Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 02:11 pm
Happy October Everyone! Autumn is here and Halloween is just around the corner which we are extremely excited about in this family. I love the build up to Halloween, making new decorations with the kids, baking pumpkin cake or pumpkin roll or even pumpkin cupcakes, picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins, and choosing coordinating outfits for the kids. It’s one of my favorite holidays even if I am a scaredy-cat. I am very excited to share with everyone the kids’ Halloween costumes that they actually picked out themselves this year. They must have Mommy’s genes for coordinating.
We are half way through the month and last month was a huge change for us so we are basking in the fact that we have got routines down and a lot less stress is happening in the LTM household. MM started her new nursery and has just flourished ever since. If you saw the conversations going on my twitter or my facebook page about her struggles with her old nursery and the turmoil it was causing us both, I am relieved that she has settled in to her new one. Yesterday, she even waved goodbye with no tears when I dropped her off. I thought I would cry happy tears that she was so content in her new nursery when I saw her wave goodbye. It was a pivotal moment. The ladies are amazing, bubbly, and sweet and I think the place fits her perfectly. It’s actually right next to our house which makes it easier for me now, too. Happy baby equals happy Mommy.
B is doing much better in school health wise. We have narrowed down a few new foods to avoid and he seems to be doing so much better. It’s always a fright when you have a child with severe allergies. I may mention it here and there but I never dive into his troubles, my dear bubble boy. I always think if you haven’t lived a life of food allergies its a whole new ball game to understand. There isn’t a day that I don’t have a fear of that phone call of him going into anaphylactic shock again. Or at a party and eats something new, it only takes a cough and my mind instantly goes to that bad thought he ate something he shouldn’t. It’s a tough way to live if you aren’t on the ball 24/7, we spent most of his first two years in and out of hospitals. Now, that he is in school and new things are creeping up, I feel like I am back to square one. But I am so grateful his school is amazing, so helpful and they are helping me every step of the way without segregating him from the other kids. I am much more comfort now with him being there.
Together my two have blossomed. I was really worried how their relationship would change when he started school. The first few weeks were tough on MM being away from her brother. I am not going to lie she cried the first two whole days, all day until we picked him up. I think if anything it has brought them closer together. They are more inseparable now than ever before because they have been apart for part of the day. They catch up with each other’s day at the school pick and on the way home in the car. I love listening to their car conversations together. They tell each other more than I can ever get out of either of them about their day away from home. I love to watch them sit there having a detailed conversation now that MM can talk full sentences. In the last month or so her speech has really come out great and makes them understand each other better. Even though I think B was the only one that could understand her baby gibberish.
I say it all the time but as they get older their age gap moves closer and closer together. I don’t think of them as a different age anymore. I treat them the same, I expect the same (probably unfair but I do) and I give them the save food, plate, cup, toys, bedtime stories, and tuck in routines. I really don’t treat their age any different anymore.
MM loves to be her big brother’s shadow. Most days we take bike rides after school to the park and she keeps up with him. On other days we drag our bouncy castle out and the kids have a blast seeing who can jump the highest while I make dinner. They are true buddies. I love that I can stand at the stove cooking and can see them in their bouncy castle right outside the kitchen window. I leave the window open so I can listen to their chatter and their non-stop laughter. It’s the most beautiful sound ever. I give them their space and their time together without having to share it with me. I think it’s important they have their own relationship outside of ours together as a family.
My favorite thing is to watch how much B teaches his little sister. He is constantly pointing things out to her and explaining what they do or why it’s there or what everything is called. She is taking every word he says, soaking it up like a sponge. They have such curious little minds at this age, I love it. When B doesn’t know the answer he likes to come ask me to whisper it to him so he can tell his sister himself. He looks after her and I hope it’s like that forever. It’s a great feeling knowing they can be there for each other when they are older in life as my own siblings are for me.
Siblings really are a gift to each other as much as they are to a parent. The bond siblings make are different than any relationship I have ever witnessed.
