Behind The Butter

Life with the Boys Lately

Life has definitely not been boring lately!

Life has definitely not been boring lately!

For any new readers, I have an almost three year old (Grayson) and a seven month old (Luke). Our days are wild, crazy and very loud. At the beginning of this month, Grayson started preschool for the first time and…..it’s going great! I was so nervous, you guys, because he really had never been away from me before aside from a night here and there. However, I think I was the one who was more anxious about this —- Grayson was fine! Both Adam and I went to drop him off on his first day and he literally just turned around and said “Okay, mom, pick me up later!” And then Adam and I cried on each others’ shoulders in the parking lot. How is he already in school?!??! I feel like he was literally just born yesterday.

Grayson started preschool

He had a major vocabulary explosion around the time Luke was born and now he is so chatty and conversational…he is hilarious. I think I double over laughing every day just because of the funny and random stuff he says. The twos are not for the faint of heart (oh, the tantrums! the potty training!) but I have to say, I absolutely love him at this stage he’s in. I never want him to grow up. He is the sweetest little boy and right now he is into cooking (he makes me drag the slow cooker or instant pot over to his kitchen so he can “be a chef, too”), playing his guitar, playing doctor and gardening. His imagination is WILD. It’s so much fun to watch.

Grayson & Luke

Luke is growing like a weed and adores his big brother. They are already SO physical, which is nuts. Other boy moms told me this would be the case, but I had no idea it starts so young. I mean, they legit rough house and Luke loves it. I swear, he eggs Grayson on by swiping him and pulling his hair — and then they both burst into laughter. Every day, Grayson tells me Luke is his best friend and it’s so amazing to see the love they already clearly have for each other. People ask about the transition from one to two kids all the time, and I really do think we got off easy in that regard. There was never any jealousy or regression on Grayson’s part – he literally just adores his little brother and wants to be around him all the time. Well, I take back the regression part – when Luke was four months old, Grayson refused to sleepย in his bed and, instead, opted to sleep by his door for a whole month. That was weird but, like everything with kids, it was a phase and now we are past that. Who really knows. I think I was more bothered by this than anyone else because I’m a control freak and JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO SLEEP IN THEIR OWN BED ALL NIGHT. I mean, for real.

Anyway, Luke is wearing size 6-12 month clothes, weighs 22 lbs and is a total chunk of love. He loves milk (hah), ALL food, Dexter, ripping paper towels into a zillion tiny pieces and, of course, Grayson. Like his big brother, he’s a great sleeper and takes two solid naps a day then bed by 7pm every night.

I know it’s weird to say, but I honestly think having two kids is easier than one kid. I think because before I was just figuring everything out…and always feeling like I was messing up or didn’t know what I was doing. Then, I realized NO ONE knows what they are doing as a first time parent! I felt like, with one baby, the days were incredibly long and tiresome. I wanted each stage to go by fast so I could get to the next, because I always thought the next stage would be better and easier. Nope! I want to shake that old me and get all of those moments back that I wished away back then. I still don’t have it all together (who does), but when I stopped stressing out over the small stuff all the time and just started enjoying where we’re at, things got easier. Now, my days are way too short and (most days) I want to slow down the clock. The boys are just so snuggly and cute right now and I want to bottle it all up and save these moments forever and ever.

Well, those are my thoughts for the day! I typed this rather quickly so please excuse any grammatical errors or typos. You guys just ask all the time how the kids are doing, so I wanted to write up a quick update for all.

(also, Luke fell asleep at the beginning of this photo shoot so weย don’t have as many photos of him right now – he’s all over my Instagram though if you need your chubby baby photo fix)

Luke

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  • Ellie
    February 23, 2017 at 7:08 am

    Your boys are so cute! Also, could not be happier that you’re back blogging again – your recipes are always winners.

  • Kalyn @ Goaloflosing.com
    February 23, 2017 at 7:27 am

    Love this post! You’re so real. It’s refreshing!

