Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:22 am
Is it really the middle of June, the year half over and the month too? I swear as my kids get older time really is starting to go faster and faster. Is that even possible? My 3 year old and 1 year old will soon be 2 and 4 instead in the next few weeks and it just feels weird to say that out loud. This month has been no different then the last few ones with everyday jam packed. I am looking forward to being in America in a week’s time and putting my feet up with all my family around me. To say I am excited doesn’t even come close to describing being back home for so long.
B and MM are still as tight as ever. They couldn’t be better partner’s in crime if they tried. Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed with all that we have going on and these two just seem to be ganging up on Mommy lately too which has been tough. I guess I should be so grateful that they aren’t ganging up on each other and fighting but I think sometimes it’s just as hard when they are being naughty and not listening together. I usually can take them on with patience but that’s been lacking too and so the last few weeks I will admit for the first time since I had MM have been really hard. I have been lucky to have had it easy with them for so long, so I am hoping this is just a little phase as they both just seem to want to cry together all the time. If one cries the other is crying too for no reason at all. You may think cute that the other one is getting upset for sympathy but not so cute when you are trying to get things done and you have two wailing toddlers on your hands.
It’s June and the sun is finally starting to come out to play. Maybe Mother Nature got her memo finally. So it’s easier on the days the sun is high in the sky, warming our backs while the kids splash around in their paddling pools in the back yard. I have noticed that my children are definitely outdoor kids. They laugh more, smile more, cry less and have so much fun outside and it’s only on the days we are confined to the same four walls do they get restless and become tough sometimes. 
So we did what everyone does when the sun shines and pulled out the paddling pools and filled them up with the hose for the kids to cool off and have a splash. I thought at first the hose water would be too cold for them but they didn’t even blink at it. They both have their own paddling pools only because they are small and I didn’t think they would fit in the same one. Time and time again you can find them in the same one playing some made up game of B’s together. It is cute to watch them squish into the same paddling pool instead of staying in their very own.
This month MM has really started talking and many things changing for her right down to her voice. She is becoming a little girl right before my very eyes. B is really understanding that she isn’t a baby anymore and he is constantly asking if he can take her to school with him in September (too sweet). I hope that starting school doesn’t put a stop to how close they are and how much they are alike. They truly like all the same things and look alike at the same age and all the milestones come at the same age too. It’s like having the female version of B in MM. I think when he starts school since he won’t be there to be his shadow anymore she will start to think for herself, like things for herself and not just copy her brother. I will be curious to see if they stay so alike or if it completely changes. 
Sometimes I watch them from a distance and think of how me and my brother were as kids. Even though I would say me and my brother are so close, B and MM definitely have a tighter bond earlier on together. I am so grateful for that and I think it’s the age gap is a little closer by a year than my brother and I. That one year can make such a big different I think. If I was ever to have a third I don’t know how the dynamics would change having B and MM so close and be so close and then a third in the mix. I like to think they would be amazing protective duo siblings to their little sibling if they ever get one. 
B loves using his imagination and making up stories for MM and I can see she just follows along with him and thinks so highly of him. Lately, they want to hold hands when we get out of the car instead of one on each side of me. I think it’s so bittersweet even though that usually means one doesn’t want Mommy anymore. We are coming to a time that needing Mommy is less and less and wanting each other is more and more. I know they love me to pieces but you want them to stay little and need you for a little longer sometimes. They prefer to play in their rooms without Mommy now and keep each other entertained and I try to come in sometimes and build blocks or legos with them and they tell me they are playing together instead. I take the hint and leave them to it glad that they have each other. 
B is becoming very aware of the camera in the last few weeks and wanting to hide. While MM is becoming more of the camera diva and trying to steal the spotlight. I thought it was cute when they were laying on their towels after swimming and cuddling up together to dry off. They both were hiding from me under the towels but I said, “say cheese” out of the blue MM popped her head out and smiled. haha I couldn’t stop laughing. All the while, B remained hidden. I will always respect them if they say they don’t want photos taken or to participate if we are doing something. But it is nice that MM really does love her photo taken. Easier for me and nice to grab smiling photos of her candid or not. I think she knows she is cute which is great now but oh dear in the future I am in for it. 