TOGETHER THEY ARE LOVING…
After school bike rides to the park.
Weekend bouncy castle time.
Family adventures to the Chester Zoo.
Playing with Shopkins, a new favorite collectable toy of theirs.
Tucking each other into bed.
Waking each other up for school/nursery.
Bath time will forever be a favorite time of day together.
Picking out their halloween costumes and pumpkins.
Even though school has separated these two during the day from Monday to Friday, they have never been more devoted to each other when they reunite. They make me proud of who they are becoming together as brother and sister. I am grateful that I have been blessed with two children that get along so well. There isn’t a moment where they play separate or apart when they are at home. I was watching them play on the bouncy castle last weekend and captured this photo below, it was all washed out as it was a very sunny day but I put it in black and white so you could see their facial expressions. I feel like this photo says it all about the fun they have together and how much they truly love each other.
MAY YOU TWO ALWAYS RUN SIDE BY SIDE, TOGETHER!
Oh Jenny! That last photo is stunning! Bless them! It’s amazing how the time apart actually seems to draw them closer together, isn’t it?!
Thank you so much hunny, I wish it was in color and not so washed out it just sums their relationship up to a tee.
They look gorgeous together Jenny and I am pleased to hear that school hasn’t stopped their bond from being super strong. They look so alike in these photos- they look so alike anyway but even more in these than usual if you know what I mean! x
I agree they are looking more alike and when B takes his glasses off it’s like twins for sure. We will be getting him contacts about six and I often wonder will people think they are twins at 5/6 age as it’s so close during this stage.
That’s great that their bond has continued so well.
It must be because of the small age gap or maybe with the boy being older and wanting to be protector, because while my brother and I get on now, I’d not say that as children we had a particular bond in being siblings. We’re 3 years apart
I am so happy and more relieved too I guess. I think it really is the big brother protector and age gap being close. My brother and I are close in age the same and I always looked up to him and we are super close too.Sometimes that little extra year makes the maturity levels off so there is more bickering and normal sibling rivalry but with 20 months it’s just a little close enough to be more alike.
They’re so gorgeous. I know exactly what you mean about the age gap lessening over time – my three are just the same 🙂 x
They really do just because the same in age sense in our minds I think. I love it. Thanks hun.
Oh these photos are beautiful Jenny and it sounds like they have such a strong bond together. I can imagine how proud it must make you feel when they play and share and learn together so wonderfully 🙂
I love the cuteness of her. I could cuddle her all day. lol Sorry I know she is your child but she is just so adorable in all the photos you take. She doesn’t look like as if she is any trouble. #siblings
Thank you Janine, not at all that’s something I would say so not a problem here. lol haha She has been the easiest baby /toddler so far. I am waiting to get a tough stage with her I am worried I had it too easy for too long.
Such bright and beautiful photos this month! I had no idea about B’s allergies, school must bring a whole heap of worries! x
Oh yes, I don’t talk about them much on here it’s too hard to even go back to the beginning and all those hospital stays. But school really made me more paranoid than I have been in a long time about it.
Oh Jenny what a stunning set of photos of your lovely two. They do seem to be nearer and nearer in age as they get older even just through the photos – MM is so beautifully tall 🙂 I’m glad this month has been more settled after all of September’s upheavals – long may it stay that way 🙂
Ahh thank you ever so much Carie that’s so very sweet of you. MM is getting really tall fast. Not sure where from I am a stump. lol Yes October has been a lot better for us as a whole family.
Gorgeous photos of your children. The sibling bond is such a special one. Glad to hear they are both adjusting better to nursery and school, and to being away from each other. Looking forward to seeing their costumes! I hope you all have a fun and happy Halloween!
I can’t wait to show off their costumes this year and I already have next years idea in my head and more crazy halloween bakes and pumpkin carving. I think as they get older I get more into the festivities of each holiday. hahaha Happy Halloween.
