Author: Amber

How big is your zucchini?

Amber 24 Comments

To my astonishment, George managed to plant and cultivate a small vegetable and herb garden this year. Since we moved into our home seven years ago, he’s always maintained a garden, but I expected the addition of four babies to cramp is style. He scaled back quite a bit and stuck to two crops we thought we’d most enjoy: tomatoes and zucchini.

A few days ago, we got a chuckle out of his latest harvest. After a few minutes piddling in the garden, George strutted into the house hauling a 5.5 pound zucchini. To put it in perspective, this monster weighed more than any of our babies at birth. Now that is one enormous zucchini! George presumed this thing would be too woody for consumption due to it’s extended time on the vine.  One thing I detest is waste.  I wasn’t going to let a perfectly good zucchini go unused if I could help it.  The next day I sliced it and found it to be tender and mild even raw. This particular one ended up being steamed then mashed into a gallon of baby food. The babies have enjoyed several zucchini medleys including: zucchini + apple + cinnamon, zucchini + apple + banana, and zucchini + tomatoes. I may have used up the big mama jamma for the babies, but we also had quite a few smaller zucchini to contend with.

Harper was as entertained by this gardening snafoo as much as we were.

Harper was as entertained by this gardening snafu as much as we were.

Rylin is a clever girl and knew this was meant to be eaten. She went after it like corn on the cob.

Rylin is a clever girl and knew this was meant to be eaten. She went after it like corn on the cob.

Do you see the little teeth marks?

Do you see the little teeth marks?

As a wedding gift, a family friend gave us an assortment of kitchen utensils along with cherished recipes.  We received this zucchini bread recipe.  The original version calls for 1 c. pecans, but I’m not a fan of nuts in bread so I omit them.

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While baking, this bread fills your home with a delicious aroma. It gets a nice crust on top and is great with coffee. Note: greasing AND flouring the pan is critical. We used Pam cooking spray and it got stuck.

While baking, this bread fills your home with a delicious aroma. It gets a nice crust on top and is great with coffee.  Note: greasing AND flouring the pan is critical. We used Pam cooking spray and it got stuck.

I also sauteed onion and garlic with diced zucchini and tomatoes to toss over pasta for dinner.  This week I’m  planning to try my hand at oven baked zucchini fries with roasted chicken.  After that, I’m out of brilliant uses for zucchini.  If you have a fabulous zucchini recipe, I’d love to give yours a whirl.

hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #23

Amber 8 Comments

Yes folks, it is indeed Thursday.  Of course that means it’s time to link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays.

1. Nisey and Terri helped me take the babies to the town center this week so we could sample some gelatto. The babies devoured one kid sized snozberry cup in minutes. I think it’s safe to say they like gelatto.  I’m wondering how long I can get away with splitting a single kid sized anything for all four babies….

These are some dapper boys! I love Harper's fedora especially.

These are some dapper boys. I love Harper’s fedora especially.

After polishing off the gelatto, we window shopped in Anthropologie. While I probably can't afford anything in there, I love getting inspiration.

After polishing off the gelatto, we window shopped in Anthropologie. While I probably can’t afford anything in there, I love getting inspiration.

2.  One downside to having a birthday in July is that it is peak travel season and many guests decline.  Although our friends, the Cox family, can’t make the party, they stopped by for a practice party session.  They brought a wonderful assortment of gifts for the babies geared towards imaginative play.  Since they were tiny at Christmas, the babies really had not opened gifts before.  They got plenty of practice this week!  They ripped paper and pulled tissue with ease.  The only glitch was that the babies also wanted to snack on the pretty paper.

In no time, Mason figured out how to pull the edges off the bright packages.

In no time, Mason figured out how to pull the edges off the bright packages.

Rylin was not pleased when we informed her she could not eat the wrapping paper.

Rylin was not pleased when we informed her she could not eat the wrapping paper.

It is possible to get all four babies in a picture when they are held. It's pretty impressive that Hayley has 75% of them.

