Author: Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #6

Amber 4 Comments

Sha-blam!  I am on top of things today and have our Little Things Thursday post ready.  Let’s hope the rest of my day is similarly productive.

1. Sunday evening George stayed home with the crew while I met up with three special friends.  The four of us helped each other weather some difficult times in order to see some beautiful rainbows.  These beautiful, strong women will be forever in my heart.   It was a bittersweet celebration of friendship as Courtney is relocating to the east coast for a new opportunity for her family.   All four of us are thankful for the technology age because she’ll never seem quite so far away.  And on the upside, I could take an east coast vacay someday to visit her.

Tarra, Katie, Courtney, and I at Mi Cocina for a bit of Tex Mex and girl time.

Tarra, Katie, Courtney, and I at Mi Cocina for a bit of Tex Mex and girl time.  I hope Courtney enjoyed her scrumptious meal, I don’t think she’ll find stellar Tex Mex on the east coast!

I timed my excursion so that I could help George spoon feed at five and then scamper back in time for the final bottle and bedtime.  When I looked down at my phone for a time check, I realized it was dangerously close to bedtime so I darted home.  When I opened the door, it was eerily quiet in the house.  Apparently the babies got hungry a bit early so George fed all four and tucked them in solo.  I was rather impressed with his Daddy skills.   I may need to get out more often!

2. The weather on Monday was delightful!  We had sunshine and temps in the low 80’s.  I seized the opportunity to take the babies outside for tummy time.  I spread a quilt where a patch of shade from the house collected and spread toys on it.  The babies marveled at the novel sounds, sights and smells of the great outdoors.  It was relaxing for all five us and I’m pretty sure we could have napped out there.  I can’t wait for another chance to do it again.  Better yet, the babies got outdoor swings for Christmas that will host many an outdoor adventure.

Mason craned his neck to observe a low flying plane.

Mason craned his neck to observe a low flying plane.

3. The babies received their fifth and final round of Synagais (medication to help prevent RSV).  This means that lock down is finally coming to a close!  It is sort of an odd feeling knowing we won’t have to be quite so stringent with preemie precautions.  I realize the babies cannot live in a germ free bubble for their entire lives and need to experience illness to build immunity, but I’m not quite ready to embrace the freedom either.  It’s not as if toting around for babies will be easy so I don’t think we’ll be exactly gallivanting around town frequently, but at least we can.  It probably mostly means that visitors will not be required to get the TDap and flu shots anymore.  We will continue to request shoes to be removed, thorough hand washing, and smoke free clothing.  I figure those things are just good health practices for any family.

I am eternally grateful for the help of some close friends who help me schelep the babies to the doctor and/ or care for them while I work. Terri volunteered to help with the last two rounds of Synagasis and proved herself an excellent baby soother and distracter.

I am eternally grateful for the help of some close friends who help me schlep the babies to the doctor and/ or care for them while I work. Terri volunteered to help with the last two rounds of Synagasis and proved herself an excellent baby soother and distracter.

4.  Yesterday my in-laws kept the crew while we worked.   I think they had quite a lot of fun.  When I came home, I noticed Rylin’s hair was sticking up all over.  I asked her if  it was from the wind when they took a walk, but discovered that Grandaddy took up baby hair styling.  Apparently a drop of water doubles as baby styling product.  Hilarious!

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What little things filled your week?

Hugs!

Amber

PS- Stay tuned to find out about our Plagiosaurus.  Did we get a pet dinosaur???

Multitasking Mania!

Amber 10 Comments

As I was washing bottles last week, an episode of Ellen was playing on the DVR.  Amen for the DVR!  We rarely watch TV and when we do it is always something in the DVR.  If we didn’t have a DVR we’d probably succumb to watching Judge Judy and Hoarding: Buried Alive.  Anyways, Ellen did a bit about multitasking and it struck a chord with me.  She moaned about how awful it was that people multitask all the time,  especially while watching her show.  Then she demonstrated vacuuming while pushing a baby in a walker simultaneously.  LOVED it!  As I reeled through a typical day, I thought of all the scenarios where I multitask.  Some out of pure necessity, others need to stop immediately.  As far as wrangling babies, with four multitasking is often a must.  And sorry, Ellen, but I can only enjoy your show while doing various chores such as laundry folding and bottle washing.  At least I tune in sometimes!  However, I am making a vow to be present for my children when they are not sleeping.  I will stop doing things such as oh texting while sitting on the quilt with them or perusing an email or two.  Those things can wait!  That’s  what naps are for.

Most days, it is me and the babies at home.  I try to capture what we do  by snapping pictures of them, but since I’m alone, no one captures what I do.  Nisey and Grandpa stopped by on Saturday for a visit and captured some of multitasking mania.  Looking back at some of it, I just had to smile.  It’s quad life, what can I say?

