. . . can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street? Ok, that was taking it all a bit too far, but I am so excited that I am singing silly songs. For the first time since I was pregnant with the triplets, Allen and I are going on a vacation -- BY OURSELVES!!!!
Today if everything goes as planned I will load the van and take Will to school. The triplets and I will head to a friend's home for a playdate (the friend with the son & daughter the same age as the kiddos.) After that, we'll come home for a bite to eat then pick Will up and head to my parents'. Allen will follow when he gets away from work, then he and I are going to Dallas for a night in a hotel by the airport. Our flight leaves early in the AM for New Hampshire. I think we are on a plane all day Friday, but that's better than running through an airport (in my opinion.)
When I get home, I will post our excursions, but our plan is to take lots of pictures of the beautiful White Mountains, old churches, covered bridges, and do some letterboxing while staying in a quaint little bed & breakfast in Maine. We'll see how it goes, but I know we will have a great time. Then we will come home to grandparent-spoiled children, unpack and live happily ever after. . .
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Birds, Preschool, and Cookie Sues
Time flies when I am busy. Saturday, we went on a famliy outing to the zoo with some friends and had a great time. I think all four of my kids loved the bird cage. We spend a dollar on a popsicle stick rolled in bird seed and it's the best money spent for entertaining kids. Rather than tell you ALL about it, here are some of the pictures of the kids enjoying the birds. Jon was tricky, he'd feed with one hand and use his other hand to try to grab the bird. Happily, all the birdies survived my flock. 
Today Will started preschool. He went last year, too, but this is the last year before big kid school so it felt a little weird to me. He's growing up too fast. I convinced him to pose for some first day pictures, but he told me they didn't count if he wasn't at school yet. So I took the camera to school and he asked his teacher (his idea) if she would be in a picture with him. Yes, I scrapbook, but I didn't want to embarrass my Will by doting too much at school. I let him set the pace and he wanted the pictures. It is so much easier than fighting him for a smile anyway.
Today Will started preschool. He went last year, too, but this is the last year before big kid school so it felt a little weird to me. He's growing up too fast. I convinced him to pose for some first day pictures, but he told me they didn't count if he wasn't at school yet. So I took the camera to school and he asked his teacher (his idea) if she would be in a picture with him. Yes, I scrapbook, but I didn't want to embarrass my Will by doting too much at school. I let him set the pace and he wanted the pictures. It is so much easier than fighting him for a smile anyway.
After we dropped Will off, the little ones and I hit the mall. We always end up there before the stores open. Many senior citizens are walking at that time and my triplets can so easily light up the faces -- it is one of the few times I am okay with all the attention on them. I planned on getting all three of them tennis shoes since the summer shoes are getting small. Since Penney's had a sale on the character shoes, I was glad that I would have a chance to get three different pairs.
Today, we had an adventure -- I tried shoes on all three at the same time. They were climbing over and under the chairs, and I think Ben even tried on a black dress shoe in a Men's 12. When it got a little crowded with other people, things started bugging me. I don't like feeling out of control, but when I was cornered by the kids and the wagon and so many customers I had to leave just for the air (and no lurkers). Many people with multiples get them all the same things, but I like a little bit of individuality . . . not that it counts when mom picks out the shoes.
I asked Maddie if she liked the blue (Tinkerbell) or the pink (Disney princesses) and she took both of them in her hands, studied them for a minute, then handed me back the blue one while she hugged the pink. Luckily they had the princess shoes in her size. Strangely enough, all three kids measured to get the same sizes of shoes. As for the boys, I asked for the Spiderman, Sesame Street, Cars, and Thomas shoes so I could try them on both of them and pick the one that fit the best. Silly Mama! How could I forget who their favorite would be? Unfortunately, the store only had one pair of "CookieCookieCookie!" in the right size so each of the boys wandered around wearing one Sesame Street shoe shouting "Cookie Yay!" while I tried the other characters on the non-Cookie Monster foot. They each fought me when I took Cookie Monster off. In the end, we left the mall with one pair of Princess shoes and one pair of Sesame Street. I looked in half a dozen other stores trying to find another pair of "Cookie-Sues" (as they started calling them) but no one had any. I went to Kohl's later with all four kids and we found a different set of Spiderman that fit well and maybe Ben will like (he loves dressing up as Spiderman). When we were walking through Kohl's all the kids wanted to hold something. Somehow Jon ended up with the left Spiderman shoe, Maddie had the right one, and each time I looked at Ben he had the shoebox on his head like a hat. We got lots of smiles, though, and no one got hurt.
If you ever see Ben and Jon each wearing a Cookie and a Spidey shoe, just smile and tell them how handsome they are -- that was Mama's way of making peace in the morning. I think next time Allen may have to help me shoe shop, this process gets funnier every time, but I am always too busy to take pictures.
Will really enjoyed his first day of school. I think this year will be good for him, but I am quickly becoming an uncool mom. I picked him up a little early so I could get the little ones home before they fell asleep AND so I wouldn't have to drive 15 miles then turn around and come right back. I will need to figure out how to stretch out the time before the little kids' naps so Will gets his outside playtime at school. We'll see how Thursday goes.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Photo Challenge: SWEETS
It was so much fun going through photos for the last photo challenge, that I am participating again. This time the theme is SWEETS and here are my interpretations:
Scenario: I was pregnant with the triplets and was supposed to eat 4000 calories a day. My daily diet included a Sara Lee cheesecake, but one day I didn't eat it all and the leftovers were in the refrigerator. The next morning, Will, age 2, got up while Allen and I were still sleeping and he made his own breakfast. Who knows how long he was donw stairs, but eventually we awakened to shouting: "Daddy! Daddy, I need help! Help me NOW!" Allen jumped out of bed and ran down to find out Will was asking for help to clean his hands. He had eaten the rest of the cheesecake, most of a pint of ice cream, and whatever else he could find. He was quite proud of himself. We had planned on going for doughnuts for breakfast that morning, but I didn't know how to handle the doughnuts and discipline. In the end we went for doughnuts, and he just watched us eat. He moaned a lot that his tummy hurt, but you can tell in this picture he was pretty proud of himself.
This isn't really one of my SWEETS, but Shadow enjoyed whatever Will spilled on the floor.
Scenario: I was pregnant with the triplets and was supposed to eat 4000 calories a day. My daily diet included a Sara Lee cheesecake, but one day I didn't eat it all and the leftovers were in the refrigerator. The next morning, Will, age 2, got up while Allen and I were still sleeping and he made his own breakfast. Who knows how long he was donw stairs, but eventually we awakened to shouting: "Daddy! Daddy, I need help! Help me NOW!" Allen jumped out of bed and ran down to find out Will was asking for help to clean his hands. He had eaten the rest of the cheesecake, most of a pint of ice cream, and whatever else he could find. He was quite proud of himself. We had planned on going for doughnuts for breakfast that morning, but I didn't know how to handle the doughnuts and discipline. In the end we went for doughnuts, and he just watched us eat. He moaned a lot that his tummy hurt, but you can tell in this picture he was pretty proud of himself.
This isn't really one of my SWEETS, but Shadow enjoyed whatever Will spilled on the floor.
Here is a not-so-obvious sweet. When I see this picture my mouth waters as I think of rainbow sherbet. I got this pretty flower picture on my photo flower hunt in Belize.
Back to the edible sweets again. Will's favorite sandwich is peanut butter and jelly. Everyday, he must have one and most days he wants it cut in triangles. Sometimes when I ask him what shape he says something silly like "circles" just to see if I will do it -- of course, I do. One day, I was so bored with the sandwich triangles that when he said, "I want a sandwich cut like me," I was excited to step out of the box. This is the PB&J Will -- the Os are Fruity Cheerios and the hair is provolone cheese. He told me to get a picture, so here is "SWEETS for my SWEET boy."
Friday, August 22, 2008
Crib Notes - Epilogue
We start installing the tents for Ben and Jon - and Will pipes up:
"Jon doesn't need a tent!"
"Why not?!"
"Because he can't climb out of his crib."
"He did at nap time..."
"No he didn't." hesitates "I put Jon in Ben's crib."
"What? How?!" thinking - how can a 4.5 year-old, who can't even reach the top of the cribs pick up a baby and move him to a new crib
"I pushed his butt."
dun dun dun!