It is possible to get all four babies in a picture when they are held. It’s pretty impressive that Hayley has 75% of them. The babies are all eating parts of their gifts instead of the paper in this photo.

3. George and I always agreed that Sasha and Lily are our first babies and we owe it to them to give them the best care we can.  That being said, four babies rocked our world this year.  We continue to try our best with the dogs, but it’s just not the same for them.  They don’t get daily walks or weekly baths the way they did in the past.  Our friends, Neha and Kristen, gave our fur babies a special gift this week.  They took them for a walk!  I some how managed to bathe both of them this week too.  I know Sasha and Lily felt special and loved.

What brightened your week?

Hugs,

 

Amber

 

PS- There is still time to enter to win the Summer Loving Cash Bash!

Summer Loving Cash Bash!

Amber 14 Comments
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Welcome to our first ever Mommy Buddy Blogger Group Cash Bash brought to you by these lovely ladies. We have come together for an awesome $200 Cash giveaway! Please stop by all these lovely ladies’ blogs below. They are all pretty awesome!



Remember a few weeks back when I mentioned that I won a blog giveaway?  Well, it’s your turn to try your hand at a fantastic blog giveaway.  This time it is $200 for fun summer spending and I would love one of my readers to grab this prize.
If I managed to score some extra cash, I would be tempted to spoil the babies or tackle another of my DIY projects.  However, I think I would give myself the gift of pampering.  I’d start out with a massage then head to the nail salon for one of the premium manicure/ pedicure packages.  You know the kind where they scrub your feet in sumptuous smelling decadence and then adorn your piggy toes with a Hawaiian flower?  Spa days are a rare treat that I don’t typically afford myself, but bonus money would do the trick!  How would you spend an extra $200 in your wallet?
One lucky winner will get the choice of either $200 Paypal Cash or $200 Amazon e-card.The giveaway will run from July 8th, 12am EST to July 15th, 12am EST and is open worldwide. Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below. All entries will be verified!
GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Four to Adore did not accept compensation for this event, nor is it responsible for delivery of the prize. The prize will be delivered by Nicole from Momma on Wheels please contact Nicole at Nicole22654@yahoo.com for any questions.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, please see my disclaimer page.

What TO Say to Multiples

Amber 58 Comments

1-NICU reunion family pic-001

I began drafting this post a few weeks ago after a reader politely noted concern for how we handle ourselves in public, possibly shunning people who ask questions. Yes, some parents of multiples completely avoid answering questions about their multiples. This is generally because they feel it invades their privacy and also there is harsh judgment from the public regarding infertility treatments. No one wants to feel judged. I understand and respect some families’ tendency to avoid answering questions in public. However, I hated finding that someone gleaned that impression from reading our blog. I suspect it came from comments I’ve made about wanting to be clandestine at times or encouraging people to “walk and talk”. I’ve mentioned things such as putting the babies in twin strollers or separating them somehow to avoid inquiries.

This is one of our traveling scenarios. Honestly, even twins do not go unnoticed much of the time.

This is one of our traveling scenarios. Honestly, even twins do not go unnoticed much of the time.

The babies are still very young and we rigidly adhere to our schedule to keep things running smoothly. While we know it is inevitable, George and I go to great lengths to avoid four babies melting down in a highly populated place such as Walmart. The day it happens, I assure you that George and I will crawl out of wherever we are on hands and knees with our tails between our legs.

Even with our best efforts, people often realize we in fact have quadruplets in tow and we are asked many questions. For the most part, we have received nothing but earnest questions and genuine compliments. George and I feel that the energy you put out is often what you get in return so we try our best to kindly answer all questions from passersby. We even entertain questions that could be construed as rude or off putting the best way possible because we feel those questions are asked out of lack of knowledge regarding multiples. Sometimes, the asker is a person dealing with infertility and they are seeking reassurance or hope. Our answers are often attempts at educating people in diplomatic ways. We are fully aware that quadruplets are a novelty. Prior to expecting quadruplets, we had not seen any out in public and would probably have questions or comments if we were onlookers. In fact to date, we’ve only met three other sets of quadruplets! There are only about 300 quadruplet births in the United States annually so most people will never lay eyes on a set.