Yes, this picture was sort of staged. However, when alone I often look like this. I've got Harper practicing sitting, Rylin is doing modified tummy time, Sydney is practicing her standing, and Mason is pushing up on his arms. I also burp babies by putting one on each thigh and holding one.

Yes, this picture was sort of staged. However, when alone I often look like this. I’ve got Harper practicing sitting, Rylin is doing modified tummy time, Sydney is practicing her standing, and Mason is pushing up on his arms. I also burp babies by putting one on each thigh and holding one.

Grandpa stepped in so Sydney could go upside down.

Grandpa stepped in so Sydney could go upside down.

During tummy time, the babies help me work out my biceps. I start with Harper and do about 10 reps, then switch to a lighter baby for another 10-15. They also work their abs as they flex to keep their limbs out straight.

During tummy time, the babies help me work out my biceps. I start with Harper and do about 10 reps, then switch to a lighter baby for another 10-15. They also work their abs as they flex to keep their limbs out straight.

Okay, not multitasking here, but I've got to show how much they LOVE going upside down now!

Okay, I’m probably not multitasking here, but I’ve got to show how much they LOVE going upside down now!  I may be singing or chattering to them so maybe a bit of multitasking.

Even with extra feeders, someone is still multitasking by feeding two babies!

Even with extra feeders, someone is still multitasking by feeding two babies!

Dad snapped this picture of me spoon feeding and bottle feeding at the same time. I had no idea I was even doing it!

Dad snapped this picture of me spoon feeding  Mason while bottle feeding Rylin.. I had no idea I was even doing it!

Even Nisey is juggling all four babies in her lap. Clearly she ran out of room!

Even Nisey is juggling all four babies in her lap. Clearly she ran out of room!

Grandpa was helping entertain both Sydney and Stella at the same time. They really enjoyed gazing at each other through the glass.

Grandpa was helping entertain both Sydney and Stella at the same time. They really enjoyed gazing at each other through the glass.

After changing diapers, George strolled into the living room like this proclaiming, "I've got three of them!"

After changing diapers, George strolled into the living room like this proclaiming, “I’ve got three of them!”  I guess he just didn’t have room to carry a fourth.

How do you multitask?  Any multitasking habits you’d like to break?  If you text and drive, please stop that one ASAP.

hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #5

Amber 9 Comments

You guessed it, it is time for The Little Things Thursdays again!  I just love doing these posts because it captures the snippets of our daily lives perfectly.  Here’s what we’ve been up to this week:

1. Rylin is not quite ready to roll over, but she began tolerating tummy time really well!  She will stay on her tummy for at least 10-15 minutes without protest and pushes up on her arms.  She is also sitting up with minimal support rather well.

This is an odd camera angle, but I had Rylin supported by my leg.

This is an odd camera angle, but I had Rylin supported by my leg, and took the picture myself.  The pink pacifier looking thing is AMAZING.  It is a RAZ- Berry teether.  Everyone except Harper has been gnawing on it all week.  Harper doesn’t like it because he still thinks it is a pacifier. 

Rylin is rocking tummy time!

Rylin is rocking tummy time!

2. Harper doesn’t care about rolling over either, but he thinks he may want to scoot away!  When on his tummy, he also pushes up on his arms, but kicks his feet and pushes back a bit.  In other news, Harper started cutting a tooth and boy did he have something to say about it!  He’s been extremely vocal about his displeasure with this new tooth.  Orajel is amazing stuff!

Notice the green ball to the left of this picture, that is where Harper started!

Notice the green ball to the left of this picture, that is where Harper started!

3. Nisey brought a Jumparoo over and it is Sydney’s new favorite past time.  That girl LOVES to jump.  She seriously jumps with enough force to get a bit of “air”.  While jumping she giggles and grins the entire time.  The other babies have given the Jumparoo a spin, but could take or leave it.  Sydney being the quirky girl she is found a way to get around a bit too.  Instead of scooting on her tummy, she inchworms backwards when laying on her back!  I attempted to record this, but of course she was too camera shy to demonstrate.

It was incredibly hard to capture Sydney smiling in the Jumparoo because she moves so fast in it the camera blurs most of the images!

It was incredibly hard to capture Sydney smiling in the Jumparoo because she moves so fast in it the camera blurs most of the images!

4. Mason is a man on the move too.  He’s been kicking and pushing while on his tummy enough to get a bit of locomotion.  He can turn around from one place to another and often tries to nap toys from siblings.

Hmmm, looks like someone is headed under the coffee table.

Hmmm, looks like someone is headed under the coffee table.

5. With spoon feeds we’ve accumulated new gear and have zero storage space left in our kitchen.  George snagged an old microwave cart from his dad and re-purposed it.  He sanded it down and re stained it from blonde to a deep espresso.  We then bought several yards of fabric and made panels to go around the bottom and conceal the clutter.  We store it in the dining room, but can roll it into the kitchen as an island.