TO BE CONTINUED!
"Jon doesn't need a tent!"
"Why not?!"
"Because he can't climb out of his crib."
"He did at nap time..."
"No he didn't." hesitates "I put Jon in Ben's crib."
"What? How?!" thinking - how can a 4.5 year-old, who can't even reach the top of the cribs pick up a baby and move him to a new crib
"I pushed his butt."
dun dun dun!
TO BE CONTINUED!
Crib Notes - A Trilogy
When I though it couldn't get any worse. . .
I put Ben in the third crib and he climbed out.
I put Ben in a pack & play and he climbed out.
I put all three kids down for naps, heard a cry, went to see what happened. . . Jon had climbed out of his crib and into Ben's crib. I called Allen at work -- yes, I was crying by then.
I put all three kids back in the right cribs, and two minutes later, both boys were in Jon's crib.
After awhile I gave up on the nap and all four kids broke out of the gate by pulling it out of the wall. Allen stopped at Babies R Us on the way home from work so after dinner, the boys are getting tents over their cribs.
Then Jon had the nerve, the nerve, to tear my door hanger down that says "Do Not Disturb, I need to chill out!" The nerve. . .
Tonight, I think margaritas may be on the menu. . .
(that should make them sleep, right?)
I put Ben in the third crib and he climbed out.
I put Ben in a pack & play and he climbed out.
I put all three kids down for naps, heard a cry, went to see what happened. . . Jon had climbed out of his crib and into Ben's crib. I called Allen at work -- yes, I was crying by then.
I put all three kids back in the right cribs, and two minutes later, both boys were in Jon's crib.
After awhile I gave up on the nap and all four kids broke out of the gate by pulling it out of the wall. Allen stopped at Babies R Us on the way home from work so after dinner, the boys are getting tents over their cribs.
Then Jon had the nerve, the nerve, to tear my door hanger down that says "Do Not Disturb, I need to chill out!" The nerve. . .
Tonight, I think margaritas may be on the menu. . .
(that should make them sleep, right?)
Crib Notes Part 2
You didn't think all the fun ended at breakfast, did you? This is Ben climbing out of a different crib. Tent goes on tonight, but I hate to stifle his Olympic potential.
Crib Notes
This morning I went to the babies' room to get them up for the day. I had heard them chattering happily, but when Jon's voice on the baby monitor turned whiney I thought I'd better get the breakfast going. When I opened their door -- BANG! In less than a second I wondered what I could've hit with the door, then behind the door, sitting on the floor. . . was a smiling toddler.
By now, it's a little funny as long as poop isn't involved.
The good news: he was okay (it must've sounded worse than it hurt.)
The bad news: Jon learned from his brother.
The worst of it: Jon climbed out of the pack & play.
Just last night Dad asked me who I thought would be next. I told him, without a doubt, it would be Jon. In fact, I'd be surprised if Miss Maddie ever tried to climb out. It just isn't her style. I guess tonight Jon will be sleeping in a regular crib. I wonder if he will keep us awak with his head banging. . .
By now, it's a little funny as long as poop isn't involved.
The good news: he was okay (it must've sounded worse than it hurt.)
The bad news: Jon learned from his brother.
The worst of it: Jon climbed out of the pack & play.
Just last night Dad asked me who I thought would be next. I told him, without a doubt, it would be Jon. In fact, I'd be surprised if Miss Maddie ever tried to climb out. It just isn't her style. I guess tonight Jon will be sleeping in a regular crib. I wonder if he will keep us awak with his head banging. . .
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Kaiser Spawn Unleashed
The last few days have been busy enough I've had trouble making time to blog, so here is the quick update. Tuesday it rained all day again, and after coloring paper, the kitchen table, and the tile floor, we gave up on the crayons being the entertainment. The kids and I were ready to climb the walls, but, alas, Daddy came home to save us from the whining. Why don't they whine when Daddy's here? Or is it just that I can tune them out knowing he will hear if there are any emergencies?
Wednesday was fun. Our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group went to the local children's museum. I invited some other ladies, too. One friend I met last week at the muliples meeting and she came with her boy & girl twins who are about the same age as the triplets. Allen has a new co-worker who just moved here with his family and his wife and three kids came, too. Plus I knew several moms from the MOPS group. Knowing I had a bit of a support team onhand, I took all four kids without the wagon. The little ones were tethered just for a little while. Since I hadn't been to the museum before, I wasn't sure how the layout would work with keeping up with all four if they weren't attached to me. Luckily, a lady I knew from Bible Study introduced Will to her kids and she helped me keep an eye on him while he played with kids his age. The room was set up so that between two of us we could keep the five kids in view (twins and triplets), so I left the purse and backpacks on, but took the leashes off and let the kids explore. I was surprised how well it went. For the most part, it was like herding sheep -- they stayed together, and we could block the escape routes. When Maddie and Ben decided they were too tired to walk, I fetched the train, and I pulled them while Jon continued exploring. Will's favorite part was the pretend TV station -- he liked being the director and deciding whether it was time to have cameras at the news table or the cooking show. He also got a kick out of the grocery store and bank in the pretend town. It was almost all hands-on stuff, a couple of enormous playrooms. People commented on how well-behaved the triplets were -- they either played nicely or sat calmly in the wagon. After days like Tuesday, sometimes, it's nice to go out so people can remind me how good I have it. We were there about 3 hours and decided to leave when my stomach growling was waking Ben who was sitting in the wagon with his head bobbing as he dozed. Will got to decide what was for lunch since he was so well-behaved so we hit McDonalds, no surprises there. The rest of the afternoon, Will napped, and I tried to get the little ones to, also. After too much playing in the nursery, I went in and laid down on the floor between cribs (to show them what I wanted them to do.) Ben was in a different crib yet I watched him use his feet rather creatively to shimmy up the wide slats of the crib. He didn't get out, but he hung over the side by his waist and knocked the blinds back and forth. My curiosity wore out and I told him no. He giggled, of course.
Today, we went and met Will's preschool teacher. School starts next week for him, but today was just an introduction day. Lucky for him, he already knew who she was, and he knows many of the kids in his class from last year. His eyes sparkled when he smiled after sounding out Ella's name from the nametags. On the way home Will asked me, "Do you think Ella will be my girlfriend now that we are four and a half?" How do you answer that, I wonder.
When we got home Will went to rest and the little kids played while I checked my email. Most of the time I could see them, but I suspected something was going on when I heard a funny noise. I went into the playroom and no one was there. Ben had opened the bathroom door and they all went in. When I arrived Ben was on top of the toilet tank lining up the rubber ducks from the bathtub. Jon was sitting on a potty chair pulling dirty clothes from the hamper and putting them on himself. Maddie had a toilet seat around her neck like a necklace while she stood inside the bowl of another potty chair. They were all beaming -- so proud of their accomplishments.
I am such a proud mama. . . and all three are in their cribs now (at least they were a few minutes ago.)
Wednesday was fun. Our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group went to the local children's museum. I invited some other ladies, too. One friend I met last week at the muliples meeting and she came with her boy & girl twins who are about the same age as the triplets. Allen has a new co-worker who just moved here with his family and his wife and three kids came, too. Plus I knew several moms from the MOPS group. Knowing I had a bit of a support team onhand, I took all four kids without the wagon. The little ones were tethered just for a little while. Since I hadn't been to the museum before, I wasn't sure how the layout would work with keeping up with all four if they weren't attached to me. Luckily, a lady I knew from Bible Study introduced Will to her kids and she helped me keep an eye on him while he played with kids his age. The room was set up so that between two of us we could keep the five kids in view (twins and triplets), so I left the purse and backpacks on, but took the leashes off and let the kids explore. I was surprised how well it went. For the most part, it was like herding sheep -- they stayed together, and we could block the escape routes. When Maddie and Ben decided they were too tired to walk, I fetched the train, and I pulled them while Jon continued exploring. Will's favorite part was the pretend TV station -- he liked being the director and deciding whether it was time to have cameras at the news table or the cooking show. He also got a kick out of the grocery store and bank in the pretend town. It was almost all hands-on stuff, a couple of enormous playrooms. People commented on how well-behaved the triplets were -- they either played nicely or sat calmly in the wagon. After days like Tuesday, sometimes, it's nice to go out so people can remind me how good I have it. We were there about 3 hours and decided to leave when my stomach growling was waking Ben who was sitting in the wagon with his head bobbing as he dozed. Will got to decide what was for lunch since he was so well-behaved so we hit McDonalds, no surprises there. The rest of the afternoon, Will napped, and I tried to get the little ones to, also. After too much playing in the nursery, I went in and laid down on the floor between cribs (to show them what I wanted them to do.) Ben was in a different crib yet I watched him use his feet rather creatively to shimmy up the wide slats of the crib. He didn't get out, but he hung over the side by his waist and knocked the blinds back and forth. My curiosity wore out and I told him no. He giggled, of course.