All that being said, George and I appreciate manners from people we encounter. A good rule of thumb if you see us strolling about in our Runabout or cruising with two double strollers is to consider, “Would I ask that of someone with one baby?” and “Is it okay for children to hear what I am asking?” It is not customary to ask parents of singletons exactly how they conceived their babies so it’s not polite to ask parents of multiples either. Do you want a complete stranger asking you about bedroom behavior or medical conditions???? I highly doubt it.  There are perhaps a few exceptions of things that are not offensive and apply only to multiples (e.g. How may boys? Girls? Do they share a room? Are they fraternal? Identical?).

Here are some examples of polite things that have been said to us or asked in public:

  1. How old are they?
  2. What are their names?
  3. What a blessing!
  4. They are adorable/ precious/ beautiful/ cute (any complimentary word is perfect)
  5. Wow! Amazing! Cool! Neat (again, any single word noting amazement is appreciated)
  6. Are they sleeping through the night?
  7. You are so lucky.
  8. They must bring you so much JOY!
  9. Can I put you on our prayer list?

Not everyone is impressed with multiples, and that is okay! If you don’t have something polite to say, it’s best just to keep unkind commentary to yourself. In our experience, most people have keep unsavory comments to themselves or at least had the courtesy to be discreet; we appreciate that.

In addition to asking polite questions, also be mindful of the amount of time you are commanding. George and I happily entertain a few pertinent questions, but our babies are young and we don’t have 15 or 20 minutes to chat with each person who eyes us. At times we may well be totally preoccupied handling four babies in public too and may not even notice someone trying to ask a question.  This type of courtesy is not only appreciated by families with multiples, but anyone who is different for any reason (e.g. Medical condition, disability, religious attire, ect.) I brought only Mason with me to Walmart once and let me tell you, he garnered nearly as much attention with his “helmet” as all four babies do. People love to gawk and make comments when they see something out of the ordinary. Bottom line is that sort of behavior hurts feelings. No one wants to feel like a circus freak show or exhibit. Everyone wants to fit in and enjoy a bit of leisure time.

Amber over at Texas Tales recently wrote about this very topic. Clearly it is something that is common place for both of us these days as we are increasing our family outings.

hugs!

Amber

Sometimes two twin strollers are an efficient way to travel with the four pack.

Sometimes two twin strollers are an efficient way to travel with the four pack.

Firecracker, Firecracker, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

Amber 5 Comments

Happy fourth of July!  While I can hear the ka-booms and crackles of fireworks just outside my window, we opted out of watching the annual display.  George and I didn’t think it wise to keep four babies up WAY past bedtime AND expose them to startling noises.   Unexpected loud noises tend to send them into a tailspin right now.  Despite all the commotion outdoors, the babies are all snuggled up their cribs fast asleep. We may not be enjoying the annual light show, but we had a spectacular day with friends and family at the pool. Thank you, Billie and Bob for hosting and to everyone who helped make the babies day at the pool a blast.

Everyone was slathered in Water Babies and sidled with an adult.

Everyone was slathered in Water Babies and sidled with an adult.

Rylin and Ashley both wore their "Little Bitty Teeny Weeny Polka Dot Bikini" today.

Rylin and Ashley both wore their “Little Bitty Teeny Weeny Polka Dot Bikini” today.

Harper recently began bear crawling. It served him well on the concrete.

Harper recently began bear crawling. It served him well on the concrete.

Mason made friends with Lola who gave him wet willies.

Mason made friends with Lola who gave him wet willies.

Sydney wasn't much into her sweet peas for dinner, but two fisted butter crackers.

Sydney wasn’t much into her sweet peas for dinner, but two fisted butter crackers.

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Uh oh....looks like someone got a wedgie with a swim diaper. Fashion faux pas!

Uh oh….looks like someone got a wedgie with a swim diaper. Can we say, fashion faux pas?