Look at all the clutter we can hide now! The cart was a different color before, but I forgot to snap a picture.

Look at all the clutter we can hide now! The cart was a different color before, but I forgot to snap a picture.  The basket on the top contains snacks for our helpers.

6.  My hands have begun taking an elderly appearance in recent days.  I wash A LOT of bottles, wash my hands a bazillion times a day, and slather hand sanitizer all over them too.  At one point, my knuckles started cracking and bleeding.  I began using thick moisturizers and wearing gloves to bed.  Crazy, I know, but I was desperate.  Then, Mom had some great advice.  When I wash bottles, I now put a little Aquaphor on the dry spots before gearing up with my handy dandy kitchen gloves.  It has worked wonders!  Just as I figured this little trick out, I have four fewer bottles to wash per day.  With all the spoon fed calories the babies take, they started refusing a bottle.  We’ve officially gone from our original eight feeds (total of 32 bottles) to just four bottle feeds (total of 16 bottles)!  This means we can probably toss bottles in the dishwasher from time to time too.

This stuff works wonders! Just don't put it on the palms of your hands, ONLY the dry spots.

This stuff works wonders! Just don’t put it on the palms of your hands, ONLY the dry spots.

7. Our blog reached over 100,000 hits this week! Thank you for keeping up with our shenanigans in quadville.  We just love getting feedback from our readers so don’t be too shy to share.  We hope to bring smiles to your face, laughter to your day, and maybe even inspire you from time to time.

HUGS!

Amber

Lessons Learned re: Spoon Feeds with Four

Amber 11 Comments
quad feeding table

Just like with everything related to the quads, spoon feeds have been a lot of trial and error.  We’ve been working on spoon feeds for about a month now and the babies are finally getting the hang of it.  They now take in enough calories from spoon feeds to reduce their formula intake.  Along the way, I learned a few things to help make it all a bit easier.

Try, Try, Try Again!

Pretty much every time we introduce a new food, one or more of the babies rejects it.  The first time they tasted avocado, Harper began screaming as if he were in pain and Mason yacked up carrots when he first tasted them.   For years, my Dad has touted that you may need to expose babies and children to new foods up to 18 times before they decide whether they like them or not.  I don’t know about the magical number 18, but one time is never enough to make a determination.  Usually on the second try a new food seems significantly more appealing to the babies.  Naturally they have favorites, but eventually eat pretty much anything we dish up.  On the top of the favorites list are bananas, butternut squash, pears, and mango.

Harper was totally distressed by the avocado!

Harper was totally distressed by the avocado!

Mix it Up

Once the babies developed a larger repertoire of safe foods, we began introducing hybrids.  It really helps make some of the less favorable foods more appetizing to them.  For example, Mason choked up plain carrots, but carrots + apple were a winner!  He practically cried for me to feed this combo to him faster.  Some favorite hybrids are avocado + mango, apple + banana, avocado + banana, and apple + carrot.  As they expand their palates, we will have new creations to try.

Even though we like to mix up hybrids, I keep all pureed food pure.  First, I blend up a single veggie or fruit in the ninja then pour it into silicone ice cube trays (each cube is one ounce).  When they are frozen, I pop them into gallon size bags and label them.  Voila!  If I want a baby food cocktail, I pull out whatever cubes of puree I want, toss them into a bowl together, thaw them, then stir well.  It leaves a lot of flexibility to what we serve.

Frozen avocado cubes plus frozen mango cubes become a baby delicacy.

Frozen avocado cubes plus frozen mango cubes become a baby delicacy.

Use Heavy Bibs

We started spoon feeds using large plastic bibs that could be easily wiped clean.  However, Rylin (and sometimes Harper) found it highly entertaining to wear their food.  Rylin would literally pull her bib over her face and smear the food all over.  She ended up with food caked in her eyebrows and eyelashes.  I quickly replaced the original bibs with heavier silicone bibs.  I still tuck the bibs into their seats, but they have much more trouble pulling them up and smattering food everywhere.  Also, the new bibs can be rinsed in the sink with warm water…no rag needed!

Rylin just loved rubbing food all over her face, especially with airy lightweight bibs.

Rylin just loved rubbing food all over her face, especially with airy lightweight bibs.

Here is Rylin after a feed with her new bib!

Here is Rylin after a feed with her new bib!  She’s still trying to grab it, but she can’t smear her food like before.

Create a Diversion

It can be tricky spoon feeding four babies alone and even situating everyone in their seat takes a good five minutes.  The babies tend to become antsy and fussy if settling in the table or getting the next bite takes too long.  Harper becomes especially impatient when he’s ready for more food.  I found that diversions work great!  Sometimes, Elmo provides a bit of table side entertainment and sometimes my off-key singing does the trick.  I am totally tone-deaf and perhaps the word’s worst singer, but the babies don’t care a bit.  They LOVE hearing my rendition of Cum Ba Ya!