Today, we went and met Will's preschool teacher. School starts next week for him, but today was just an introduction day. Lucky for him, he already knew who she was, and he knows many of the kids in his class from last year. His eyes sparkled when he smiled after sounding out Ella's name from the nametags. On the way home Will asked me, "Do you think Ella will be my girlfriend now that we are four and a half?" How do you answer that, I wonder.
When we got home Will went to rest and the little kids played while I checked my email. Most of the time I could see them, but I suspected something was going on when I heard a funny noise. I went into the playroom and no one was there. Ben had opened the bathroom door and they all went in. When I arrived Ben was on top of the toilet tank lining up the rubber ducks from the bathtub. Jon was sitting on a potty chair pulling dirty clothes from the hamper and putting them on himself. Maddie had a toilet seat around her neck like a necklace while she stood inside the bowl of another potty chair. They were all beaming -- so proud of their accomplishments.
I am such a proud mama. . . and all three are in their cribs now (at least they were a few minutes ago.)
Finally
less than 2 seconds for me to hit "record" and leave the room
40 seconds for Ben to climb out
under 2 minutes to empty their closet
I finally found a way to post it -- Grandmothers, prepare your homes. . .
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Crib Escape Update
I went to Toys R Us and bought a crib tent and 9 more door knob covers. Yes, I know I only need 2 for the little kids' room, but they are for all over the house. Ben was moved to a different crib last night and didn't escape . . . . . yet. I hope to get the tent on sometime today.
Monday, August 18, 2008
What's a mom to do?
Ben climbs out of his crib.
Ben turns doorknobs.
Ben gets out of his bed AND his room.
Will tattles.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat - but with camera hidden and set to record.
Ben cries dramatically just until Mama closes door.
Ben climbs out of crib quite smoothly.
Maddie (back) and Jon (front) watch in amazement as Ben pulls lots of clothes out of the closet and gives some to his siblings. Jon is nice enough to tell Ben, "Thank you."
Big mess made very quickly.
I really, really, really hope Walmart or ToysRUs has a bed tent and door knob covers in stock right now. And I really hope Maddie and Jon didn't learn anything about climbing out.
My life, as I knew it, has, again, changed dramatically.
Ben turns doorknobs.
Ben gets out of his bed AND his room.
Will tattles.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat - but with camera hidden and set to record.
Ben cries dramatically just until Mama closes door.
Ben climbs out of crib quite smoothly.
Maddie (back) and Jon (front) watch in amazement as Ben pulls lots of clothes out of the closet and gives some to his siblings. Jon is nice enough to tell Ben, "Thank you."
Big mess made very quickly.
I really, really, really hope Walmart or ToysRUs has a bed tent and door knob covers in stock right now. And I really hope Maddie and Jon didn't learn anything about climbing out.
My life, as I knew it, has, again, changed dramatically.
PS - For some VERY frustrating reason, I haven't been able to get the video to post. I will keep trying though since I know you need a laugh today.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Real Life
Playing with the curtains in the dining room -- a favorite afternoon pasttime while watching out the windows for Daddy to come home.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Three kids, One Me, No Wagon
I have been spending my few quiet moments reading my camera manual and trying all the settings. This is one of the photos I snapped this week before I knew what I was doing with the camera. I am a bit disappointed that it wasn't in focus, but nonetheless, I love this picture. It is a snapshot my favorite people being completely happy and reading books -- something all five of them love to do. Kids from left to right: Will, Ben, Jon and Maddie.
Just before I got this camera, Maddie started playing "camera". She would hold a toy camera to her eyes and shout "Chee!!" I suppose she picked this up from Will, because I don't remember saying cheese to her. Now, I tell her "Cheese?" and she gives me a toothy smile while she says "Chee." 
I haven't been in the mood to blog this week, but mostly because I've been busy. In my down time, it was nice to just sit for a minute without thinking of how to wittily write about normality. On Wednesday, the kids and I met Dad for lunch and he took Will back with him for a few days. Will hasn't gotten much chance to play outside here because it has been so hot or storming. With my parents he won't have to share attention with three little ones, and Dad will keep him busy and outside.
I haven't been in the mood to blog this week, but mostly because I've been busy. In my down time, it was nice to just sit for a minute without thinking of how to wittily write about normality. On Wednesday, the kids and I met Dad for lunch and he took Will back with him for a few days. Will hasn't gotten much chance to play outside here because it has been so hot or storming. With my parents he won't have to share attention with three little ones, and Dad will keep him busy and outside.
Wednesday and Thursday I realized how strangely quiet it was when the babies napped. I don't think I realized just how much the energy level in the house changes by not having all four kids home. I already miss Will a lot, but it is surprisingly easy to entertain one age group -- even if there are three of them. The babies and I sat around reading and singing. And when I needed to do laundry or eat a meal, I put some big boxes in the living room for them to play in. After 30 minutes of crawling in and out of the openings, and peeking through all the windows I cut, all three sat next to each other and looked at books. See? So simple.
Yesterday we had our warrantee home inspection with the builder. It is so hard to believe we have been in this house a year already. Time has sure gone quickly. When we moved in, the babies were just learning to pull up, and their noses came to the top of the window sills. They could barely see out. Now, if I'm on the phone and look away for a minute, I find them standing on the window sills. This week, Ben pushed a chair over and unlocked the back door. Next, he pushed it out of the way and walked to the knob and twisted it open. Yikes! I am so thankful I saw that happening -- now we need to get the upper locks put on so he doesn't escape.Last night, our moms of multiples group of about 10 ladies with twins/triplets got together. Usually we go out for dinner (no kids) once a month, but last night we all brought our own dinner and had a nail spa all to ourselves. I didn't know what to expect, but when we arrived, the salon was closed except for our private party. Inside, there was at least one employee to spoil each of us. I had my first professional pedicure and I loved it. Imagine sitting in a massage chair for nearly an hour while your feet are being massaged and made pretty, all while sitting and chatting with girlfriends. We all had a lot of fun, but I may have to do it more than once every 30 years. With some of these girls, I can gab and laugh for hours so that's what we did after the spa. I finally went home and crawled in bed around 2am. I think I'm too old to be doing that very often, but to have that much fun just once a month, I am willing to lose a little sleep.
Insane as it sounds, I woke up this morning craving McDonalds for breakfast. I laid in bed trying to drag myself from the depths of my slumber thinking about an egg muffin and coffee and how I could pull that off with three little ones. As I showered, I ran through different scenarios in my head, and by the time I was drying my hair I was convinced I could wing it. I got the babies up and dressed, fixed sippy cups and a diaper bag, and pulled three boxes out of the coat closet. In each of these boxes was something I dreaded using, yet saw as another lifeline to the outside world. I had purchased one for each of the triplets a few months ago, but I had not used them yet. Today I would try.
The problem with McDonalds with one adult and 3 toddlers is that it is too small for the wagon, and I didn't think I could get over the curb with the train. After I got six little shoes on six little feet, I put a backpack on each of the boys and sinched them to fit. I put the little pink purse across Maddie's shoulder and chest, and tighted the waist strap on it to keep it snug. The dreadful part? I never wanted to be a mom who used leashes for her children, so this was a bit of a challenge to me to deal with. On Maddie's waist strap was a spot to clip a strap that I could on to. On each of the boys' backpacks was a ring to clip a similar strap.
