we needed that bc I remember feeling EXACTLY like you–my plate was full and I was needed everywhere and I loved it. I am like you –playing with them usually and enjoying just being heavily involved at home. I felt I only had so many hands and I didn’t know how mothers of three did it. BUT you may find —your love for sure grows and your kids don’t need you so much in the day and you find yourself with a desire for another and adding to the beautiful family!

What’s wonderful is the love the older sibs will have for the younger and how it gives them a sense of belonging and they loved to feel needed too 🙂 Now my older ones are begging me for another one… Ha! Just food for thought from another mom who’s been there too 🙂

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Diane says · 02.10.17

Love this post! I have an almost 3 year old and 18m old (both boys) so we’re very close in our life stage. I can’t wait until the little one is a little older for more playing together. I would love another at some point, but feel the same as you – not today! Too busy!

My second is also named Luke and he had colic. A colicky newborn and a tiny toddler really tested me. So glad we are past that!

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Laura says · 02.10.17

The Target shirt that Luke has on in this picture must be a fashion right-of-passage for toddler boys! Both my little boys have it (in multiple colors!) and I think almost every little boy at our daycare has it too! Happy to see it appear here- Target for the win! (as always)

I have 2 boys almost the exact ages as yours, plus a 7 year old boy. Someday I might try for 4, but I agree with you that right now it just seems like adding another to the mix will put us over the top!

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Tracy says · 02.10.17

Thanks for the update – that photo is so incredibly, preciously adorable. This was like looking a way back for me – my kids are 20, 19 and 16. I don’t know how we got here! I keep looking at my 16yo and wondering how he went from a smooth face to a prickly one. I can’t eat him anymore! Maybe that’s for the best.

Notice the larger gap between #2 and #3. Our second daughter was a kid who loved to be cuddled and complained when she wasn’t being cuddled. It took me a while to get back to knowing our family wasn’t finished yet. And that was the big deal for me. Two didn’t feel complete. Three felt done.

Enjoy your little-boy season. They are so delightful and adorable and precious and hilarious. I loved that season when we were there. I’m loving our current season of baby adults, but we love to reminisce about how cute they used to be when they were tiny.

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Katie @ Live Half Full says · 02.10.17

I love hearing your perspective on motherhood and love following your Snapchat. I would love to hear more about the activities you guys do and your kid favorites more often!

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ashley says · 02.12.17

Omg they are getting so big!!! i remember when Luke was a baby 🙁 Congrats on your collab with BB!! So proud of you! xoxo ashley

http://www.livingashley.com

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mary says · 02.13.17

wow so big now
I’m telling ya, little boys, the funniest (and treacherous!) times of my life, keep a video recorder handy and preserve!

They are beautiful, so are you.

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Jessica says · 02.14.17

Kate,
I have followed you/your blog for a few years now (you have been my makeup/wardrobe inspiration for many things!)
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story about getting pregnant with David. I am currently on a similar journey as we are just coming up on a year of trying without any luck. I have can definitely relate to having anger with God and I think acceptance that this is completely out of my control and all up to God is something that I am slowly coming to terms with. I am glad you posted this when you did, at a time where I have been feeling so hopeless. Thank you for giving me hope and reminding me that I am not alone.

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http://www.kratompro.com says · 02.24.17

It’s a great option, and I love how it has changed our family culture. Especially in the younger years, it is a great way to gently introduce children to a love of learning while still preserving their own person hood and imagination.

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Amanda Bumgarner says · 02.24.17

I work full time outside the home, so my daughter is at daycare all day. I do miss her very much and I am sad to miss out on time with her in these early years doing adorable things like building forts and playing hide-and-seek like you can with your boys, but I know that she actually does have a lot of fun playing and interacting with other children and I make sure to get a lot of time with her on the weekends to make up for it. When the time comes, I’m sure you will do great and they will love it 🙂

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Brittany says · 03.08.17

kate, I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. I know have babies of my own as well and I’m curious about products you use on your boys. I see when they were smaller you used aveeno products, has this changed? and do you use any hair products on their hair? my boy has curls and I’m wondering about little toddler curl care. 🙂

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Sam.R says · 10.26.17

It’ll be with a blink of an eye, theyll be in high school and with another blink they are in uni! enjoy while theyre young!

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