When little eyes became heavy, helpers came to the rescue to dry soppy babies off and dress them in dry pajamas.

When little eyes became heavy, helpers came to the rescue to dry soppy babies off and dress them in dry pajamas.  I totally forgot to warn Harper’s helper, Denice that dressing him is much like wrangling a crocodile.  Ooops!

 

How did you celebrate Independence Day?

hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #22

Amber 7 Comments

It’s Thursday so you know what that means….time to link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays. If you are new to our blog, we pause each Thursday to reflect upon some of the little things that brought joy to our family.

1. We’ve hosted several play dates at our house, but this week we were invited to one! With the help of my friend, Jen, the babies and I went to the Glawson Triplet’s house for round #2 of the Quadtriplet Playdate. We headed over after the babies woke from their afternoon nap, which was a great diversion from witching hour. At first, Rylin was hesitant to enjoy herself.  She screamed like a banshee and clung tightly to me. Thankfully it was short-lived and all seven babies eventually seemed to have fun. As a bonus, the triplet’s big sister, Ryleigh was there and took up post as resident baby-entertainer. She is a devoted sister who knows her way around a baby.

All seven babies and Ryleigh are in this picture. It's a bit like playing "Where's Waldo", but if you squint, you can see all of them.

All seven babies and Ryleigh are in this picture. It’s a bit like playing “Where’s Waldo”, but if you squint, you can see all of them.

It’s always nice to have play dates with other multiples because they aren’t overwhelmed with all the babies and have the daycare scene at home.

2. After fellow quad mama, Krista, successfully bathed all four of her babies at once, I decided to try my hand. It was by no means perfect, but at least I know it’s possible and it gave me a boost of confidence. I also learned that we can manage without bath seats. However, I have a lot of work to do with Rylin and compliance. She insists on standing in the tub, which means I cannot bathe her sans seat with other babies until she follows the rules. I haven’t tried, but could probably bathe the other three at once without too many problems.

Here are the four little quadlings all lined up: Harper, Mason, Rylin, & Sydney.

Here are the four little quadlings all lined up: Harper, Mason, Rylin, & Sydney.

3. I was able to take advantage of having our weekday babysitters to catch up on some emails on blog posts. I was grumbling to George about wanting to write so many things. He replied, “Well, you have a laptop. Why don’t you take it to Starbucks?” Stellar idea! I ended up hitting Panera so I could enjoy some lunch while accomplishing some writing.

4. It is the first week in July and the Texas weather is fantastic! Apparently there is some weather pattern hovering over Arizona and pushing cool air our way. We LOVE it! It actually felt crisp in the mornings and evenings, which is refreshing.  Happy Fourth of July!

5. Sydney is my patient gal.  She was fussy one day so I took her into a new place, the master bathroom.  There she calmly allowed me to paint her toes azul.  I had to work quickly using a Q-tip and I used Sally Hansen’s Insta Dry polish (seriously that stuff dries almost instantly), but got all ten piggy toes done.  I tried on Rylin later, but it did not go well with her.

Aunt Cici's reaction to seeing these tiny painted toes was priceless. She gasped in delight!

Aunt Cici’s reaction to seeing these tiny painted toes was priceless. She gasped in delight!

Where was the sunshine in your week?

Hugs!

Amber

Ta, Da! The Liebster Award

Amber 5 Comments

A BIG thanks to Lily and The Bee for nominating me for the Leibster Award!  I am absolutely flattered.  When I entered the Circle of Moms Top Moms of Multiples blog contest, I shamelessly plugged and sought votes.  This award is totally different as it’s peer nominated, which means a lot to me. 

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The Rules:

  1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to them in your post.
  2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees.
  3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.
  4. Copy and Paste the blog award on your blog.