I want the kids to learn to hold my hand in a parking lot and not think they can run free with a tether to keep them close. What I did was put the tethers around my wrist just in case they got away, but I held their hands as if they weren't connected to me by a strip of nylon. After I got them strapped, I set them next to me in the parking lot, and grabbed two kids' hands with my left hand and the other one with my right. I was hunched over as we stumbled across the small parking lot and I wasn't comfortable crossing between the cars lined up at the drive-thru. One man saw my handful and backed his car up a little and made it clear he was letting us through safely. The few people in the restaurant were the employees, manager, and a few senior citizens in for what I would guess was their daily coffee with friends. Have three little cuties toddle in and people notice. Usually they ooh and ahh and tell me how blessed I am and how cute they are - yada yada yada. We got into MickyDs and got to the counter to order and there was a sign saying the credit card machine was down due to the storm -- they were only accepting cash. After all that work, I was a bit frustrated since I don't carry cash. I took a deep breath and thought about my options. I asked the employee if I could write a check, and she said no. Luckily, the manager overheard the conversation and told me to order what I wanted and we could square it away later. Tears sprung to my eyes pretty quickly because I was happy he was trying to help me -- it wasn't that easy getting from home to the counter, and it was nice of him to realize that. I think he wanted me to just deal with it later this weekend, but I wasn't comfortable feeling indebted, so I wrote a check and told him to keep it and I'd bring cash later and we could swap. While the kids and I were eating he came over and told me he could just take the check as payment so I wouldn't have to come back. The three kids sat and ate very politely. It was a very pleasant meal with happy little kids, a humbled mama, and others stopping to wave or smile at the kids. Toward the end of our meal, the high school basketball team walked in. I think there were about 15 big tough guys. Maddie waved at one, and about 6 of them melted on the spot. These macho not-quite-men turned into big giggly kids that kept waving and making silly faces just to see my toddlers grin. It makes a mama smile when her children can bring such joy to others.
The morning was going so smoothly, we stopped by the tire shop for some new tires. The kids sat in the chairs in the waiting room reading about Dumbo, Pinnochio, and Bambi and smiling and waving at all the strangers. It went well. I've accomplished something new with the triplets and I'm proud of how well all four of us handled it.
This mama is worn out already (probably something to do with staying up late), but I need to go pack a weekend bag for us all while the kids nap. Tonight we are going to my parents to get Will. Have a great weekend!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Good Intentions
I had good intentions when I woke up this morning: I planned to get a few loads of laundry done, clean up the pile of magazines I've accumulated, perhaps work on cleaning my closet a little more, empty the dishwasher, all while feeding my children completely nutritious food, nurturing their little minds, and having fun with them. Well, the "day" part of today is beginning to expire, and I've not gotten a lot of that list done. You know why?
My new camera came today! At nap time, when I get the biggest chunk of time to devote to tidying our home, I sat down and read the camera manual while snapping pictures of everything I could to test the features. I have a lot of learning to do and it is just a point-and-shoot, . . . sort of. I wanted a tiny, pocket-sized camera that could take decent pictures without a lot of trouble. The budget was $200 max. We found a Nikon Coolpix S550 that fit our requirements -- now we just have to master the features before we go on vacation.
I did actually make a little time to get a few chores done. I worked on the closet a bit more (making room to hide Christmas and birthday gifts), got one load of laundry done, and neatened the kitchen a very little bit. This weekend, I gathered all the magazines from various rooms in the house, and I've been going through them. Some I am tearing out the good stuff and tossing the rest in the trash, some I sent with Allen to drop off at the library. I have inherited a bit of a messy trait (thanks, Mom). I am addicted to magazines. I love reading them a few times, dog-earring the good stuff, finding the folded up periodical several months later (under the bed, usually) and re-reading the juicy articles. There is something about the bright-colored glossy paper, smooth to the touch, with the odd smell of ink, that just calms me down. Luckily, I don't have to buy all of the magazines. I have several subscriptions, but some were free gifts with the purchase of a particular book from Amazon. After I gathered the magazines and piled them, the stack was probably a total of four feet high. None of them were more than a year old, but most were from the last 6 months or so. Just for kicks, I thought I'd list all the magazines in the pile (some were Allen's or Wills, but not many.)
Subscriptions or Memberships
1. MomSense
2. WonderTime
3. Parents
4. Family Fun
5. American Baby - discontinued the subscription
6. Cookie - - discontinued the subscription
7. Creating Keepsakes
8. Scrapbooks, Etc.
9. Guideposts
10. Readers Digest
11. Bon Appetit
12. Arbor Day
13. Better Homes and Gardens - discontinued the subscription
14. USAA
15. Rifleman (that's Allen's)
16. High Five (Will's)
17. Turtle (Will's)
18. Little Green (Will's)
On top of those were others that were given to us by a friend or were picked up at the newsstand when we were travelling and forgot to bring our own:
19. Parent & Child
20. Movies Rock
21. Memory Makers
22. Family Circle
23. The Economist
24. Prevention
And since the collection can't be complete without a million catalogs to pour over, there were plenty of those, too. I'm proud to say, I got rid of all but three -- and those were the ones I got this week.
25. Legos
26. Oriental Trading
27. Terry's Village
28. Pottery Barn
29. Pottery Barn Teen
30. Pottery Barn Kids (by now, you may realize I love Pottery Barn -- or at least their decorating schemes)
31. Land of Nod
32. Company Store
33. Yankee Candle
34. Sensational Beginnings
35. Little Tykes
36. Step 2
My piles are much, MUCH smaller now. I don't know how to slow down the supply. I love getting mail, I love reading magazines, I love browsing catalogs. I only wish my community could recycle them, but the best I can do on that matter is donate the periodicals to the library. . . at least others can enjoy them, too.
Now I need to get the wheel barrow to take out the trash, and then I'll go make dinner.
My new camera came today! At nap time, when I get the biggest chunk of time to devote to tidying our home, I sat down and read the camera manual while snapping pictures of everything I could to test the features. I have a lot of learning to do and it is just a point-and-shoot, . . . sort of. I wanted a tiny, pocket-sized camera that could take decent pictures without a lot of trouble. The budget was $200 max. We found a Nikon Coolpix S550 that fit our requirements -- now we just have to master the features before we go on vacation.
I did actually make a little time to get a few chores done. I worked on the closet a bit more (making room to hide Christmas and birthday gifts), got one load of laundry done, and neatened the kitchen a very little bit. This weekend, I gathered all the magazines from various rooms in the house, and I've been going through them. Some I am tearing out the good stuff and tossing the rest in the trash, some I sent with Allen to drop off at the library. I have inherited a bit of a messy trait (thanks, Mom). I am addicted to magazines. I love reading them a few times, dog-earring the good stuff, finding the folded up periodical several months later (under the bed, usually) and re-reading the juicy articles. There is something about the bright-colored glossy paper, smooth to the touch, with the odd smell of ink, that just calms me down. Luckily, I don't have to buy all of the magazines. I have several subscriptions, but some were free gifts with the purchase of a particular book from Amazon. After I gathered the magazines and piled them, the stack was probably a total of four feet high. None of them were more than a year old, but most were from the last 6 months or so. Just for kicks, I thought I'd list all the magazines in the pile (some were Allen's or Wills, but not many.)
Subscriptions or Memberships
1. MomSense
2. WonderTime
3. Parents
4. Family Fun
5. American Baby - discontinued the subscription
6. Cookie - - discontinued the subscription
7. Creating Keepsakes
8. Scrapbooks, Etc.
9. Guideposts
10. Readers Digest
11. Bon Appetit
12. Arbor Day
13. Better Homes and Gardens - discontinued the subscription
14. USAA
15. Rifleman (that's Allen's)
16. High Five (Will's)
17. Turtle (Will's)
18. Little Green (Will's)
On top of those were others that were given to us by a friend or were picked up at the newsstand when we were travelling and forgot to bring our own:
19. Parent & Child
20. Movies Rock
21. Memory Makers
22. Family Circle
23. The Economist
24. Prevention
And since the collection can't be complete without a million catalogs to pour over, there were plenty of those, too. I'm proud to say, I got rid of all but three -- and those were the ones I got this week.