Elmo is one talented little monster.

Elmo is one talented little monster.  It is a bit irritating when he starts demanding his bongo drums instead of his tambourine though. At least he says, “Please”.

Keep Little Hands Busy

With spoon feeds, babies just love to grab at bowls and spoons.  They see something novel coming towards them and they simply must grab.  Babywise recommends teaching them “no hands”.  I have two problems with this 1. Try telling eight hands controlled by four independent thinkers “no hands” as they all grab simultaneously.  (Unless you are an octopus yourself, it’s tricky!) 2. We want to foster independence in the babies whenever possible.  There will be a day not too far away that we want the babies to feed themselves.  So, instead of saying “no hands”, we give the babies a short-handled plastic spoon to hold.  They enjoy gnawing at them and sometimes practice feeding themselves.  I also help them take some bites from the spoon I’m holding.  They no longer grab the spoon used for feeding without help.

The boys are notorious spoon grabbers. They enjoy teething on a plastic one though.

The boys are notorious spoon grabbers. They enjoy teething on a plastic one though.

Color Code

I am not in the least bit concerned about the babies sharing germs.  It’s pretty much a given that pacifiers, bottles, and even spoons will get swapped from time to time.  However, when we spoon feed the babies we use individual bowls and spoons.  This helps us make sure they are given equal opportunities for spoon feeds.  If we used just one bowl and spoon, some babies (ahem, Harper) would get the lion’s share while other babies (Hello, Sydney) would get one bite at best.  In order to keep it all straight, I use a color code system.  Each baby has a color or two that is always used for that baby and not the others.

I am always trying to figure out the best way to do this, here are some options I’ve tried:

Here is my twin feeding tray. It does a good job of housing all four bowls, but I don't like that you have to use baby food tubs since we make our own food.

Here is my twin feeding tray. It does a good job of housing all four bowls, but I don’t like that you have to use baby food tubs since we make our own food.

George helped me with this feed so we each kept track of two colored bowls. This is some of our mango avocado medley.

George helped me with this feed so we each kept track of two colored bowls. This is some of our mango avocado medley.

Here is a divided plate with different colored spoons. It works relatively well, but of course I can't find a plate with FOUR sections.

Here is a divided plate with different colored spoons. It works relatively well, but of course I can’t find a plate with FOUR sections.

 

Once we’ve fully mastered spoon feeds with purees, it will inevitably be time to start finger foods!

Of course, all spoon feeds with the quads are much easier thanks to our Quad Table! I thought this angle was hilarious.

Of course, all spoon feeds with the quads are much easier thanks to our Quad Table! I thought this angle was hilarious.

Hugs!

Amber

 

 

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #4

Amber 10 Comments

Wowzers!  Is it really Thursday already???  Seriously, with four babies at home time literally FLIES!

1. Our Occupational Therapist, Laurie came this week for one of our bi monthly sessions.  She was impressed with how well everyone is spoon-feeding and how the quad table works.  One concern I had was that Rylin still does not tolerate tummy time well.  Laurie taught me a new way to do modified tummy time with a chair cushion.  It gets Rylin up on her knees and working her core and neck muscles in a new way.

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2. Lily has been trying very hard this week to convince us that we actually have quints and she is the fifth baby.  Wherever the babies are, Lily is close by.  We have been working on teaching the babies to pet her gently.  They just love touching her and do pretty well with close supervision.  Lily also has been doing very well with them and tolerates all of their squeals and erratic movements.  We try to praise her often and pet her so she doesn’t feel neglected.

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This picture just makes me happy. Rylin's smile is absolutely contagious.

This picture just makes me happy. Rylin’s smile is absolutely contagious.

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3. The quads turned seven months old yesterday.  At seven months, most of the six month clothes are getting snug and we moved up to size three diapers (except on Sydney of course). Everyone is officially teething and Mason even has two teeth erupting.  Mason is still the only roller, but we are working on it with the other three.  During every wake time, I entice them with novel toys and nudge them a bit, but no takers on the rolling.  We are also starting to work on sitting with less support.  Rylin and Harper occasionally balance on their own, we just provide a safety net in case they tip backwards.   They are soaring with spoon feeds and beginning to cry for me to feed them faster!

Here's the obligatory monthly crib photo. I was so excite4d they finally fit into their Quad Squad onsies given to us by a fellow quad mama.

Here’s the obligatory monthly crib photo. I was so excited they finally fit into their Quad Squad onsies given to us by a fellow quad mama.

What little things happened at your  house?

Hugs!