So June is flying by and we will be ending it in the states. Even though only a month has passed since the last Siblings’ update I think my two have changed so much. They have become more emotional, and showing more of their feelings. They understand sorry and hugs after a fight. They are helping more when I do laundry or dishes and wanting to get involved around the house which is amazing. They feel for each other and worry for the other one now too. It’s crazy how they can change so much at this age both separately and together.
Linking up to #Siblings at DearBeautiful
These are lovely photos. It’s amazing to see them changing month by month. Loving the paddling pools!
Thanks Laura. Oh yes I think they love them too. It’s nice to get out in the sun for once with them. Can’t wait for America where we can do it everyday. They really are changing so much lately.
Life really is so much easier when you can get outside isn’t it! They look like they’re having lots of fun in the paddling pools and I love the picture of them hiding under the towels – or not hiding as the case may be – just too funny!
It really is I think with little ones on our hands for sure. The sun just makes everything not seem as hard. lol They really had a great time wish it was more often hot enough for days like that.
So cute how they decided to share paddling pools rather than staying in their own! You must be looking forward to your trip to the States when they can be outside all the time and hopefully you get some relaxation time.
Oh I know I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even think they could fit in one. lol Funny enough they did. I can’t wait for next week and to be HOME HOME.
Oh this is a lovely post! The sun is out here in Wales too, but it is still quite chilly 🙁 Have a fantastic trip. Kaz x
Thanks hunny. We got lucky with the weather and it was hot for the kids but I think they would have swam in the paddling pools cold or not. lol
I love their matching paddling pools Jenny- it looks like you have had such amazing weather ‘up north’- we haven’t had any really nice days here yet. They look like they are having so much fun playing together. Gorgeous! x
Thank you. They love them but funny enough usually only sit together in one. Makes me laugh so hard. We got one lucky day but haven’t been that many to do it more often.
Aww I love the photos of them together. I can’t wait for my two to play together. I am not too hopeful about the sharing though. They may surprise me, you never know 😉
Mine surprised me for sure I thought there would be more fighting between them than ganging up on mommy. lol It really is great once they start playing together.
Such a sweet post. It drives me nuts when I tell one kid not to do something and all the others start copying them. Can’t imagine having that at home too. Nice though that they get along so well. Have a lovely trip in the States!
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Thanks hun we can’t wait. Yes I always wanted them to be a team until it started being against me hahaha Typical catchh 22 isn’t it but they really do get along so well.
Your two look so close, it’s just lovely to see the photos of them growing up together and their bond must be something special to watch. Here’s hoping to more summery days, although of course I assume you will have plenty when you head home!
Thanks Rachel, it really is and they have so much fun together and just love ganging up on me lately and I can’t imagine them both as teenagers I will really have my hands full. lol Oh yes lots of summer days ahead of me for sure.
Oh no, I hope you get a chance to recharge and get back to your usual patient self in America. have a fantastic time! #sharewithme
Oh me too. I hate not having patience and I usually am the queen of it with my kids but lately my lists are a bit overwhelming. Can’t wait for relaxing in America.
Such gorgeous photo’s. I am already looking forward to your dreamy photo’s from America. That costume is just the cutest. x #ShareWithMe
Oh thanks Kerri-Ann. I really can’t wait to be home and the sunshine and family all around me. Its going to be amazing. I think MM is the fashion one of the family haha
Ah such gorgeous pictures! So lovely that B wants to take her to school! Cute! It must be wonderful to watch their relationship develop x
Thanks Aby. It was nice to finally have some sun here in england hot enough for them to play out and swim. They light up when they can be in water outdoors. It’s amazing watching them together and I only wish someday to have a third to join the crew.