That’s so lovely. Do they ever bicker? My brother and I were at each other’s throats most of the time. I’m sure we must have got a long occasionally but mostly I remember the arguing.
Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Me and my siblings were like that close but bickered all the time. My two are different in that way but still so much time to turn into that they are still young. It’s mostly hand holding, hugs, and kisses hahaha
This is so beautiful Jenny! The sibling bond is so special, and it’s so obvious from these photos how much your two love it each other, and how much fun they have together. They are real cuties! x
I always wanted my kids to have siblings as I grew up with so many but I had the normal siblings of fighting, bickering and competing with love and my two haven’t got there yet they are just the best of friends and it’s been so amazing to watch them grow together.
Gorgeous pictures! Sounds like they have such an amazing relationship and that things are starting to get a littler easier for both of them, and you in turn! Xx #sharewithme
Yes it’s getting easier all around for everyone and it was a challenging time but we found solutions all around to fix them. The kids are doing great now. Thank you.
Aww they are so cute – I missed out on the sibling aspect as there are 10 years between my brother and I and we aren’t really close – Hopefully as he gets older we can have more of a bond like your two! Thanks for sharing – and it was a shame about the nursery at least its all sorted now 🙂 #sharewithme
It’s harder with a gap but as you get older it helps. My big brother and I are 14 years apart and now as adults are soooo close.It can work with big age gaps.
This is so lovely. I adore raising siblings…you are right, they are a gift to each other as much us to us parents. So lovely to hear the little lady is loving nursery now.
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I am so relieved it was the right choice in moving her nursery and she is so much happier. It really is amazing watching siblings grow together isn’t it?
I love the fact they tuck each other into bed – mine do the same, that’s why bedtime takes so long with four of them lol xxx #sharewithme
Oh yes I can imagine that would put more time to bedtime but so much love is worth it isn’t it?
Every week I read posts like this from you and they make me smile so much! The bond between those two is just amazing. Even from a simple photo I can see it in their eyes. Its so lovely 🙂 Glad both are doing better too! Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Thanks Jodie that’s so lovely of you to say. I really appreciate that. I think so too. I think sometimes people think I am bigging it up but they really are just in each other’s pockets. I am constantly having family, friends and even strangers tell me they have never seen two so close. I feel so grateful and power of that. I am close to my siblings now as an adult but we were the normal fighting, bickering and competing kind of siblings. So I never expected this from my two and it melts my heart but I am bias. lol
The love for your kids really shines through in your writing. it is so special a sibling bond. My boys are very close too and it was heartbreaking the other day to see my little man upset that the big lad had a play date and they couldn’t play together so mummy had to step in. Beautiful photos again too. #sharewithme
Oh bless your little man. It’s hard when they don’t understand why they can’t always be together isn’t it? Thank you Catie.
Such a lovely post. I know my daughter is lost when her big brother is at preschool – I have no idea how she’ll manage when he is at school full time next year #sharewithme
It was a hard two weeks before MM realized her big brother was going to always go to school all day all week and come home after. She cried so hard the first two days more so than B even minded going to school. It was heart breaking but she is getting used to it and we have made the school pickups a game for her.
What lovely photos Jenny! It is so lovely that they have such a close relationship at this age and that school hasn’t affected it. Mine are very close now too despite having some ups and downs along the way. Long may sibling love continue 🙂 #Sharewithme
Thank you so much Sara so sweet of you to say. I am so relieved more than anything. I only wonder how a third would go in the mix? lol
It’s so lovely that they are getting on so well and becoming real little pals! That photo with the cap is gorgeous too 😀 x
Thank you Jessica. Its one of my new faves shows off their personality so much in it. I love how close they are and I don’t think people realize I am not just being fluffy and saying it for cuteness. I get people telling me all the time they can’t believe how inseparable they are. We went to a christening the other day and they never stopped holding hands and chatting it was hilarious. lol
How very cute. My two are the same, although they have their squabbles they miss each other if ones not there..