Amber

Coping with Baby Gear x Four

Amber 11 Comments

With four babies in our house, we have a colossal amount of baby gear.  It’s not that we have four of everything, but we have everything one baby would need plus multiples of many items.  George and I both like things tidy and organized and we pride ourselves in having a cozy home.  Having enough baby gear to rival the nearest Children’s Courtyard would cramp our style; if we let it.  After all, it is our home; we just happen to share it with our four babies and two fur babies.  We’ve gone to great lengths to maintain some semblance of decor and normalcy for ourselves.  We tend to become overstimulated by too much stuff, especially obnoxiously bright baby items that become eye sores.  When registering for large items, I chose neutral colored swings and bouncy seats rather than the bold traditional ones.  I prefer for those things to sort of blend in with the rest of our furniture rather than taking center stage.  We started out with a few primary colored loaner items that I just could not handle so we promptly returned them.  I’m sure our visitors would agree our home still resembles a home daycare center, but I think we do a decent job keeping things comfortable for adults too. We’ve found a few ways to cope with all the new gear inhabiting our home.

Before the babies arrival, George expanded a tiny linen closet to go underneath our stairs.  It’s become a haven for baby toys and gear.  During the day, I rotate the babies toys so that there’s never too much out at once and to keep things interesting and fresh for the babies. 

This is the closet where baby toys find sanctuary. During naps, I store previously used ones in here and take out new ones for the next play session. The closet may be jam packed, but at least we don't have to contend with ALL of the contents ALL day!

This is the closet where baby toys find sanctuary. During naps, I store previously used ones in here and take out new ones for the next play session. The closet may be jam packed, but at least we don’t have to contend with ALL of the contents ALL day!

I LOVE baskets! Whenever I find a several of anything, I usually find a basket to contain them. Baskets keep things tidy and camoflauge unsightly clutter. Notice I actually have a basket for booger removal tools!

I LOVE baskets! Whenever I find a several of anything, I usually find a basket to contain them. Baskets keep things tidy and camoflauge unsightly clutter. Notice I actually have a basket for booger removal tools!

Here’s what you might see unfolding during a typical day at our house:

Here, we have three play mats out so everyone can bat and kick toys. I don't like these out too much though because they seem to discourage rolling.

Here, we have three play mats out so everyone can bat and kick toys. I don’t like these out too much though because they seem to discourage rolling.

Here everyone except Rylin is trying tummy time. That chick still hates being on her tummy!

Here everyone except Rylin is trying tummy time. That chick still hates being on her tummy!

I find that the babies explore more and have more opportunites to roll and scoot if I spread out a variety of interesting toys on the quilt. I don't think it was concidental that Mason began rollinw when I left more space on the quilt.

I find that the babies explore more and have more opportunities to roll and scoot if I spread out a variety of interesting toys on the quilt, but not too many.  I don’t think it was coincidental that Mason began rolling when I left more space on the quilt.

We only have two saucesrs and babies take turns in them. There is no need for everyone to be in a saucer at once.

We only have two saucers and babies take turns in them. There is no need for everyone to be in a saucer at once.  I also stash several of our bouncers and small swings away so we never have more than a few out at once.  I set up Boppy pillows at the end of play time for the next feed.

 

Below the television used to house fragile knick nacks and picture frames. When the babies came home, we replaced all of them with baskets. This allows us to store bibs, burb cloths, and toys without anyone seeing all that clutter. Also, when the babies are mobile all items in the baskets are safe for them.

Below the television used to house fragile nick knacks and picture frames. When the babies came home, we replaced all of them with seagrass baskets. This allows us to store bibs, burp cloths, and toys without anyone seeing all that clutter.  Also, when the babies are mobile all items in the baskets are safe for them.

After the babies go to bed, we put away all of the toys and roll up the quilt. I just love seeing our beautiful rug and cozying up on the couch with Sasha and Lily. When all of the baby clutter is stowed away for the night, Sasha and Lily dart around as if to say, “We’re free!” They romp around and bark at each other. Don’t get me wrong we love the babies and playing with them, but we also love having a den where we can retreat and unwind at the end of a the day where we don’t feel boxed in by baby gear.

Of course the large baby gear is still out, but see how nicely all of the toys tuck away into the baskets?

Of course the large baby gear is still out, but see how nicely all of the toys tuck away into the baskets?

After the babies go to bed, we put away all of the toys and roll up the quilt. I just love seeing our beautiful rug and cozying up on the couch with Sasha and Lily. When all of the baby clutter is stashed for the night, Sasha and Lily come at as if to say, "We're free!" They romp around and bark at each other. Don't get me wrong we love the babies and playing with them, but we also love having a den where we can retreat and unwind at the end of a the day.

 

What would you do with baby gear multiplied by four?

hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #3

Amber 5 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day!  It’s been another whirlwind of a week, so much happening in such a little bit of time!  This week we celebrated a few little things so we’re linking up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus again for The Little Things Thursdays.

1. Here is the artwork that’s been decorating our hallway this month.

A little heart art courtesy of eight baby feet!

A little heart art courtesy of eight baby feet!

2. The babies received their first Valentine’s Day cards from our friends Billie and Bob.  They enjoyed looking at eating them.

The babies received their first Valentine cards and enjoyed looking (or um, eating) them.