Such a lovely update Jenny, they really do sound so amazingly close and that is lovely but it must be hard for you when they are both crying! I have felt so much better this month when I’ve been able to put them all in the garden and have a play, it really does make a massive difference! I can’t wait to see you adventures in the US, always love the photos and you will have such a great time now that MM is that bit older too xx #sharewithme
It makes the world of difference when they can run and be free in the fresh air for both them and me. It really is hard when they all cry but you have your hands full more than I do so I can’t really say much. lol You are amazing. I can’t wait to be home and be with family and in the sunshine. That’s one of the reasons I am so excited to go home this year as MM is older and will have so much more fun there this time.
It’s amazing how much they change from day to day, week to week. Just yesterday my wife sent me a photo while at work, and instead of being a two year old, he looke five!
Before I know it he will be off into the big wide world and starting his own family.
It really is, at this age you go away for a day and they seem different. It’s mind blowing sometimes. I know it’s tearful to that how quick it goes.
These are lovely. My husband really doesn’t want another baby but I think – although only children are still loved so much – having a sibling is a huge part of life that I am sad to think Gwenn will miss out on. Siblings don’t always get on and I know a lot of adults who don’t have a great relationship with theirs (I include myself in that number) but even so, to have a live-in best friend when you’re growing up just cannot be replicated with school friends. x
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Definitely amazing to have siblings but nothing wrong with only children either. Sad that people don’t get on with siblings. I am from a huge family but we are all really close and I am so grateful for that as I know my hubby only has one sibling and they will never speak again so sad. You can’t guarantee anything can you?
How lovely – so nice when they are so close. Mine all gang up on me too but they look after each other so well #sharewithme
It’s nice when they team up just not so nice when it’s against mommy. lol They are a great duo though. So lovely to watch them grow together.
Most times I’m okay and have accepted that I’m fine with having just one child. But when I see photos like these, makes me wish I could give my little T a sibling too! Such precious photos 🙂 #sharewithme.
Oh bless you. Thank you so much.
What beautiful photos. I love it when they get to the stage when they can play games together. And I am also loving the sunny weather xx #sharewithme
Thank you darling. It was the perfect day out in the sun wish we had more of them lately. I love this stage where they can do the same things and be entertained together.
Great photos! I love that B wants to take MM to school with him! My two have just started that crying because the other one is crying thing too. #sharewithme
I know it was so adorable. He really loves his sister and wants her everywhere he is. So cute. Its nice that they are feeling for each other but when two are crying not so good. lol
Lovely post and what a sweet relationship they have. Lovely pictures making the most of the summer weather :). Thanks for hosting #ShareWithMe
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Thank you Jemma. They do get along so well its just the whiny and crying they do together that gets tough. Never thought about it before, always thought I would have to break up them fighting instead. Boy was I wrong.
Fabulous post. What a beautiful day in the garden with the paddling pool! Hopefully more nice days are on the way! #sharewithme
Thank you. It really was a lovely day and just what we all needed for fresh air and space to run around and play free.
It Always looks very cute when they team up together. But I get that it isn’t Always best for mum. Here it’s the same.:-) It’s amazing how they can bond. When little R was born, T instantly was protective and very sweet to her. he’d take care of her and as soon as she could, she would follow him everywhere.
Enjoy your time in The States!
Thanks and completely agree. It does get tough but I would rather than be a team for the most part. Glad it’s not against each other. Love that they are born protective to their siblings. lol
It’s lovely that they have such a strong bond, mine are really close too despite a four year age gap, it is the sweetest thing to see. They will have such a fab time in the States, all those memories, it will be amazing! #sharewithme
Thank you Julia. I am very grateful they get along well. That’s fantastic yours are close with an age gap. I have older siblings that have huge age gaps but we are still close too. Thanks we can’t wait for the states.
HAve a great time in the States and lovely prose about your kids – I love the pic of them in the paddling pools!
Thanks Megan. It was sooo cute that they wouldn’t get in their own pools but together in one. They barely fit. hahaha
Ahhh what a totally gorgeous post! This really made me feel all warm and fuzzy #sharewithme
Thank you Talya so sweet of you to say. They are so fun to watch bonding together from a far. I try to give them space and just enjoy it.
time really does fly by, doesn’t it? Its wonderful that your children are getting so close.
