October 2025
October in Review
October… was exhausting. In a different way than most months. We’ve finally found somewhat of a rhythm and routine with two kids, and by somewhat, I mean every four hours I’m awake doing something. Feeding, pumping, playing, schlepping, showering, maybe sneaking in a workout (our home gym was installed this month… woo!), and otherwise existing somewhere between utter newborn bliss and total survival mode.
What’s really surprised me about having a second baby (and technically, yes, we had “two under two” for two weeks) is how quickly you have to pop the newborn bubble and get back to life as usual just to survive. Spend a few weekends at home doing nothing with a toddler who thrives on “adventures” (because that’s what you’ve taught her to love!), and it’s no wonder she goes stir-crazy. You trained her to want to get outside and experience the richness of life!
So October was all about balance: holding the newborn phase as sacred as we could, while keeping the toddler phase as fun and adventurous as possible, all with much less sleep than we’re used to. And yet, I wouldn’t change a thing. There were so many moments this month where I was holding one baby in each arm, my heart so full it could burst.
This was also the month of adjustment. Charlie suddenly decided she no longer wants to be dropped off at daycare, which has meant daily tears at drop-off (for her) and, if I’m being honest, daily tears in the parking lot (for me). It’s been heartbreaking to navigate. Parents, if you’ve been through this, please send your wisdom. I’m all ears.
Aside from the daycare drama, October was filled with simple delights. I’m soaking up every minute of newborn snuggles and the huge blessing that is maternity leave. From pumpkin patch and farmers market trips, to a “Ferris Bueller Day” off school for Charlie (complete with a zoo trip), a campout with Dada and friends in the yard, and her second birthday party, it’s been a month full of memory-making.
We ended the month with our new home gym installation, perfect timing to balance out the candy calories from our neighborhood Halloween party, our daycare Halloween party, and actual Halloween. Charlie loves her candy, even though she calls everything “snackies” or “cheddar bunnies” this month we are realizing that means “Hersheys” and “Snickers”… I’m hopeful this craving of hers will be long-gone soon, because as I write this, Charlie is still coming down from her sugar rush, and I’m working diligently to fit back into my work clothes before my return date.
Looking Ahead to November
Looking ahead to November, I am so stinking excited for a trip out east for my little brother’s wedding. Brad and Claire are getting married!!! Since traveling with two under two is nothing short of a miracle, we’ve opted to extend our trip with a stop in the Hamptons ahead of wedding weekend, our very first family vacation! Wish us luck :) Also joining us on family vacation is my mom, dad, and bestie, Tasha! How lucky are we to have some extra loving hands, not quite sure if we’d make it through the airport without them!
By the time we get home, Thanksgiving will be on the horizon, where oh where does the time go? What are you most looking forward to this November?
Favs This Month
Fav Book: One great thing about mat leave is all the time you have for reading! I devoured the book How to Stay in Love (my notes from it here). Started reading How to Manifest by Lacy Phillips. And yes, in this season of “at home” I have been reading physical books!!! Is there anything more sexy than turning physical pages in physical books? I think not.
Fav Podcast Episodes: With the new season of the Kardashians coming out, plus Kim’s new show All’s Fair, the girlies have been on the podcast circuit and I am freaking thrilled about it. I loved Kim’s Call Her Daddy episode, Alex Cooper is such a phenomenal interviewer. I also really enjoyed Kris Jenner on Not Skinny but Not Fat. On a different note, Dr. Tara Swart returned to Lacy Phillip’s Expanded Podcast to promote her new book, The Signs, which was honestly a really cool episode and homecoming for Dr Tara. Oh! And I almost forgot, Emma Grede had her hubs Jens on the show. What a power couple! Last but not least, I loved Maggie Seller’s HSR episode with the founder of Tower 28, Amy Liu.
Fav Streams: I watched Erin Brockovich for the first time this month (even though, as Ronnie will attest it took me 4 nights to finish it because I was so tired I couldn’t keep my eyes open! lol), it was phenomenal. And based on a true story. Julia Roberts deservedly won best actress for this one in 2000.
Fav Recipes: The food this month was goooooood in the Caldwell household. This chicken recipe will change your life. The kids that camped with us think my pancakes are the best ever. One of my besties, Baci, taught me how to make Tamales (recipe forthcoming!). And finally, another one of my beties, Tessa brought her famous white chili. And finally, my SIL-to-be, Steph, brought me her famous avgolemono, AND her homemade Greek Yogurt.
Finds This Month
Fav Pantry / Fridge Item: Can you tell I am getting tired writing this? This month some of my pantry favs included: Chamberlain coffee! Swoon lemonade. LMNT hydration.
Fav Thing I Bought This Month: Charlie is loving her new table, this one too. For Margaux’s room, I added these lockers as nightstands. And for both girl’s rooms above their lockers, these marble toppers so I can put my coffee or water on top of them and no water rings. These big ass bins for my pantry to dump snacks into. Oh and these lunch and breakfast meal prep glass containers.