  • Erin
    February 23, 2017 at 7:51 am

    Hey Jenna! Great update! One suuuper random question–I saw you mentioned Dexter in this post, and I know this sounds silly, but I was actually wondering about that little guy! We have a kitty and are preparing for baby #1, and I was actually curious how the fur baby adapted to his own life as a “big brother”! Sorry if you’ve ever mentioned this before and I missed it! ; – )

    • jenna
      February 23, 2017 at 1:13 pm

      He is good! He goes outside now and I think that helps a lot because it lets him escape the craziness. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Grayson definitely went through a stage of chasing him around the pulling his tail, but both adapted and got used to each other…and now (for the most part) things are fine.

  • Jenny H.
    February 23, 2017 at 7:55 am

    Glad you’re back to the blog! I always enjoy reading it. I make your Chocolate Chip Pistachio Breakfast cookies at least once a month, by my husband’s request. We love them!

  • Annie
    February 23, 2017 at 8:06 am

    Oh my GOSH that last picture! Love!! I said this on one of your other posts but I’m so happy your back to blogging! I had started reading way back when you first started blogging and it’s so fun to watch how our lives all change. Your boys are the cutest and I’m excited to follow along again!

  • Michelle
    February 23, 2017 at 8:23 am

    Your boys are so precious! And as many other people have said on previous posts & social media, I’m so happy you’re back. Totally understand you needed time away, but dang is it delightful reading your blog again ๐Ÿ™‚

    • jenna
      February 23, 2017 at 8:26 am

      thank you so much!

  • Cortney
    February 23, 2017 at 8:29 am

    Love that you’re blogging again, been following along for years! I just had my second baby as well and love hearing your thoughts.
    Just curious where you got your adorable embroidered dress from?

  • Kristi
    February 23, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Love that you’re blogging again! I also have 2 little boys (a 3 year old, and almost 1 year old), and I agree that 2 kids is somehow easier than 1. And so so much fun!

  • Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
    February 23, 2017 at 8:46 am

    Love the bright pictures. Your new house seems gorgeous. Luke is such a little chunky monkey and it’s adorable. I love that Grayson loves his little brother so much. So sweet! Love the update. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Christina @ montessoriishmom.com
    February 23, 2017 at 8:57 am

    I love this kind of update! My first little guy is almost five months and I love seeing what life might be like when he’s a little older. I would love to hear about what you feed them, if you want to share. Did you do purees or baby led weaning? We’re gearing up to start real foods and I’m sure you have such wonderful ideas!

    • jenna
      February 23, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Funny you ask that because I started him on purees but now am making the switch to BLW at 7 months because he absolutely refuses to be spoon fed and just wants everything on his tray. I know nothing about this so I’m trying to learn more and just roll with it!

  • Ashley
    February 23, 2017 at 9:59 am

    My twins are also 2, and I agree that this age is so much fun. They are so interactive all of the sudden and our conversations are likewise hilarious. I love seeing pics of your sweet babe, he is so chunky and cute! I used to have such a hard time caring for the two of them, but now that they play together I can see how having siblings the same age (or close together) is awesome!

  • Caitlin
    February 23, 2017 at 10:05 am

    I am so glad the blog is back! I love these motherhood posts, especially since I am a mama to a toddler boy myself. Question for you… where is your embroidered dress from?? It looks so great on you & I’ve been looking for one like it.

  • Emily @ Love A Latte
    February 23, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Our boys are the same age and I just love following your journey! So glad you’re back!

  • Nic G
    February 23, 2017 at 11:04 am

    My twin girls are 6 weeks older than Grayson – such a fun age for little ones! I have been a reader since (almost) the beginning and I am truly glad you are back!

  • Carly Finucane
    February 23, 2017 at 11:34 am

    I have two girls – now 6 and 4, but when our youngest was an infant my older daughter slept by her door for some time. She was about 2.5-3. It made me NUTS! My family and husband were all “why do you care?” But like you, I just needed everyone to be where they are supposed to be! So funny, it seems like a million years ago. All the funny things they do are such quick phases. And I swear you never hear of any other kid doing that particular thing until the phase is over!

  • Lauren
    February 23, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Yes, where is the embroidered dress from? and so glad you are back!