25. Legos
26. Oriental Trading
27. Terry's Village
28. Pottery Barn
29. Pottery Barn Teen
30. Pottery Barn Kids (by now, you may realize I love Pottery Barn -- or at least their decorating schemes)
31. Land of Nod
32. Company Store
33. Yankee Candle
34. Sensational Beginnings
35. Little Tykes
36. Step 2
My piles are much, MUCH smaller now. I don't know how to slow down the supply. I love getting mail, I love reading magazines, I love browsing catalogs. I only wish my community could recycle them, but the best I can do on that matter is donate the periodicals to the library. . . at least others can enjoy them, too.
Now I need to get the wheel barrow to take out the trash, and then I'll go make dinner.
Chicken Dijon
This recipe is one Allen made on that weekend we did all the cooking. I know you keep seeing these words together, but I prefer to share the recipes that are simple, quick, and full of flavor. Thanks, babe for three great meals!
Chicken Dijon (6 servings)
1/2 C. bottled ranch salad dressing
1/2 C. dijon mustard
1 C. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
2 to 2 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breast tenders
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Stir ranch and dijon together. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each piece of chicken with ranch-dijon sauce. Coat both sides of chicken with bread crumbs. Place chicken in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until chicken is not pink (about 15 minutes.)
If you prefer to preassemble to cook later, use a baking pan that can be frozen. Cover the coated, uncooked chicken with plastic wrap and seal pan with lid or foil then freeze. To cook later, thaw chicken and continue with same cooking instructions as above.
Chicken Dijon (6 servings)
1/2 C. bottled ranch salad dressing
1/2 C. dijon mustard
1 C. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
2 to 2 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breast tenders
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Stir ranch and dijon together. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each piece of chicken with ranch-dijon sauce. Coat both sides of chicken with bread crumbs. Place chicken in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until chicken is not pink (about 15 minutes.)
If you prefer to preassemble to cook later, use a baking pan that can be frozen. Cover the coated, uncooked chicken with plastic wrap and seal pan with lid or foil then freeze. To cook later, thaw chicken and continue with same cooking instructions as above.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Photo Challenge: PLAY
I enjoy reading other blogs. One of the easiest ways is to check out the blogs of those who read this one, but I only know about them through comments. Karen told me about a photo challenge, and I had to check it out. Today, the theme is PLAY, and if I understand how it works, I post some pictures that mean "play" to me.
Of course when I think of play, my children come to mind. I decided to choose from photos I had taken in 2008 just to narrow down my choices. Here are my three favorites photos that symbolize "play":
1. Maddie and Jon PLAYing in the backyard. A pretty, sunny spring day. A yellow dump truck. Happy children.
2. Maddie, Jon, and Ben PLAYing in the toyroom one random afternoon. I PLAYed with a bunch of photos taken over a two minute period. These babies love to PLAY and they sure can be busy.
3. Will PLAYing on the porch in February. He played in a bucket, and then I looked out and found him doing this: dunking his underoos in a bucket and putting them up on a stick to make water drop patterns on the concrete. He later told me "It was such a nice day for a swim, Mama."
Why do the kids come to mind with the word play? My life is mostly about kids now, and children are here to play. That is the only thing they are supposed to do at ages 1 and 4.
Of course when I think of play, my children come to mind. I decided to choose from photos I had taken in 2008 just to narrow down my choices. Here are my three favorites photos that symbolize "play":
1. Maddie and Jon PLAYing in the backyard. A pretty, sunny spring day. A yellow dump truck. Happy children.
2. Maddie, Jon, and Ben PLAYing in the toyroom one random afternoon. I PLAYed with a bunch of photos taken over a two minute period. These babies love to PLAY and they sure can be busy.
3. Will PLAYing on the porch in February. He played in a bucket, and then I looked out and found him doing this: dunking his underoos in a bucket and putting them up on a stick to make water drop patterns on the concrete. He later told me "It was such a nice day for a swim, Mama."
Why do the kids come to mind with the word play? My life is mostly about kids now, and children are here to play. That is the only thing they are supposed to do at ages 1 and 4.Ok, that IS a bit of a stretch -- they are also supposed to sleep . . . so I can play. But, I don't have pictures of me playing, and my new camera won't be here until Monday. But I like to play, too -- playing games with Allen, playing with the kids, playing with my crafts. We got Maddie a dollhouse for her birthday, and I really, really want to play with it; however, there isn't enough room in my closet to get it all out, so I'll have to wait until October when she gets it for her second birthday so I don't have to hide anymore.
Now quit reading and go PLAY!
Friday, August 8, 2008
And now for something completely different...
I feel the need to point something out - the total sum experience of living in our house is NOT defined by the... challenges... of dealing with...
Well, to put it politely - bodily functions.
Poop. Pee. Burps and toots. Discoveries about the human body that seem so... interesting... to a child.
I'd like to quote one of the smartest men I know - Dave Barry. A man who's taught me more about being a parent than any of those... other books that Sarah read when she was pregnant. Dave Barry can explain, quite succinctly, many of life's... joys. Our... dealings... with the aforementioned issue are no exception. Viz-
"Young parents spend much of their time thinking and talking about their childrens' bodily functions. You can take an educated, sophisticated couple who, before their child was born, talked about great literature and the true meaning of life, and for the first two years after they become parents, their conversations will center on the consistency of their child's stool, to the point where nobody invites them over for dinner."
Sometimes, unfortunately, the most memorable (in the moment) incidents do occur when... you'd rather they didn't. Part of what makes them funny is the fact that they're so relatable. We all have to... do our business - and who doesn't laugh when someone does it... wrong?
But again - THE KAISER FAMILY IS NOT ALL ABOUT THE POOP! We read books! We talk about... stuff. We have thoughts on world situations... We just might not be able to remember them when you call.
Especially if the dog's been throwing up.
Please resume your normal browsing and thank you. Come again soon for more stories about...
well...
about poop.
Well, to put it politely - bodily functions.
Poop. Pee. Burps and toots. Discoveries about the human body that seem so... interesting... to a child.
I'd like to quote one of the smartest men I know - Dave Barry. A man who's taught me more about being a parent than any of those... other books that Sarah read when she was pregnant. Dave Barry can explain, quite succinctly, many of life's... joys. Our... dealings... with the aforementioned issue are no exception. Viz-
"Young parents spend much of their time thinking and talking about their childrens' bodily functions. You can take an educated, sophisticated couple who, before their child was born, talked about great literature and the true meaning of life, and for the first two years after they become parents, their conversations will center on the consistency of their child's stool, to the point where nobody invites them over for dinner."
Sometimes, unfortunately, the most memorable (in the moment) incidents do occur when... you'd rather they didn't. Part of what makes them funny is the fact that they're so relatable. We all have to... do our business - and who doesn't laugh when someone does it... wrong?
But again - THE KAISER FAMILY IS NOT ALL ABOUT THE POOP! We read books! We talk about... stuff. We have thoughts on world situations... We just might not be able to remember them when you call.
Especially if the dog's been throwing up.
Please resume your normal browsing and thank you. Come again soon for more stories about...
well...
about poop.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Conversation Pieces
Conversation with Will while I was reading a vampire romance:
What's that book about, Mama?
A girl who loves a guy.
Oh. Then that is DEFINITELY an adult book. . . . can I see the pictures?
There aren't any.
What is that picture? (pulling out a "save the date" photo card from my brother-in-law, Jason, and his fiancee, Jenn.)
That's my bookmark.
I think it is the book girl that loves the book guy.
Hey!! If I squint my eyes like this, the man sort of looks like Jason. . . . and I guess the lady looks a little like Jenn.
That's my bookmark, Will. It IS Jason and Jenn.
Ooooohh. I though it was the characters in the book.
Conversation between Allen and Will after Allen got home today:
Why didn't you take a nap today, Will.
Because I just wasn't interested in taking a nap.
Conversation at dinner tonight between Allen and Will:
Why are there strawberries in the stew? Fruit doesn't go in stew.
Those are tomatoes, and they ARE fruit.
No they aren't. Tomatoes are vegetables.
They are the reproductive part of the plant so they are fruits.
Listen to me: THEY ARE VEGETABLES (loud, deep little boy voice) because that's what I say, so they are.
How do you know, Will?
Because I know everything. That takes a lot of practice, and I practice it more than you do, Daddy.
What's that book about, Mama?
A girl who loves a guy.
Oh. Then that is DEFINITELY an adult book. . . . can I see the pictures?
There aren't any.
What is that picture? (pulling out a "save the date" photo card from my brother-in-law, Jason, and his fiancee, Jenn.)
