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After last week's hotel story (go back and read it if you missed the chaos), Jordan is absolutely thrilled about his new status as a "sleep influencer." He's been walking around the house demanding his cut of the $2.45 we made in affiliate revenue from those earplugs. I told him he can have it all if he promises to use them more strategically next time.

This week is a much shorter note because, honestly, we're all tired. But before you finish up your Labor Day weekend, here's what's been happening at our house:

This past week in a minute:

They're growing… My babies are growing so fast, y'all (5 mo, 3yr, 6 yr, 9 yr), and it feels like they're all hitting major leaps and milestones at the exact same time. Big feelings everywhere, growing bodies that need new clothes every other week, and those precious toddler bellies slowly disappearing.

Jordan took my two oldest girls for a short trip to see his family in Illinois last week, and I swear I didn't recognize them when they got back. Something about being away from home, spending time with different people, and having daddy's undivided attention just made them seem so much more grown up. It's bittersweet watching them stretch into these new versions of themselves.

Meanwhile, baby Isla is making a serious attempt at beginning to crawl. My other kids were definitely not this eager to be mobile this early, so I'm equal parts proud and terrified. We're officially entering the phase where nothing is safe and everything is a potential hazard.

Photoshoot madness. We had a photoshoot last weekend for several of my new books and the ones yet to be released. It was absolutely crazy, y'all. We rented this gorgeous house and it was nonstop action for five solid hours. Several friends and their kids stopped by to help, plus our four, so we had this beautiful controlled chaos happening.

It honestly couldn't have gone any better, but it took a village. I'm so thankful for a supportive husband who managed logistics and grandma who helped wrangle little ones between shots.

If you haven't heard of Katie Lamb, she is absolutely amazing. She has such an incredible eye, especially when it comes to children's photography, and she's exceptional at working with kids. They actually want to cooperate for her. If you're in the DFW area and need photos, look her up. Or, if you are a photographer, she has some amazing educational classes. She's such a hard worker and really dedicated to her craft.

New box set release. I had a book launch last week in case you missed it! Our Little Library Volume III is finally out, and I'm so excited about this one. This is the latest (and maybe last) in my series of early language vocabulary books, and I absolutely love how they turned out.

This set covers dinosaurs, tools, bugs, space, and sports. All those topics that little kids become completely obsessed with for months at a time. The illustrations came out so sweet, and I hope they become treasured parts of your home library.

Please let me know if you ordered them! I love hearing which ones become favorites in your house.

And if you get a chance, we would be so grateful for a review. It truly helps more than you know, especially for a small business like ours.

Actually, we're doing a little drawing at the end of the week for some extra books for anyone who leaves a review. Just our way of saying thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Still helping with recovery

Quick note: Lumebox is having a 45% off sale that ends tomorrow (September 2nd). If you've been waiting to grab one, I'd do it now! I only ever recommend products I love and use myself.

I've mentioned my red light therapy routine before, especially as I've been working through postpartum recovery and my TBI healing journey. This little thing has become such a consistent part of my daily rhythm. I use it for about 10-15 minutes most evenings, and it makes me feel more grounded and restored.

The research behind red light therapy is pretty solid for things like reducing inflammation, supporting cellular healing, and even helping with energy levels. All things I definitely need right now. I've tried a few different brands over the years, but this one is by far my favorite handheld one.

Have a sweet Labor Day weekend, friends. Rest if you can.

 — Tabitha Paige, Author/ Illustrator, Speech Therapist & Mom

Sometimes I make books & other pretty things…