Note: (These are the “rules” but please feel free to do as you wish. If you have 5 bloggers to nominate instead of 11, and you can only think of 7 random facts about yourself – that’s perfectly fine! )

Alright, since I can bend the “rules”, I’m going from 11 to FOUR in all areas.  With the bustle of having quadruplets at home, I cannot read blogs nearly as often as I prefer and coming up with 11 of anything is almost overwhelming.  I hate to admit it, but I only “follow” a few these days and I even get behind on reading those.  ______________________________________________________________________________

My Questions To Be Answered:

1) If there was an apocalypse and the world became overrun by giant marshmallows what would you do?

Hahahahaha!  That is an interesting apocalypse….I think I would grab a pair of moon shoes and start bouncing on top of the marshmallows like Tigger.

2) What does your happy place look like? I’m talking that place in your head you go to when the kids/work/life in general is screeching?

Ah, it is a tropical locale void of tourists; secluded, but not in an eerie way.  The crashing of waves fills my ears and drowns out all worries.  As I breathe deeply I smell the faint aroma of salt and coconut.  I am stretched out on a cushy beach lounger underneath a giant umbrella that is pouring shade over me.  I am reading a romantic comedy, likely something written by Sophie Kinsella.  As I read, slushy cool cocktails are delivered to me and I eat tidbits of fresh fruit.

3) What was the scariest movie you watched as a kid that still gives you the creeps?

My parents were rather protective of me so I wasn’t allowed to watch horror movies until I was of age to take myself.  As a child, Pinocchio terrified me- you know the scene where the boys become inebriated and transform into donkeys?  HORRIFYING!  Actually, it still bothers me that is even in a children’s movie.

4) Which celeb can you absolutely NOT HANDLE..as in makes you want to Gag every time you see them?

Mmm, good question!  There are numerous celebs that could fall into this category.  Mostly people who are famous for being famous, think Snooki (or really anyone from the cast of Jersey Shore), Paris Hilton, and I can’t leave out John Gosselin (he gives parents of multiples a bad name!)

5)What happened to all those socks that used to have other halves?

At my house, if a sock loses it’s mate I toss it in the drawer as a bachelor/ bachelorette in hopes of the other half returning home.

6) What does your ‘slouchy’ day look like? Such a winter question!

Most days I am home with the babies so that means I have more slouchy days than I’d prefer to admit.  I wear what I dubbed “The Mommy Uniform”, which consists of yoga leggings and boyfriend cut t-shirts.  My hair is usually pulled back into a pony tail or messy bun to help keep the 40 fingers from yanking it or coating it in food.  I find that I feel better about myself if I at least dress this way and put a bit of bronzer and lip gloss on my face.  Also, I am not totally embarrassed if I have visitors or if pictures are snapped.  You never know!

7) What food grosses you out the most?

Sardines.  I am not a fan of seafood, while George adores it.  Since I don’t consume fish, I don’t cook it.  Poor George stockpiles the tiny fish so he can get a bit of fish, but sheesh those things smell putrid!

8) Cats or Dogs?

Hands down, DOGS!  Sasha and Lily our canine companions that we affectionately call “the fur babies”.  Most of my family is allergic to cats and honestly I don’t understand the feline mind.  Not to mention the fact that Sydney usually cries when she sees cats (house or large) on Baby Einstein DVDs

Random Facts About Me:

  1. One of my lifelong goals is to author a book.  I began this blog as a means of sharing our story with friends and family.  It’s blossomed into much more and helped me to realize how much I enjoy writing.  There is much more to our story than is captured on the blog and I would love to tell it all.
  2.  I am a total cookie monster.  I could probably eat my weight in cookies.  I also love cookie dough, but salmonela scares the fire out of me.  So, George and I make cookie dough without eggs sometimes.
  3. I fought getting a smart phone tooth and nail.  I was totally okay with still having my old school Razr in 2009.  The only feature I lacked and desired was calendar function.  When we went to upgrade our phones, I ended up getting a Droid.  Best and worst decision ever!  I know full well I don’t need a smart phone, but it would be hard pressed to do without it.
  4. Before the quads grand arrival, I loved kickboxing and yoga, but I seriuosly lack any sort of athletic ability.  When I say I lack athletic ability, I mean I cannot catch or throw a ball to save my life and trip over my own feet sometimes.  It’s not uncommon for me to find bruises along my legs and not be able to recall how I acquired them.  I hope the babies did not inherit my ability….