It does indeed Jeremy. I am very grateful for it. That’s for sure.
Lovely post. your kids are so cute together, its great that they are so close 🙂 Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Debbie
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Thanks Debbie. They are fun at this stage even if a bit of a handful love watching them bond together.
I love the cute little matching paddling pools – it looks like they are having fun!
Thanks Ali although I didn’t really need to buy two just one as they kept sharing anyways even though they didn’t really fit in one together. hahaha Typical isn’t it?
Ahh its lovely that they are so close. I wouldn’t worry about the bond when B goes to school. My eldest started school last year and I’ve actually seen the bond between my boys grow (they are 2 and 5) E likes to show M how to play schools and take the register and put out “activities” and M goes along with it. It’s really sweet. xx
I hope you are so right hunny and that just made me feel a whole lot better about it all thank you. Ahh that is sweet. I can’t wait.
You always have such great pictures and wonderful stories! I love that your children are so close with each other! I totally get what you mean, as much as we want our children to be independent, it’s a little hard to swallow sometimes when they are!
Thank you so much Brandyn. Oh gosh its really hard to swallow when act like they don’t need you anymore. lol But so glad they are becoming independent at the same time. Real catch22
Oh they are so gorgeous, Jenny! You can really see their bond coming through in those pictures.
We need more paddling pool weather don’t we? What’s going on?!
Hope you have a fab time celebrating their birthdays.
Thank you for hosting #ShareWithMe
J xxx
Thank you Jenna. It’s great to see on photos them bonding together and saving these memories they may not remember themselves at this age. Thanks we can’t wait for the double birthday features coming soon.
It’s so lovely to see how sweet they look together and you can tell they have such a close bond. It’s so nice that they are close in age, my next one will be at least 3 years younger than Lizzy but I hope they will be just as close! #sharewithme
Thank you Carolyn. I love sitting back and just watching them be together and bond together. So grateful they are close. They will three years is nothing my brother and I are inseparable and we are three years apart. Not to worry. I even have a brother 14 years older than me and we are just as close too. Age doesn’t matter it depends on the children. 🙂
Your two are so cute together! What gorgeous photos that you can all look back on with such happy memories. Have an amazing trip to the US honey and a great Summer x #ShareWithMe
Thank you Michelle. Just wish we had more “paddling pool days” here in the UK but we are off to find the sun in the states again this summer so can’t complain too much. Thanks again.
Lovely pics and so nice seeing and hearing how they’re changing. Especially with me only having N, it’s interesting to see how dynamics might have changed if we’d had a second.
Hope you have a great time back in the US.
Thank you Emma they are changing SOOO much lately and the bond is just getting closer and stronger and I am forever grateful for that I worry sometimes how school will change it all. We shall see. We will have the best time promise….usa is always full of sun family and fun.
Its so lovely that they are close. I was so close with both my brothers, and hopefully one day, M will have a sibling that she can be close with too! Lovely post 🙂 #sharewithme
It’s always great when families stay close and can grow up together and share their own families together too someday. Thank you.
They are too cute! So lovely to see them playing so nicely together, and long may it continue! I have a two year age gap between my girls (2 and 4) and they are best buddies too, it warms me heart . Have a fantastic trip back home! Becky x #sharewithme
Thank you Becky I think so too but I am so very bias. lol It was great for them to get out in the fresh air and have time to play and run around without breaking the house up on a rainy day. lol Its great to have them so close together isn’t it?
You have captured such special moments. A beautiful post and fantastic future memories for your family. Really warmly written.
Thank you Catie. I think my favorite moments is when they know or think I am not watching and using my zoom in so they can just be candid real photos. Those are always my favorite. Thanks hunny.
Lovely that the two of them are bonding. You can tell from the pictures that they adore each other are just super close. I hope everything is getting better with them and that the naughty phase is slowly passing. A string of patience goes a long way, so hang in there, mama. Thanks for hosting us this week with #sharewithme, Jenny. Wishing you a great evening!