  • Jenna Mills
    February 23, 2017 at 11:45 am

    From one Jenna to another ๐Ÿ™‚ who has two boys (a 3 year old and 3 month old), the paragraph you wrote about wishing the time/phases away was like it was written for me! I’m truly trying to enjoy each season and where we are at also. Really enjoying your blog! I live in Sacramento and always look forward to your Apple Hill posts, as we like to try out new places every year too (love Rainbow’s donuts!)

  • Laura
    February 23, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    Dexter! Haven’t heard his name in awhile! How is he with the kids and can we see a pic of him? I love your white dress, where is it from?

  • Kaley
    February 23, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    For the a while, I was a twos’ teacher, and I have to say I LOVED it! I think three is harder than two, but we keep saying “terrible twos.” I love two-year-olds! The things they say, the love they have for you … It’s unmatched. Enjoy it!!

  • Rachel J
    February 23, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    So happy you’re back and posting on mommyhood! My boys are 2.5 and 7 months as well! I know you did Moms on Call in the beginning..did you stay the course with them? My first son was an amazing sleeper and my second not so much. He’s down by 7 every night and wakes anywhere between 5:30-6:10am. I don’t know how to get him to sleep later in the morning. He’s ready for his morning nap by 8am and afternoon nap by 12pm. I let him cry until at least 6:15am before feeing him for the first feed. Sigh. Any ideas that work for you guys?

  • Penny
    February 23, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    Jenna! I am SO glad you are back you have no idea! I really appreciate this post. Everyone tells me that going from one to two is like one to two million. I am so so scared to have a second child, but you calmed my fears. Love your honest words, thank you lady!

  • Molly @ Yes to Yolks
    February 24, 2017 at 5:00 am

    First, Jenna, I am SO happy you are back! I felt a void in the blogging world when you stepped away (totally understand why you did – sometimes we need time away from things we love). Second, I love your boys. I am a long-time reader and fellow blogger, and I have a 2-year-old boy of my own who keeps me plenty busy. I feel ya! This age has been SO amazingly fun (challenging too, of course), but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Welcome back!

  • Sarah
    February 25, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    Hey Jenna!
    So glad you are back!!!! Two questions: did you do moms on call with Luke? We are expecting number 2 and my first son was a HORRIBLE sleeper so I need to try something else that teaches self soothing for sleep and I think you did that for Grayson? And I know he sleeps well!

    Second question: for baby food introductions do you do baby led weening? If so could you possible post on this??!!

    • jenna
      February 27, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      I do moms on call to an extent with Luke. It’s kind of impossible to be super scheduled when you also have a preschooler. We use the schedule as a routine and it’s really helped, especially with naptimes. I sleep trained both Grayson and Luke around the 4.5 month mark and they are both awesome sleepers now because of it!

      And yes, we do BLW. I have a post (with a recipe!) coming!

  • Katie @ Live Half Full
    February 25, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    I loved this update! As a fellow Mama it’s always nice to relate. I love these photos, did you have them professionally taken? I would love to hear how you’re balancing blogging now that you’re back!

    • jenna
      February 27, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      Yes – my photographer friend came over and took them! it was such a treat!

  • Bev Rockey
    March 6, 2017 at 7:21 am

    I am happy you are back blogging ! Just wish I could follow you on Instagram. IT won’t let me???

  • Caroline Judy
    March 8, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Glad you are back! I use at least one of your recipes every week – if not more!

  • Kim
    March 12, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    I am so glad you are back to blogging! -I have missed you and your recipes in the world of blogging.

  • Caitlin
    March 16, 2017 at 11:24 am

    Hi Jenna – I’m a long time blog reader and I have a baby boy about 3 weeks younger than Luke. I’d love for you to do a post on feeding Luke – how you started, what he liked first etc. So many websites take such a conservative view on feeding babies, and I’d love to hear more about your ideas and path to getting Luke to chow down on Tikka Masala!

    • jenna
      March 16, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      I have a post coming up with a recipe next week where I’ll talk more about that! ๐Ÿ™‚ But in short, I started both of my boys early (with our pediatrician’s blessing) around 4.5 months.