Questions for Nominees to Answer:

  1. What is the best thing a stranger has said to you upon realzing you have quadruplets?
  2. What features does your dream house include?
  3. When you need some “me” time, what do you do?
  4. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

And now, for my nominated blogs:

Since this blog is “FOUR to Adore”, I’m choosing four of my favorite quad mom blogs.  These women are my friends, confidants, and mentors.  I don’t know what I’d do without them.

1. A Beautiful Ruckus

2. Our Multiples Journey

3. Texas Tales

4. The Littlest Lesnaus

Hugs!

Amber

In 51 Years…

Amber 4 Comments

“Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can’t live without.” -James C. Dobson

Sunday was a momentous occasion for our family as my grandparents celebrated 60 years of marriage.  In a society where approximately half of all marriages fail, 60 years is truly remarkable.  I am grateful for the example of a strong, long-lasting marriage they provide for all of us.

Due to lock down, we were unable to celebrate holidays with our extended family this year and I know that broke my grandmother’s heart.  Several months back, she inquired about when the babies would be able to venture out because she wanted nothing more than the ENTIRE family together for their anniversary.  I was pleased to report by late spring we would be good to go, which meant we could make the trek to the party.  On Sunday it finally happened: the babies joined us for an extended family party in honor of my grandparents.

All seven grandchildren were present for the big event.

All seven grandchildren were present for the big event.

Ten of the eleven great grandchildren are in this photograph. Can you spot BOTH sets of multiples? Of course the quads are one set, but there are also twin boys in the mix!

Ten of the eleven great grandchildren are in this photograph. My cousin’s youngest son was ill so could not be around the babies (I really appreciated her making sure the quads weren’t exposed). Can you spot BOTH sets of multiples? Of course the quads are one set, but there are also twins in the mix.

This is nearly the entire family. We are missing just two family members. I know it made Grandma one happy lady to see everyone for the first time in years.

This is nearly the entire family. We are missing just two family members. I know it made Grandma one happy lady to see everyone all together for the first time in years.

The guests of honor, Grandpa and Grandpa aka GG Paw and GG.

The guests of honor, Grandpa and Grandpa aka GG Paw and GG.

 

Despite it being a summer afternoon in Texas, the weather was stunning.  We enjoyed a southern style picnic complete with roast, macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eyed peas, cornbread, honey buttered rolls and sliced melon.   I packed dinner for the babies, but quickly discovered they preferred the same fare as the rest of the family.  To top it off, black eyed peas were their favorite dish!  We divided the babies up among the adult tables so they each got a bit of individual time and I wasn’t overwhelmed with babies during the meal.

Nisey and Grandpa kept track of Rylin.

Nisey and Grandpa kept track of Rylin.

Haper enjoyed the company of his big cousins.

Harper enjoyed the company of his big cousins.

Mason was posted up at Aunt CiCi's table.

Mason was posted up at Aunt CiCi’s table.

Sydney sat between George and I where she packed away shredded chicken and roast beef!

Sydney sat between George and I where she packed away shredded chicken and roast beef!

After dinner and relaxing outdoors, we moved the shindig inside for a wedding cake and punch reception.  The babies had fun playing with the “big kids” on the floor.  In 51 years, I hope George and I have the quads and their families surrounding us like this!

I always think it's neat how the babies gravitate to children. They seem to know that even though they are much bigger than themselves they are not yet adults. Here Michael (one of the twins) is playing with Harper.

I always think it’s neat how the babies gravitate to children. They seem to know that even though they are much bigger than themselves they are not yet adults. Here Michael (one of the twins) is playing with Harper.

Everyone participated in a champagne toast (or sparkling juice) with cake.

Everyone participated in a champagne toast (or sparkling juice) with cake.

Hugs!