That's my bookmark.
I think it is the book girl that loves the book guy.
Hey!! If I squint my eyes like this, the man sort of looks like Jason. . . . and I guess the lady looks a little like Jenn.
That's my bookmark, Will. It IS Jason and Jenn.
Ooooohh. I though it was the characters in the book.
Conversation between Allen and Will after Allen got home today:
Why didn't you take a nap today, Will.
Because I just wasn't interested in taking a nap.
Conversation at dinner tonight between Allen and Will:
Why are there strawberries in the stew? Fruit doesn't go in stew.
Those are tomatoes, and they ARE fruit.
No they aren't. Tomatoes are vegetables.
They are the reproductive part of the plant so they are fruits.
Listen to me: THEY ARE VEGETABLES (loud, deep little boy voice) because that's what I say, so they are.
How do you know, Will?
Because I know everything. That takes a lot of practice, and I practice it more than you do, Daddy.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Sequel
If anyone had told me that yesterday's post title, Princess Diarreahs, would be an appropriate title for the way the day turned out, I would have laughed. As it turned out it brought a few tears and I didn't find it funny at all . . . until today.
Yesterday I posted while the kids were all supposed to be napping. The triplets are in the stage between needing 2 naps and only needing 1. Most afternoons I put them in their cribs and they each snooze a short time, but spend the rest of the time poking each other and giggling. Yesterday, after several sniggers and tehees, I heard Maddie break out in a scream that Wes Craven should have paid for. It wasn't the norm, so I ran to see what what going on. The stench hit me at the top of the stairs and I braced my stomach for what I knew would not be pretty. Maddie has been teething and has a diaper rash, so I wasn't too surprised that she took off the dirty diaper. What surprised me was that she was still letting out the blood-curdling scream as her face was frozen in terror. I was confused and worried. What could be so bad?!
As I held my breath and approached her, she didn't look relieved. Jon looked up at me with a concerned look, and Ben stood in the corner of his crib chewing his fingers non-chalantly. Clue 1. As I looked around I realized the loaded diaper in Maddie's crib was surrounded my muddy little footprints on the sheets. Then I noticed Ben's shirt looked funny -- Clue 2. Yup, Ben was the one, as if I really needed to wonder about that. Smart little kid, terrorizing his sis. He took his diaper off, smeared around the goods in his bed, was disguested with the smells, so he chucked into her bed. No wonder she was screaming, I was ready to do the same and it wasn't even MY beauty rest that was disturbed. Unfortunately, all three kids had thrown their blankies in a pile on the floor and Ben, undiapered, whizzed on them all.
I frowned and looked at Ben. He giggled and I sternly said, "NOT FUNNY!" He looked at me with his big brown eyes and let out a barely-audible "Uh-oh?" I scooped Maddie up, washed her feet, checked her for more mess, changed her, declared her clean and banished from the nursery. I changed Jon and banished him. I cringed when I picked up Ben -- I really don't get this obsession with poop, it was all over him, caked in the folds of his pudgy neck, in his armpits, on his cheek, under his fingernails, between his toes. I took off his outfit and threw it back in the crib while I rushed him to the bathtub. He kept shaking his no-no finger at me telling me, "Pooo? Yuck! Pooo? Yuck-yuck! No-no!" So at least he understood the situation. After he was clean and smelling sweet, he was banished from the nursery and I got to work. All three blankets, two sets of nasty sheets, and Ben's outfit - piled into a heap, one little spot to hold on to until I got them all shoved in the washing machine. Since the load wasn't completely dried before bedtime, we had lots of tears. They all wailed until the dryer buzzed and the fresh, cozy blankets were delivered with extra kisses and hugs.
What can I look forward to today?
Yesterday I posted while the kids were all supposed to be napping. The triplets are in the stage between needing 2 naps and only needing 1. Most afternoons I put them in their cribs and they each snooze a short time, but spend the rest of the time poking each other and giggling. Yesterday, after several sniggers and tehees, I heard Maddie break out in a scream that Wes Craven should have paid for. It wasn't the norm, so I ran to see what what going on. The stench hit me at the top of the stairs and I braced my stomach for what I knew would not be pretty. Maddie has been teething and has a diaper rash, so I wasn't too surprised that she took off the dirty diaper. What surprised me was that she was still letting out the blood-curdling scream as her face was frozen in terror. I was confused and worried. What could be so bad?!
As I held my breath and approached her, she didn't look relieved. Jon looked up at me with a concerned look, and Ben stood in the corner of his crib chewing his fingers non-chalantly. Clue 1. As I looked around I realized the loaded diaper in Maddie's crib was surrounded my muddy little footprints on the sheets. Then I noticed Ben's shirt looked funny -- Clue 2. Yup, Ben was the one, as if I really needed to wonder about that. Smart little kid, terrorizing his sis. He took his diaper off, smeared around the goods in his bed, was disguested with the smells, so he chucked into her bed. No wonder she was screaming, I was ready to do the same and it wasn't even MY beauty rest that was disturbed. Unfortunately, all three kids had thrown their blankies in a pile on the floor and Ben, undiapered, whizzed on them all.
I frowned and looked at Ben. He giggled and I sternly said, "NOT FUNNY!" He looked at me with his big brown eyes and let out a barely-audible "Uh-oh?" I scooped Maddie up, washed her feet, checked her for more mess, changed her, declared her clean and banished from the nursery. I changed Jon and banished him. I cringed when I picked up Ben -- I really don't get this obsession with poop, it was all over him, caked in the folds of his pudgy neck, in his armpits, on his cheek, under his fingernails, between his toes. I took off his outfit and threw it back in the crib while I rushed him to the bathtub. He kept shaking his no-no finger at me telling me, "Pooo? Yuck! Pooo? Yuck-yuck! No-no!" So at least he understood the situation. After he was clean and smelling sweet, he was banished from the nursery and I got to work. All three blankets, two sets of nasty sheets, and Ben's outfit - piled into a heap, one little spot to hold on to until I got them all shoved in the washing machine. Since the load wasn't completely dried before bedtime, we had lots of tears. They all wailed until the dryer buzzed and the fresh, cozy blankets were delivered with extra kisses and hugs.
What can I look forward to today?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Princess Diarrheas
This weekend I didn't take any pictures, and my blog seemed to need some. This morning I tried getting photos of the kids while they played after breakfast. Will watched about 30 minutes of Movie Time Monday on the Disney channel while I got the laundry going, unloaded the dishwasher, and made some phone calls. Since I have severely cut back on his TV and video game time, he was curious why the change. How do you tell a child sometimes you just need a little quiet time -- just a few minutes to make a necessary phone call. He ate popcorn and watched Princess Diaries, but he kept mispronouncing it and calling it Princess Diarrheas. I couldn't quit laughing when he said that, but I corrected him. He asked me what Diary meant, and I explained it so that he, a child of the new millennium, would understand. . ." it's like a blog, but written on paper" I wanted to add "like in the old days," but he wouldn't have understood that.
Ben playing with the dinosaur and doggy -- "Raaaar! Arf - arf? Raaaarr!"
Jon wore the police helmet all morning while he used the puppy vacuum to chase our cat.
Maddie was happy with the Jack-in-the-box. . .
. . . until Jon took it and then fought with Ben over who got to play with it.
Will didn't want to play while I had the camera out so he sat on the couch and watched Ben and Jon playing WWF.
Ben playing with the dinosaur and doggy -- "Raaaar! Arf - arf? Raaaarr!"
Jon wore the police helmet all morning while he used the puppy vacuum to chase our cat.
Maddie was happy with the Jack-in-the-box. . .
. . . until Jon took it and then fought with Ben over who got to play with it.
Will didn't want to play while I had the camera out so he sat on the couch and watched Ben and Jon playing WWF.Today, we are back to our normal Monday after a fun weekend. We went to Allen's parents' Friday and arrived in time for dinner. Saturday, Allen and I went out for a tasty lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. The Greek pizza was delicious, and I decided it is a good thing there isn't a CPK restaurant near us. We also stopped by Pottery Barn to feed my craving for decorating that I mentioned last week. We also found a camera store and started browsing the digital cameras and exploring all the features. It was too much to figure out at once and the lady helping us annoyed me. I am proud to say we didn't buy anything but pizza on that excursion.