Thanks Maria. I love trying to catch them when they are in their element and don’t realize I am taking photos. Always seems to be the favorites and the most smiley happy photos. I could do with a magic wand for patience but I also know this little phase will soon be over when B starts school and I will be wishing it wasn’t over so I am sucking it up as my momma would say.
The sibling relationship can be so wonderful. They can be allies through life even though at times they just wont get on. It is amazing watching our children grow. I found it at once wonderful and sad when mine didn’t need me so much. Like you I find it strange when they have a birthday and then sometimes forget to refer to their actual age.
It really is amazing to watch and I should have known it would be amazing to watch them as I think it’s amazing to be so close to my own but being the parent watching it is bittersweet for sure. Thanks hun.
Awww how adorable are those pics. We want a sibling for L and I worry how they may gang up on me. I’m sure it is just a phase they. Very exciting how America is so close now. #sharewithme
Yes just around the corner can’t wait for it. Neither can the kids I think. Oh yes somedays are tough but I wouldn’t want it any other way they are so close and bond so much lately and it’s amazing to watch.
Such beautiful bright summery pictures, I love.
How are we going to have 4 and 2 year oldsm it is insane, they are still our babies xx
Thank you Kara you are too sweet to us. I love catching them when they don’t know I have the camera out and just candid photos of their excitement and happiness.
This is so sweet! I really hope that my two will have such a close bond one day – it’s definitely developing, but their age gape is bigger and Alex has only just started to be of interest to Becky as a little buddy and companion, and that she can teach him lots. I love that they want to play together in their room – it must be hard, letting go of being involved, too, but just see it as a good thing: they are happy playing with each other, and you have time for a cuppa and some blog reading! 🙂 #ShareWithMe
Oh yes don’t you worry I am sad that they are getting more grown up so quickly but a hot coffee taste so good I almost forgot how good. lol They are great together and I think age gap doesn’t always matter I am super close to my brother who is 14 years older than me and a brother that is 3 years older than me. So it terms of age I think it’s just about the relationship they form and bond throughout the years of growing up.
My body clock is so slow I am still thinking its may!
Time flies when you are a mom and your children are just the most adorable =)
Thanks Merlinda oh yes it truly does and I really can’t believe the year is half over… soon the commercial will be all about Christmas before we know it. 😉
Ah some really gorgeous pics Jennie. I love the one of them side by side with their backs to the camera. As you say, they clearly have a very special bond. These pre-school moments are so precious 🙂
Thank you Suzanne. I know I am trying to capture them as much as possible it’s not long before he will be in school all day. Bless. Milestones are flying by.
They are the cutest! Look at them drying off in their towels together and a pool each! So cute! x
Thank you so much Donna. They were having a ball in the sun and the water. What kid doesn’t? Wouldn’t it be nice to always be like that all summer. lol
Such a lovely post! Sorry you’ve hard a difficult time with the kids ganging up! They all do this and when there is so much going on, it’s understandable to not have as much patience! Parenting is tough! It’s lovely they are so close, my twins are like this and it sure does make the heart melt. Hope you have an amazing time with your parents in America xx #sharewithme
Hi this is my first go at a bloghop/linky and I’m loving it. You’ve got some amazing pics. I have 2 boys with a 16 month age gap and have just had a little girl. My youngest boy is now 7 so there’s a big age gap. I was worried about the dynamics as they’re very close but it was unfounded. They’ve bound together and fuss round her like she’s the princess of the house (which she totally is!) I look forward to joining in your next linky all the best x
Oh that’s amazing they have bonded so well. Welcome to the blog hop and so glad to hear you are loving it. I also run one every Wednesday to Tuesday night so if you ever fancy sharing any post, old or new keep a look out for Share With Me, one just opened up now. Don’t forget to tweet me your url and hashtag #sharewithme and I will promise to retweet to my followers. Siblings is also a great one and Lucy runs another one called Me & Mine for family captures which is amazing too. Hope to see you there.