Amber

P.S. Grandma, I know you will try to print the pictures from this blog.  However, I am planning to blow up the family portrait to send to you in the mail.  Hang in there =)

The Little Things Thursdays Installment #21

Amber 6 Comments

It’s time for our weekly link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays!  Yippee!!!!

1. One day during witching hour, the babies took a field trip to a faraway land…The Foyer & Dining Room!  The babies rarely get opportunities to venture into this part of our house, but they clamor at the gates in hopes of finding a chink to escape.  I blocked the opening between the kitchen and dining room, removed all glassware, and foreseeable baby hazards then let them explore.  They were fully entertained for nearly an hour!  Mason found the antique handles on our English liquor cabinet amazing while Sydney took up post at the window fussing at anyone who dare come near.  Harper naturally discovered the final remaining spring behind the door and flicked it with his chubby fingers.  Rylin seemed just to enjoy crawling in wide open spaces.  Maybe in a few weeks, we will revisit this exotic destination.

Sydney actually explored the entire globe from the dining room.

Sydney actually explored the entire globe from the dining room.

Don't mind the dust bunnies and other gross stuff seen on the floor. The maid hasn't been here in a while.

Don’t mind the dust bunnies and other gross stuff seen on the floor. The maid hasn’t been here in a while.

Rylin and her sidekick, Lily take on the dining room.

Rylin and her sidekick, Lily take on the dining room.

This window is just Sydney's size.

This window is just Sydney’s size.

Oh how fascinating handles can be!

Oh how fascinating handles can be!

2. I won, I won!!!!  I actually won the Simply Sweet headband giveaway hosted by fellow quad family, The McCleary Quadruplets.  If you ever wondered about blog giveaways, yes someone wins them!  They are always worth entering if you are interested in the prize.  I am also excited about being nominated for the Leibster Blog Award from Lily and the Bee.  That one gets it’s own post later, but I’m excited now!

3. My friend and co-worker, Kristin, promised her two kids a “surprise” on Monday.  Unbeknownst to them, the surprise was a day with the quads.  At first, I don’t think her teenage son, Robert was terribly impressed.  However, the quads worked their magic and won him over before the day was done.  Carolyn has been itching to play with the babies, namely Sydney, since before they were born.  Preemie babies and lock down put a damper on her play date dreams, but it finally arrived.  Here’s what Kristin had to say: 

“My kids were in heaven. We played, babies took naps, changed diapers, folded baby clothes, washed bottles, fed the babies “baby goldfish” when they signed “more”, mixed the goldfish in with Cheerios (all the babies could discriminate the goldfish and picked them out no problem with a pincer gasp..my OT friends would be proud of me!), played some more, fed the babies dinner, Amber was able to give them individual baths instead of two by two, had more bottles, watched Baby Einstein, and put the babies to bed! 8 hrs with the 4 of us and I’m pooped! Amber and George are rockstars! They make it look so easy! What a blessing these four precious, HEALTHY babies are!!!!” 

To the Nethers family, it may have been just a summer day, but to me it meant the world.  They sacrificed an entire day of summer fun to be with four busy babies.  It was a tremendous help.   If friends keep stepping up to the plate like this, I may just avoid hiring help a bit longer. 

In case they didn’t get enough quad time, Kristin and Carolyn returned the next day bearing Sippy cups and suction cup bowls.  They noticed the babies were wanting to be more independent with feeding themselves and thought we could use these items.  They boys have been using these Sippy cups with success, but “The Hulk” aka Mason figured out how to pull the bowls off the table already. 

Carolyn has a special affinity for Sydney. She even noted they resemble each other.

Carolyn has a special affinity for Sydney. She even noted they resemble each other.

Mason showed his affection for Robert by growling at him!

Kristin and Carolyn helped the babies work on signing "more" for baby goldfish or Cheerios.

Kristin and Carolyn helped the babies work on signing “more” for baby goldfish or Cheerios.

What little things brought joy to your heart this week?

Hugs!

