Transitioning from One to Two with the Help of Monti Kids

When people ask me, “How is it going with two now?” or “Do you like the 2-year age gap?”, I find it hard to know what to say. How do I explain that I’m completely drained but simultaneously happier than ever before? And that while I feel like my head might explode at times, my heart is exploding more. So I just smile and nod and let them wait and hopefully see for themselves. :)

Activity Gym and Grasping Toys from Monti Kids Level 1

One of the most rewarding things about having two is watching them together. It’s incredible to see their bond develop already. How lucky for each of them to have a sibling aka built-in-best friend for life? D has been so sweet in helping with diaper changes, giving him a bottle, singing when he’s fussy, and giving him toys. On the flip side, he seems to think she is just about the best entertainment in existence.

Bead Stringing from Monti Kids Level 6 and Activity Gym from Monti Kids Level 1

There have been some challenges, of course. The mom guilt sets in and I feel like I’m not able to give them each my full attention. There are times they each have to wait, while I’m helping the other, and my toddler especially isn’t happy about it. On the flip side, D is learning a bit more about patience! Additionally, getting both out of the house is no small feat. I’ve just accepted that I will always be late unless I seriously plan ahead. Even when we spend the entire day at home, I’ve had to let go of my expectations that I’ll get all my “to-dos” checked off. Lastly, finding time to shop for or create new materials for the kids has been much more challenging than with one.

That’s where Monti Kids has been a game changer.

Time and Energy Saver

For me, this is the best part of Monti Kids. While I enjoy browsing, shopping for, and putting together Montessori materials, these days I often just don’t have the time. With Monti Kids, a beautiful set of Montessori toys are delivered in one big box, with each beautiful material ready to place on our shelf. I get as excited as D when a new box arrives. Even the trays are included when needed! For the newborn, I love that there’s no need to put hooks in our ceiling or DIY the mobiles - the activity gym is tall enough for visual mobiles and all the mobiles arrive completely ready to hang. SO convenient.

Gobbi Mobile and Grasping Toy from Monti Kids Level 1

No Guesswork

In addition to its convenience, Monti Kids takes away the guesswork of finding the “right” toys. While studying developmental psychology in graduate school, I learned just how critical the first three years of life are. The brain goes through more change and growth in these years than any other time. Providing babies and toddlers with toys and materials that challenge and excite them leads to more confident, curious, and capable people and instills a love of learning. It gives me such peace of mind knowing that Monti Kids makes sure each material is of the highest quality and caters to my children’s developmental needs and abilities.

Cutting Board, Hat, and Apron from Monti Kids Level 7

Individual Play Spaces

While I hope that one day my children will be best friends and play together, neither of them fully grasps the concept of sharing yet. So while they do enjoy being together (or at least D loves showering S with kisses), it’s also beneficial for them each to have their own spaces. We have a small play area for each of them in our living room. On one side of the room, we have D’s shelf with her Montessori materials, books, and work mat/table. On the other side, We have S’ toys, activity gym, and movement mat.. At different developmental stages, Monti Kids has helped us to create a prepared environment that meets each of their needs.

Grasping Toys from Monti Kids Level 1

Allows me some “me time”

With a toddler and a newborn, there’s not a lot of time for self-care. Even my showers feel rushed these days. And though I love my time with both of my littles, sometimes I want a break from someone physically on me. ;) In large part thanks to the Monti Kids activity gym and toys, there are moments in the day where both of the babes are busy (or one is asleep!) and I can have a seat and drink my cup of coffee while I observe them play. It’s a beautiful thing! Additionally, they are both benefiting by building their concentration though independent play.

Ring Slider from Monti Kids Level 7

From today through August 31st, you can get $45 off your first Monti Kids box with the code reallife45. Enjoy!

This post is sponsored by Monti Kids and materials have been provided by Monti Kids. All opinions and thoughts on the materials are my own.

Octahedron Mobile from Monti Kids Level 1