3. We introduced the babies to bubbles this week. They tried grabbing them and were dismayed when they vanished.  Can you figure out which baby is missing from this picture?

We introduced the babies to bubbles this week. Mason tried grabbing them and was dismayed when they vanished.

4. For the first time ever, Sydney put her hands ON her bottle. She of course has not done it since this photo was taken, but hey she can do it.

For the first time ever, Sydney put her hands ON her bottle. She of course has not done it since this photo was taken, but hey she can do it!

5. Spoon feeding proved a bit treacherous for Rylin this week.  We suspect she has a carrot allergy or sensitivity.  We introduced carrots to the babies Sunday and Monday evening she had red splotches on her face.  She hasn’t had carrots since Monday evening and the red splotches have since disappeared.  She also started a habit of rubbing her bib on her face during feeds, which becomes rather messy.  When I put her to bed Tuesday evening, I realized she still had butternut squash in her eyebrows!  We tried tucking her bib into her chair, using a smaller bib or a larger big, and clipping it to the seat, all to no avail.  I eventually bought her a silicone bib and we tuck it into her seat.  It’s enough heavier that it stays put and her face is much cleaner!

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6.  Since Mason is the master of rolling over, he’s begun a few other tricks this week.  He started pushing up on his hands and wiggling his feet, he practiced being Super Baby, reached out to the toys on the Exersaucer, and today discovered he can grab things with his feet!  He’s been demonstrating how to roll over for his siblings, but they don’t seem to have any interest in that trick.  If they don’t get busy, Mason will literally be crawling all over them!

Here's Mason showing off

Here’s Mason showing off his new skills.

7. I just love it when the babies “share” toys.  It looks like Harper is thinking about pushing up on those arms…almost!

Brotherly love

Brotherly love

What little things did you do this week?

hugs!

Amber

How do you do it?

Amber 12 Comments

Whether we are out with all four babies or going about or daily lives alone, we are often asked, “How do you do it?” or are told, “You are amazing!”  I’ll admit, we love the flattery and ego boost.   Yes, we were given an amazing challenge and blessing of raising four same age children, but that doesn’t mean we are amazing.  We are usually just doing what needs to be done to the best of our ability everyday.  With that in mind, I began wondering what helps us accomplish all of the things that must be done on a daily basis while maintaining some degree of sanity.   I chalk it up to these things:

Organization & Planning

George and I are both Type A personalities.  Long before the quads, we kept everything well-organized.  Our house is by no means spotless, but it is organized for the most part.  Everything has a place and we try to keep all things in place (we get out of sorts if things are left out).  We have systems for the most efficient means of accomplishing daily tasks from bottle washing to feeding four simultaneously.  Some of our systems took a bit of ingenuity (e.g. quad feeding table and diaper chute) and time to figure out the logistics.  We’ve also learned to triage our to-do lists.  Somethings are non-negotiable such as preparing feeds, but other things like laundry may take a back seat.  Sometimes we take short cuts such as cleaning with Clorox wipes and the Swiffer Vac too!

Mason, Sydney, Rylin, Harper

Mason, Sydney, Rylin, Harper trying the quad table for the first time.

I started creating pages explaining some of our systems in case other parents of multiples want to give them a whirl and so someday we can look back at all that we’ve been doing to stay afloat.  Yesterday I found a purple funnel in our kitchen cabinet and told George, “Hey, I didn’t know we had a funnel.  I could have used it a few days ago.”  He said, “Oh yeah, we bought that when the babies came home.”  Neither of us have a clue what that funnel is for!  I guess it was for some system we had a while back.

Here are a few resources:

Making Formula by the Batch- https://fourtoadore.wordpress.com/resources/making-formula-by-the-batch/

Feeding and Developmental Charts- https://fourtoadore.wordpress.com/resources/charts/

Must Haves for Babies (Multiples Edition)- https://fourtoadore.wordpress.com/resources/must-haves-for-babies-multiples-edition/

Sleep Training

We could not survive with round the clock feeds every three hours and stealing sleep in 1-2 hour increments for long.  We soon learned how to sleep train the babies.  I read two books about how to this, Babywise and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins.  We adopted concepts from both books, talked to other parents, and melded it into something that worked for our quads.  Having babies that nap relatively well AND sleep all night is the secret to accomplishing anything besides direct baby care.  They generally take three 1-2 hour naps.  At this point, the babies take their final bottle at about 7:45/8:00 pm and sleep 10-11 hours.  Very rarely do we hear a peep out of them in the night.  The only downside is that after they go to sleep for the night, we get a bit overzealous and try to tackle WAY too many projects.  I often notice it’s midnight and I’m yet to go to bed myself.  That’s when the Keurig is a handy tool.  I now understand what people mean when they say, “I NEED my coffee!”