Amber

The “Witching Hour” Anecdote

Amber 11 Comments

With the babies waking from afternoon naps between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, we now have quite a bit of wake time before bed.  This time also coincides with “witching hour” (in other words, a time when the babies are particularly fussy and sometimes downright intolerable).  We have learned in recent days that “witching hour” is reserved solely for home, however.   Because the babies are enamored with novelty, they are chipper on field trips.  Since babies that cannot yet walk, we are limited as to what they can manage.  We have come up with a few creative outings for the wee ones.

Friday, we ventured to Cabela’s, which is only minutes from our home.  I’m not much of an outdoorsy gal, but Cabela’s is FREE, indoors, and best of all air-conditioned.  We spent well over an hour showing the babies the taxidermy zoo and aquarium.  We then enjoyed noshing on some sweet potato fries.  The babies especially loved this snack and three of them signed “more” repeatedly.  While Sydney didn’t sign, she vocalized that she enjoyed her snack too.  Sydney isn’t terribly interested in signing, but she babbles so much, I expect she may just say, “MORE” one day.

This is how we toted four babies around Cabela's!

This is how we toted four babies around Cabela’s!

Terri chauffered Rylin in a shopping cart.

Terri chauffered Rylin in a shopping cart.

Sydney was far more fascinated by the lighting than anything else.

Sydney was far more fascinated by the lighting than anything else.

We stopped by the kid's fishing pole koisk for Grandpa. He's been dreaming of taking the babies fishing since they were mere dots on a sonogram. Notice, the girls have a Tinkerbell and Barbie pole while the boys have Cars and Spiderman. There is something for everyone!

We stopped by the kid’s fishing pole koisk for Grandpa. He’s been dreaming of taking the babies fishing since they were mere dots on a sonogram. Notice, the girls have a Tinkerbell and Barbie pole while the boys have Cars and Spiderman. There is something for everyone!

The babies sat perfectly in these high chairs. I forgot our sticky place mats at home so improvised by washing the table with Germ X.

The babies sat perfectly in these high chairs. I forgot our sticky place mats at home so improvised by washing the table with Germ X.

The sweet potato fries were surprisingly tender and tasty.

The sweet potato fries were surprisingly tender and tasty.

On Sunday, the babies enjoyed another field trip.  This time, to Grandaddy’s house for a dip in the pool.  He has an in ground pool so it was a true swim this time.  Mason wasn’t keen on the crisp water, but was content to float in an inflatable boat or snuggle in my arms.  The other babies happily splashed and kicked in their respectable rafts.  After swimming, we changed them into dry diapers and pajamas in an assembly line then served up a delicious meal.  Following dinner, the babies enjoyed some poolside entertainment as George’s cousin, Brandi, practiced diving.  The babies gawked in amazement for well over 20 minutes allowing us time to clean up and load the van.   They may have well enjoyed the show over Baby Einstein!

The girls are suited up for the pool!

The girls are suited up for the pool!

Carol helped keep babies from crawling into the water.

Carol helped keep babies from crawling into the water.

And this is what it looks like to have four babies in a pool together.

And this is what it looks like to have four babies in a pool together.

Family picture in the pool.

Family picture in the pool.

It was much easier snapping a picture when we could hold the squirmy babies.

It was much easier snapping a picture when we could hold the squirmy babies.

Mmm, poolside dinner!

Mmm, poolside dinner!

Mason never ceases to amaze me. He used poor little Sydney to boost him up.

The Pack ‘n’ Play worked well as a baby holding tank that prevented anyone from heading towards the water unsupervised.  Mason never ceases to amaze me. He used poor little Sydney to boost him up.

Rylin rocked some wild post swim hair.

Rylin rocked some wild post swim hair.

I’m hoping to pack in many more field trips this summer, especially when I have the help of our weekday babysitters.  I’m thinking of visiting the aquarium, zoo, restaurants, and mall.   Do you have any baby friendly field trip ideas?  I’d love some suggestions, particularly inexpensive or free options.

hugs!

Amber