Saturday night, Allen, Will, Nanna, Papa, and Uncle Jason all went to the Rangers game and had a blast. The adults spoiled Will with chicken, lemonade, lemon chill, peanuts, and cotton candy, and I heard he a lot of fun yelling at the players. Jenn and I stayed at the house with the babies. Since they didn't have a nap, I hoped they'd go to bed early, but we had to get them fed first. We set out for an early dinner at Ruby Tuesday's -- perfect since it was nearby, they have a salad bar, and there was no crowd. I just kept praying that they could wait to get cranky after we left the restaurant and not while we were there. My prayers were answered, and the kids were great. We got several compliments about how well behaved they were. We got home and got the babies in bed right on time, then sat down with our Sonic ice cream and a chick flick and just had a relaxing evening. Jenn and I had a good time, and we weren't at game sitting in 105 degree weather and waiting in line for gross bathrooms. Yup, we were happy staying home with the kids.
Jenn loaned me the first two books from the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Several friends have raved about them and I was curious. Darn it, now I am hooked on them too. I started the first one on the way home yesterday afternoon, and I didn't go to bed until I finished it at midnight. Today, I promised myself I wouldn't read more than half of the second book.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Introducing the Children
Today is Friday and oh, am I glad. It hasn't been a bad week, but I like hanging out with Allen, and it doesn't seem like we saw each other enough the last few days. I am spending the day packing and straightening up the house so we can go see his parents for the weekend. I don't quite understand why it takes me so long to pack, but maybe it's that I have to get all the laundry clean, folded, and put away so I can pull the clothes out of a drawer (or pile) and put them in the suitcase. Plus, I have to wait until the babies are awake to get their clothes, but it is challenging to step away long enough to do that. Will is packed, and all my clothes are in the dryer, so I am half way there.
Last week I got tired of putting Will in nighttime pull-ups just to have him intentionally wet them so he could stay up longer (to change clothes). I got really frustrated when he woke up at 6:30 am and watched cartoons and wet the pull-up because he didn't feel like walking 20 feet to the toilet. So I solved that problem right away -- we took away all the pull-ups. The first night he cried because underpants weren't for sleeping in, but he stayed dry. The second night, he wanted to see what would happen and he got wet and I changed the sheets. I didn't actually change them, I pulled the top layer off (fitted sheet + waterproof pad) and under it was another layer all ready to go. When I had the triplets, someone suggested layering the sheets to make changing them easier, and I've found it works great for big kids, too. I make a sheet-lasagna but putting a waterproof pad, fitted sheet, pad, sheet, pad, sheet. Usually I have three layers with the lightest color on the bottom so I know when I'll need to make the bed again. Right now I do not do that with the babies because they pull the sheets off and I don't need 3 layers of wet sheets in a pile on the floor. Back to Will, he stayed dry all week. The pull-ups are being stashed until the little boys need them. I am calling it potty training round 1 - done. Now three more to go.
I was writing to my friend, Allie, and telling her about the kids' personalities. I thought it would make a great blog entry, especially since they are changing so quickly. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to my pride and joy:
Will is 4 1/2, as he proudly tells everyone who looks his way. I am not good about setting up play dates, so all his friends are at school. He does preschool two days a week during the school year. Right now he really likes Indiana Jones and Star Wars (thanks to Wii games that he plays with Allen.) We are thinking about karate for the fall, but we haven't signed up for any sports yet. He is reading a bit now, and likes to do art projects. Will is usually a great helper. When the babies are crying, he will try to comfort them (even if he just puts a Baby Einstein video on.) When we all sit around reading, he will read to a baby while I read the the other two. Will enjoys being a superhero -- dressing up as Spiderman, Batman, Buzz Lightyear, or whomever he creates in his vivid imagination. The jokes flow freely, one of his favorite being "What do you call a fish with no eyes?" Answer: "fsh" He also loves knock-knock jokes. They still are along the lines of "Knock-knock", "Who's there?", "Yatch", "Yatch who?" "Yatch bless you! Har-har-har! Isn't that funny!" Usually, I don't get the jokes, that's one I do get. Will still fights us at bedtime: I'm not tired, read me one more book, I want another lullaby, I need a drink, please one more drink, just a little drink, I need to go potty, I need to go poop, I am afraid of the light bulb, the cat is in my room. It gets old, but the times he goes straight to bed, it is too quiet.
The babies are going to be 2 in October -- has time flown by! All the kids are so different, yet share some similarities. Ben is our active one - he loves to climb, run, and jump. He knows no fear (well, he is pretty scared of the vacuum and an old glove, for some reason.) He loves animals, and right now he really likes lions, bears, and elephants. He likes to pick up the Little People animals and make them roar. He will hold on to several at a time and carry them with him. Ben is not a picky eater at all, in fact, sometimes I have to make sure he really is a little boy and not a shovel the way he piles it in. Ben also really enjoys books and always brings me one saying, "read read?" This little guy can keep himself happy for a long time just playing by himself. Sometimes with dinosaurs or trucks, often with the kitchen set and dress up clothes. He almost always has a hat on. Ben has calmed down quite a bit in the last month or two. Maybe I've just gotten more comfortable handing his situations, who knows. He still climbs across the kitchen table -- already great a geometry, realizing the hypotenuse is quicker than walking around the table to his cup. Some days, I find he has climbed a chair to try to turn the door knob to get outside, other days, he is content to sit in the windowsill watching birds or neighbors. Ben is pretty easy to deal with at bedtime. He loves his bath, even putting his face in the water to blow bubbles or drink (yuck!). Give him his blue fuzzy blanket and he'll pop his thumb in his mouth and lay on his tummy.
Maddie is a girly girl -- sometimes. She likes the sparkly dresses and heels and baby dolls. When she is feeling blue a doll can cheer her up. When she cries for no apparent reason, we find a baby doll for her and she cuddles it. She likes to read, too. Maddie always has Ben-bites on her, and now some of Jon's are showing up. It isn't that everyone picks on her so much as it is that she steals what they are playing with and runs away with it. They bite her because she can be mean. Maddie is the one who can be the bully, but she is the one who can make the others laugh the most, too. Sort of our monkey in the middle. Maddie hates cheese, but loves fruit. Everything in between, it just depends on her mood. Our little girl likes to read to her dolls. She will open a book and babble, including the same voice inflections we have when we read that particular story to her. She also likes to sing, and will serenade us on car trips or at playtime with the tunes we recognize, and occasionally the words. Her latest has been the ABCs and I can definitely identify it by the tune, but she also says some of the letters at the right time: A, buh, C, deeeeee, ... H, . ... double U, ess, I, Z! Like I said, recognizable. Although I love having a girl, and love to put pigtails and clips in, Maddie will not stand for anything in her hair. As soon as I put them in, she yanks them out. When I have pigtails in, she hides the bands under her tongue. For now, I give up, but I'll try again soon. Maddie is a blankie baby, too. Her favorite is her pink fuzzy Pooh blanket, but if she can't find it, she will be perfectly happy stealing Ben's blanket from him. She sucks her fingers unless she is copying Will or Ben, in which case the thumb is in. When strangers say hello, she puts her head down and pouts, or just quickly turns the other way. It seems we have one shy one in the bunch.
Jon is often quiet, but can be such a ham. He knows just the smile to give us when he might be in trouble, and he knows how to push his lower lip out enough to get what he wants. Jon is the kid I can count on to share to make others happy (often, not always, of course.) If I need sippy cups distributed, he will make sure everyone gets one. When it's time to pick up, he is a great little helper. Jon is really good at the fine-motor skills -- putting GeoTrax together, building with blocks, clipping seat beats together. He loves the buckles, and will spend quite a bit of each day connecting the seat belts on the high chairs after each meal. Jon is the cuddly one and he, too, loves dress up and books. If you ask him if he is happy, he will break out into his version of "If you're happy and you know it." From him, the words are "Happy! Happy! Clap, clap, clap, clap! AMEN!" and yes, he shouts "Amen!" It really makes his mama happy. It is funny that Jon is cuddly with me, because with his siblings, he wants his space. He hates when Ben falls on him and holds him down, and he usually isn't crazy about Maddie's hugs. Is it because he was the top baby in utero -- the one with all the space he could want (that my lungs weren't occupying)? He is happy to give kisses to Ben, Maddie, and Will, but the hugs seems to be saved for the adults in his life. When we are in public, Jon gladly waves hello and goodbye to strangers. At home, we can ask him for a smile, and he grins a huge,toothy squinty smile that brightens up everyone's mood.