Oh yes that’s normal siblings isn’t it? My two hate being separated for anything. MM can’t wait to start school to be like her big brother it’s so funny.
Lovely children! Right now I just have one 16 month old and she has no siblings, just dogs. Part of me can’t wait for her to have a little brother or sister, but part of me wants to put it off because I only want to have two, so that is the last time I will get to do it! The last little baby to hold and watch learn to crawl and teach words to.. So I’m saving it. Haha.
Good idea, I was a little upset that I didn’t take it all in more having a 1 1/2 year old when I had MM I was a busy mom so I like your idea to save it if it’s your last. I didn’t know it was my last until afterwards so I think that makes you appreciate every bit of it if you do know beforehand. Saying that I love having two so much.
I’m so glad things have settled down into a nice routine for you, and that B and MM are are making the most of their time together. It helps so much when you find the right nursery. I was lucky that Tin Box Tot’s was right from he start. She loves it and it has been brilliant for her. Long may the good times continue 🙂 #sharewithme
It really does and old nursery wasn’t bad in terms of my son went there for three years it just had a few changes that didn’t work for MM. Just shows you each child is different. Her new nursery is next door so we can walk which is nice. Thank you.
Beautiful photos and a beautiful post Jenny.
The photo of them laying down, MM upside down is fantastic x
Oh thank you so much Steph. It’s a fave of mine too. Shines the light on a little teenage side of B and the looking up to him little sister hanging out. Too funny.
sounds like a great term for them both and that school is actually bringing them closer together.
I was so worried it wouldn’t and their time apart would change their dynamics of inseparable but it’s definitely done the opposite and I am so happy and grateful for it. They are so cute together.
Ahhh what a touching post! It’s really special that your kiddies love each other & enjoy each other’s company so very much. I can imagine how sad MM was! My daughter was so upset when her big brothers went back to school. You guys will have a great Halloween together! Can’t wait to see photos. Thanks so much for hosting #ShareWithMe x
I do feel so bless they get along so well and are inseparable. I never thought when I had two it would be so emotional and lovely to watch them bond. It’s as much of a gift to them as it is to me to have two. I hope it’s not too cold on Halloween so we can show off their costumes and not have to be bundled up.
Must be so lovely that they get on so well. My boys are very excited about Halloween – mainly as they like sweets!
Oh yes Halloween and all that candy. My hubby and I always end up making ourselves sick with eating it as the kids can’t have it.
I’m glad to read that you’ve found a new nursery for MM. It’s such a relief to know you child is having a good time and is in good hands.
Great B is settling in at school and his allergies are more under control. It must’ve been very difficult at the beginning to trust the teachers and staff to look after him. Well done for helping your boy make this big step.
I am 7 months pregnant and by the time baby is born there will be 2,5 years gap between him/her and my toddler. I am relieved to read that age gap gets better with age. At the moment 2,5 seems like a huge gulf…
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It was a good choice and one I am so glad I made. She is happier and more settled and bonus we can walk to it. Yes we have an appointment next week with the allergist to find more answers so getting there. Ahh I bet your new siblings will be inseparable. I have a brother 14 years old than me and we are soo close too. I think it’s down to the siblings not age if they are close.
Glad MM is happier at her new nursery. I always think that the age gap between mine is probably going to narrow to nothing as they get older, too. They’re only a little over a year apart. It still seems quite a bit currently, as little one is half eldest’s age & not speaking much yet, but once they are 10 and 9, I doubt they will seem much different at all. By 20 and 21, it’ll be nothing. Lovely that yours are so close. Mine always have been so far, and I hope it continues. #sharewithme
She really is and loves her new key worker and there is more space to run and play. A little friend there she knows to helps. It will be great when they are older and get easier and easier. I wish I could have had a third close to them too. It’s great having siblings the same age.
I’m so glad everything has worked out with B and his health! I know it was difficult road for you and your family, and I bet seeing him feel better and being himself again was a relief for you all. MM is growing so fast. Happy to know that her new nursery is a much better fit for her.