HoM MoMs and DoMs

Wonder what that means?  It’s some cute little acronyms for High Order Multiples (HoM) Moms of Multiples (MoMs) and Dads of Multiples (DoMs).   Connecting with others raising high order multiples (triplets or more) absolutely keeps us sane.  We are both part of online forums for moms/ dads of quads or more.  These other parents help normalize raising quads, encourage us to try new things, give us great tips, and give us good laughs too.  It’s not uncommon for me to shoot a text or email to another MoM about a frustrating day or to ask about a feed or nap.   Because of these people, we often forget that it’s atypical to do things such as make the entire can of formula in a day.  And…sometimes we are able to buy secondhand gear for multiples such as our Runabout from them!

The Village

Whenever people discover we have quadruplets, they often snidely say, “I hope you have A LOT of help.”  I smuggly reply, “Not as much as you think.”  That is mostly true.  We do not have an entourage, a nanny, or an army of volunteers, but we do not do this completely alone either.  Three to four days of the week I am on my own.  George and I are always home together on Sundays, but I go to work two days a week too.  Those two days per week are when the reinforcements come.  It takes two babysitters each day while I work to manage the fort.  One day per week, my father in law and aunt in law come to the rescue while the other day my mom and her sidekick, Terri (or sometimes Billie) keep tabs on the babies.  Recently, my friend, Jen started coming every other Tuesday evening to help me while I’m here.  It’s usually the time when we are managing a spoon feed, baths, dinner, and other pesky chores.  In addition to our regular baby wranglers, we sometimes find friends or relatives who babysit so we can go on dates!  Those times are few and far between, but greatly appreciated.  I am constantly baffled when these people leave our home and thank us for letting them come.   Thank us???  I always reply, “NO THANK YOU!!!!”

Carol feeding HarperGeorge feeding Mason

Carol feeding Harper
George feeding Mason

Left: Nisey with Rylin Right: Billie with Mason

Left: Nisey with Rylin
Right: Billie with Mason

Terri & Rylin

Terri & Rylin

Teamwork

George and I are a team in this journey.  Neither of us could manage it without the constant support from the other.  We each have our specialty baby care tasks.  For example, I tackle baths while he makes all of the feeds.  We both work in tandem do the other stuff.  George never complains about changing the millionth diaper or managing tiny clothes, and he doesn’t grumble when I leave him alone to run errands.  Sometimes to keep it interesting, we “race” each other to complete baby cares.  For example, one time we each took a nursery and raced to see who could change their babies first.  I won that one, but he wasn’t far behind.   George works full-time and I work part-time so we aren’t together 100% of the time, but we love the days best when we are home together.

Faith

Before we knew we were expecting quads, I often made comments such as, “I think we would be fine with twins, but anything more is SCARY!”  It never occurred to me that we may have high order multiples.   Despite that sentiment, I was oddly calm the day we saw all four heartbeats on our first ultrasound.  I somehow knew He was taking care of us and had bigger plans than we ever imagined.  Throughout the entire pregnancy and probably far beyond, everyone around us seemed to do all the worrying for us.  For the most part I never worried and never considered that all four babies being anything other than healthy.  I adopted this quote during the struggle with infertility, “Worrying does not empty today of it’s troubles….it empties tomorrow of it’s strength” – Mary Engelbreit.  Remembering that served me well then and continues to.  Many others around us continually worry about the financial burden four babies bring.  However, He always sees that our provisions are provided.  Thanks to the generosity of those around us and even some strangers, we have bought very few diapers, wipes, or cans of formula to date.   We’ve probably spent the same amount parents of a singleton or twins may, but not what we anticipated for having quads (thankfully!).  With each passing day, we give thanks to God for the gift of our precious babies and know we’re never alone.

Sydney, Harper, Mason & Rylin

Sydney, Harper, Mason & Rylin

So there you have it.  If you wonder how we’re still standing, these are the reasons why.

hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #2

Amber 20 Comments

This has been a BUSY week in Quadland so it’s our first post since last Thursday!  I’ve been working on another post, but I’m yet to finish that one.  We’re linking up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays again.  If you have spare time,  don’t forget to check out what little things were happening around the blogosphere this week.

Reflecting on our week, I realized I’ve been doing a good bit of online shopping and quite a few boxes arrived at our house this week.  Prior to having the babies I loved to bargain shop and would jaunt here and there seeking the best deals.  That is a bit tricky since it usually requires two babysitters for me to leave the house.  Hence, online shopping gets the job done.  I still bargain hunt just in a new fangled way.  I often check pricegrabber.com to see who has the best prices.  Waiting for all of our boxes of new stuff to arrive is plain fun!  Here’s what was new at our house this week:

1.  One staple of our babies’ wardrobes is Baby Legs.  They are FANTASTIC!  Every time we make a trip to the doctor, the babies don Onsies with coordinating Baby Legs.  When they need shots, we just pull the Baby Legs down a bit without having to finagle miniature pants and socks.  After the shots are done, we load them up and leave.  I’ve also figured out that Baby Legs work as lightweight jackets when we stroll around the neighborhood in our Runabout!