No pictures for now. I have been hating my digital camera lately -- maybe it's lived its life, but even new batteries won't hold enough power, and it takes forever to focus, so I usually miss the moment I meant to snap. Very frustrating. Now I am back to shopping for another. I have mixed feelings -- on one hand I would like one that can take great photos (DSLR with lenses to have to buy, too) on the other hand, I'd love one that would fit in my pocket when we go places I don't want to juggle a huge camera. I have been trying hard to convince Allen we "need" both. I am taking recommendations if you have any.
To those of you who know the kids, feel free to leave comments about anything I left out.
Last week I got tired of putting Will in nighttime pull-ups just to have him intentionally wet them so he could stay up longer (to change clothes). I got really frustrated when he woke up at 6:30 am and watched cartoons and wet the pull-up because he didn't feel like walking 20 feet to the toilet. So I solved that problem right away -- we took away all the pull-ups. The first night he cried because underpants weren't for sleeping in, but he stayed dry. The second night, he wanted to see what would happen and he got wet and I changed the sheets. I didn't actually change them, I pulled the top layer off (fitted sheet + waterproof pad) and under it was another layer all ready to go. When I had the triplets, someone suggested layering the sheets to make changing them easier, and I've found it works great for big kids, too. I make a sheet-lasagna but putting a waterproof pad, fitted sheet, pad, sheet, pad, sheet. Usually I have three layers with the lightest color on the bottom so I know when I'll need to make the bed again. Right now I do not do that with the babies because they pull the sheets off and I don't need 3 layers of wet sheets in a pile on the floor. Back to Will, he stayed dry all week. The pull-ups are being stashed until the little boys need them. I am calling it potty training round 1 - done. Now three more to go.
I was writing to my friend, Allie, and telling her about the kids' personalities. I thought it would make a great blog entry, especially since they are changing so quickly. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to my pride and joy:
Will is 4 1/2, as he proudly tells everyone who looks his way. I am not good about setting up play dates, so all his friends are at school. He does preschool two days a week during the school year. Right now he really likes Indiana Jones and Star Wars (thanks to Wii games that he plays with Allen.) We are thinking about karate for the fall, but we haven't signed up for any sports yet. He is reading a bit now, and likes to do art projects. Will is usually a great helper. When the babies are crying, he will try to comfort them (even if he just puts a Baby Einstein video on.) When we all sit around reading, he will read to a baby while I read the the other two. Will enjoys being a superhero -- dressing up as Spiderman, Batman, Buzz Lightyear, or whomever he creates in his vivid imagination. The jokes flow freely, one of his favorite being "What do you call a fish with no eyes?" Answer: "fsh" He also loves knock-knock jokes. They still are along the lines of "Knock-knock", "Who's there?", "Yatch", "Yatch who?" "Yatch bless you! Har-har-har! Isn't that funny!" Usually, I don't get the jokes, that's one I do get. Will still fights us at bedtime: I'm not tired, read me one more book, I want another lullaby, I need a drink, please one more drink, just a little drink, I need to go potty, I need to go poop, I am afraid of the light bulb, the cat is in my room. It gets old, but the times he goes straight to bed, it is too quiet.
The babies are going to be 2 in October -- has time flown by! All the kids are so different, yet share some similarities. Ben is our active one - he loves to climb, run, and jump. He knows no fear (well, he is pretty scared of the vacuum and an old glove, for some reason.) He loves animals, and right now he really likes lions, bears, and elephants. He likes to pick up the Little People animals and make them roar. He will hold on to several at a time and carry them with him. Ben is not a picky eater at all, in fact, sometimes I have to make sure he really is a little boy and not a shovel the way he piles it in. Ben also really enjoys books and always brings me one saying, "read read?" This little guy can keep himself happy for a long time just playing by himself. Sometimes with dinosaurs or trucks, often with the kitchen set and dress up clothes. He almost always has a hat on. Ben has calmed down quite a bit in the last month or two. Maybe I've just gotten more comfortable handing his situations, who knows. He still climbs across the kitchen table -- already great a geometry, realizing the hypotenuse is quicker than walking around the table to his cup. Some days, I find he has climbed a chair to try to turn the door knob to get outside, other days, he is content to sit in the windowsill watching birds or neighbors. Ben is pretty easy to deal with at bedtime. He loves his bath, even putting his face in the water to blow bubbles or drink (yuck!). Give him his blue fuzzy blanket and he'll pop his thumb in his mouth and lay on his tummy.
Maddie is a girly girl -- sometimes. She likes the sparkly dresses and heels and baby dolls. When she is feeling blue a doll can cheer her up. When she cries for no apparent reason, we find a baby doll for her and she cuddles it. She likes to read, too. Maddie always has Ben-bites on her, and now some of Jon's are showing up. It isn't that everyone picks on her so much as it is that she steals what they are playing with and runs away with it. They bite her because she can be mean. Maddie is the one who can be the bully, but she is the one who can make the others laugh the most, too. Sort of our monkey in the middle. Maddie hates cheese, but loves fruit. Everything in between, it just depends on her mood. Our little girl likes to read to her dolls. She will open a book and babble, including the same voice inflections we have when we read that particular story to her. She also likes to sing, and will serenade us on car trips or at playtime with the tunes we recognize, and occasionally the words. Her latest has been the ABCs and I can definitely identify it by the tune, but she also says some of the letters at the right time: A, buh, C, deeeeee, ... H, . ... double U, ess, I, Z! Like I said, recognizable. Although I love having a girl, and love to put pigtails and clips in, Maddie will not stand for anything in her hair. As soon as I put them in, she yanks them out. When I have pigtails in, she hides the bands under her tongue. For now, I give up, but I'll try again soon. Maddie is a blankie baby, too. Her favorite is her pink fuzzy Pooh blanket, but if she can't find it, she will be perfectly happy stealing Ben's blanket from him. She sucks her fingers unless she is copying Will or Ben, in which case the thumb is in. When strangers say hello, she puts her head down and pouts, or just quickly turns the other way. It seems we have one shy one in the bunch.
Jon is often quiet, but can be such a ham. He knows just the smile to give us when he might be in trouble, and he knows how to push his lower lip out enough to get what he wants. Jon is the kid I can count on to share to make others happy (often, not always, of course.) If I need sippy cups distributed, he will make sure everyone gets one. When it's time to pick up, he is a great little helper. Jon is really good at the fine-motor skills -- putting GeoTrax together, building with blocks, clipping seat beats together. He loves the buckles, and will spend quite a bit of each day connecting the seat belts on the high chairs after each meal. Jon is the cuddly one and he, too, loves dress up and books. If you ask him if he is happy, he will break out into his version of "If you're happy and you know it." From him, the words are "Happy! Happy! Clap, clap, clap, clap! AMEN!" and yes, he shouts "Amen!" It really makes his mama happy. It is funny that Jon is cuddly with me, because with his siblings, he wants his space. He hates when Ben falls on him and holds him down, and he usually isn't crazy about Maddie's hugs. Is it because he was the top baby in utero -- the one with all the space he could want (that my lungs weren't occupying)? He is happy to give kisses to Ben, Maddie, and Will, but the hugs seems to be saved for the adults in his life. When we are in public, Jon gladly waves hello and goodbye to strangers. At home, we can ask him for a smile, and he grins a huge,toothy squinty smile that brightens up everyone's mood.
No pictures for now. I have been hating my digital camera lately -- maybe it's lived its life, but even new batteries won't hold enough power, and it takes forever to focus, so I usually miss the moment I meant to snap. Very frustrating. Now I am back to shopping for another. I have mixed feelings -- on one hand I would like one that can take great photos (DSLR with lenses to have to buy, too) on the other hand, I'd love one that would fit in my pocket when we go places I don't want to juggle a huge camera. I have been trying hard to convince Allen we "need" both. I am taking recommendations if you have any.
To those of you who know the kids, feel free to leave comments about anything I left out.
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