I love this siblings series you do! Thank you for sharing a brief glimpse into your little one’s lives and how they’re growing. It’s so heart warming to see these photos and hear about how they (and you) are fairing 🙂 Thanks for hosting us on #sharewithme! Hoping you’re having a great week!
Oh yes anytime my lovely I love reading all your posts each week. Love sharing the bond my two have together as I never thought it would feel so magical watching them love each other before I had two.
It seems the transition to school has gone very well! Must be quite a weight off your mind. Fascinated to hear the two of them talk in depth about their day. My youngest will do that, but not her older sister. Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Thanks John. It really is funny they tell each other more than they tell us isn’t it?
I love Halloween, especially now with children it makes it so much fun, instead of being dressed as a dead cheerleader and getting drunk with friends in your 20s, now my daughter is older she is really excited to get dressed up this weekend.
I think every holiday is so much more fun with children for sure. Ahh it changes halloween so much doesn’t it? Dead cheerleader eek hahaha
So sweet seeing sibling love! My girls are 2 and 4 months and it’s amazing the adorable bond that they share already. It was love at first sight with my toddler and ever since she can’t stop tending to her little sister, sharing her favorite stuffed friends with her, and covering her kisses (a habit that is adorable yes but not so much seeing as two colds have already been shared). Watching their bond grow is such a reward as a mother, and I can only hope that one day in the not so distant future I’ll capture a beautiful moment just like you did.
As a side note, my nephew has very severe food allergies, ever since birth. He’s turning 9 this month and has grown out of a few smaller ones but still has the majors, milk, egg, nuts. Knock on wood but school has been okay for him so far. Having good teachers and fellow classroom parents who are on board for his safety has been really important. There’s so many great resources online and tons of great products out there, kid approved by my nephew. Food allergies or intolerances are such a challenge for anyone but for they’re terrifying in child I know, especially when it comes time for school but making sure everyone at the school is aware and prepared in every way possible (and also making sure he too knows what he can and can’t have) will make you feel loads more comfortable.
Ever any questions you can find me on glutenfreemomtobe.com or email me at glutenfreemomtobe@yahoo.com.
Oh thank you ever so much for your amazing comment and advice. Yes it’s a completely different game changer when you have to deal with severe allergies. The school has been great. We are working on telling everyone too like parents and his new school friends. He is good too he knows what he can’t have. Still makes you nervous everytime he leaves the house though.Oh you can and will capture those sibling love moments.
Oh Jenny, I just love their relationship and how school hasn’t stopped their bond from strengthening. It’s so good to hear that you found a school who are fantastic with his allergies, that must make things a little less worrying (although I don’t doubt you do still worry!).
Yes I really wanted a smaller school not just for the community feel but I felt it was safer, easier and better for B with his allergies. It’s still tough to just rely on others to watch out for him though. I am so relieved my two are still so close I really was worried it would change their relationship if anything it’s made them talk and share even more.
Beautiful pictures of your siblings, as always! I love reading about how close their bond is, it really warms my heart and makes me look forward to my two becoming such a strong unit, which is happening more and more, albeit the age gap means that it’s taking a bit longer. I’m sorry to hear about the allergies, I hope it’ll all settle down for you, but by the sounds of it, you seem to have a good handle on it and the school is supportive, which is really important. #sharewithme x
Thanks Isabella, your two will get closer and closer as they get older its the natural progress where age gaps close in. Yes the school has been amazing. I feel so grateful for that.
It sounds the perfect relationship. May long it continue. Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
I really hope so and as they go into their adult life I hope they always are there for each other and support each other like my own brothers do for me too.
Gorgeous post and photos Jenny – I especially love that one with MM upside down with a huge grin! I’m glad she has settled into nursery more now and that you are getting more comfortable with your son being at school. It is lovely how close they are xx
Thanks Louise, that photo is one of my faves too. The kids are doing so well this month and really have come on in school and nursery. Makes it all so much easier than worrying about them.