Life Lately: September

Motherhood moves fast, doesn’t it? Some days feel like they’re five years long, and yet somehow, the months fly by. One of the reasons I started these Life Lately posts was to pause and take stock—to notice what’s working, what’s hard, and what’s beautiful right now in this season of twin toddlerhood.

If you missed my first Life Lately post, you can catch it HERE. It’s my monthly journal-style update — a peek into our everyday life through the lens of twin toddlerhood: the wins, the challenges, and everything in between.

After a month full of travel in August, September was our time to slow down and settle back into routine. We’ve spent a lot of time outside — park dates, dirt digging, and endless scooping with toy trucks. Let’s start with some of the challenges (and a few funny moments sprinkled in).

The Hard Parts

Last month, I talked about tantrums. This month, I’m realizing that most of those big emotions seem to land squarely on me. I am their safe place — which is beautiful and exhausting all at once.

We had one Sunday that nearly broke me. The boys were up before 6 a.m., I’d barely slept, and the day was just…hard. Meltdown after meltdown — theirs and mine. It’s wild how one tough morning can make the entire day feel heavy.

One thing I’ve started saying to the boys when they’re scared or overwhelmed is, “You’re safe.” Whether it’s a loud noise or something unfamiliar, I want them to know that safety starts with me. Lately, they’ve started saying it back — “safe” — in their own little voices. It stops me in my tracks every time.

I want to be that safe place for them, even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.

The Wrestling + Playground Phase

In true boy fashion, wrestling has entered the chat. They think it’s hilarious; I think it’s mildly terrifying. We’ve had a few bumps and bruises, but it’s also been so fun to watch them interact, test boundaries, and giggle uncontrollably.

Speaking of testing boundaries — playgrounds have become a new kind of heart-pounding adventure. M is fearless, but not always in the best way. He’ll climb right up to the tallest platform, peer over the edge, and have zero sense of height or danger. Meanwhile, I’m below, calculating every possible fall trajectory like a human safety net.

It’s a delicate balance — letting them explore and take risks, without hovering so much that they never learn. But honestly? It’s hard. I’ve had a few moments of near-panic trying to keep eyes on both of them at once. Some days, it feels like I need eight arms and 360-degree vision.

The Sweet Spots

Despite the chaos, there have been so many sweet moments lately. The boys are starting to really play with each other — holding hands, saying thank you, and occasionally sharing (emphasis on occasionally). Watching their bond grow is so special.

They are picking up on so many things they see or hear. It is really wild. As an example, they do “yoga”. E would occasionally do a move that looks like downward dog, but now they both call the move yoga. M also figured out how to put his sunglasses on his head, completely unprompted. They are so observant, and have obviously seen me or my husband put our sunglasses on our heads.

E has a small ride-on fire truck that’s supposed to stay indoors. Now he asks M to push him around on it — and they both dissolve into giggles every time.

We’ve been busy in the best way: a few gymnastics classes, the start of toddler soccer, lunch with my brother during his layover in Orlando, and a really fun sensory class with Sprout & Feather Co. (you must check out if local to Orlando!) I even got one of their sensory kits for the boys’ birthday — huge hit.

We’re also slowly building a little community of mom friends. Two park playdates this month felt like such a win. It’s not easy putting yourself out there, but exchanging numbers after a good connection has made all the difference. Parenting can feel isolating, and I don’t want to do it in a silo. Every time we meet up, it feels a little lighter.

Wrapping Up

September felt like a season of slowing down — grounding after a busy summer, finding rhythm again, and noticing all the small moments that make up our days.

Here’s a little photo gallery from our month: dirt-covered faces, playground adventures, and twin wrestling matches. I’d love to hear from you — what’s one win or one challenge you’ve had lately? No judgment here, just real life. 💛