Harper and Sydney are modeling their Baby Legs here.

Harper and Sydney are modeling their Baby Legs here.

2. Now that the babies are eating real food, we have to prepare said food.  We’ve been experimenting with existing kitchen equipment including a Baby Bullet gifted to us, our old Magic Bullet, rice cooker, blender, and food processor.  These gadgets got the job accomplished, but very inefficiently.  For example, the Baby Bullet took 13 minutes to steam a single pear where we had a five pound bag to puree!  After some research we added two new appliances to our arsenal: The Ninja 1100 and 20 cup Aroma rice cooker/ steamer.  Both appliances are multi-purpose and we hope will grow with our family.  We gave them a test run last night and were able to process the pears in about 25 minutes, including cook time.

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3.  Sunday afternoon, I left George in charge of the babies and headed to Costco.  I picked up organic produce for baby food as well as a few other essentials.  Today the babies gave butternut squash a try and LOVED it!  I think we have a new family favorite along with bananas.  Rylin took thirds of this yummy concoction!

Sydney & Rylin

Sydney & Rylin

4. When the babies were in the NICU, the occupational therapist there introduced us to Wubbanub pacifiers.  Since then, each baby has used the same Wubbanub.  Recently, they have become sort of “security blankets” as the babies enjoy holding them and rubbing them on their faces or gnawing on the limbs.  One day I washed them and left them out to air dry.  This did not bode well with Mason who refused his nap until given a damp Wubbanub.  Thus, I ordered a second set for backups!

Top: Sydney & RylinBottom: Mason & Harper

Top: Sydney & Rylin
Bottom: Mason & Harper

5. As the babies began expressing interest in holding their bottles, I thought it might be time to try trainer cups.  I ordered a variety of different ones to experiment with and also pulled out some the babies received for Christmas.  I’ve been putting about an ounce of water in them and letting the babies try to pick them up.

Mason was the only one who seemed interested in the sippy cups.

Mason was the only one who seemed interested in the sippy cups today.

6. The weather here has been absolutely lovely.  Despite being February we had highs in the 70’s this week.  We’ve logged more time in the Runabout with this weather.  We use the sun shade, but the babies heads and faces are usually exposed to the harsh sunlight.  They have plenty of winter hats, but no sun hats.  So, I ordered some from The Children’s Place.  George chose a fedora for Harper and military hat for Mason while the girls got floppy sun hats.  They each modeled their hats today.  Sydney was a bit perplexed at the size of hers.  Apparently she will be able to wear it all summer long!

Clockwise from top:Harper, Sydney, Rylin, & Mason

Clockwise from top:
Harper, Sydney, Rylin, & Mason

What little things happened in your week?  Is there anything new at your house?

Hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment 1

Amber 10 Comments

Fellow quad mama, Rebecca, invited me to join her “The Little Things Thursdays” over at her blog, A Beautiful Ruckus:

http://www.abeautifulruckus.com/

During the week with quads, Rebecca realized there were numerous little moments that made the week special.  However, these moments weren’t always worthy of a full blog post.  Nor, is there enough time in a day to blog about every little moment that transpires in a day.  Hey, it’s challenging enough to post a full post on a weekly basis!  Thus, the idea of The Little Things Thursday emerged.  Every Thursday she posts snippets of the week’s happenings as a quick way to share with others and document for her family.  She also links up with other bloggers who do the same thing, document little things.  I’m so excited she invited us to join!  We’ve got plenty of these moments and no time to blog them all fully!  Here is our first installments of little things from this week:

1. Mason has become a Holy Roller!  He’s mastered the skill of rolling tummy to back and back to tummy.  If you put him down, he rolls.  He rolls on the floor, he rolls in his crib.  He rolls into things, including siblings.  So far, he’s the only roller in the bunch, but Sydney and Harper have been spotted rolling onto their sides.

Now that Mason is rolling over, we're having sibling tangle ups!

Now that Mason is rolling over, we’re having sibling tangle ups!  Rylin took the opportunity to kick her brother.

2. All of the sudden, the quads have an interest in holding (sort of) their own bottles!  YAY!  They don’t quite have the dexterity to hold a full bottle of formula.  However, they can hold bottles when the majority is drained.  We give Rylin about an ounce of prune juice in a NICU “kitten bottle” and discovered she can hold it herself.  Big girl!

Rylin learned to hold her own juice bottle in the morning.

Rylin demonstrating her mad juice drinking skills.

3. We started spoon feeds at the quad table George built.  We introduced a few fruit purees over the week with rice or oatmeal.  Spoon feeds were a bit daunting at first, but the quad table makes it so easy!

The taste of avocado brought Harper to tears!

The taste of avocado brought Harper to tears!

4. The babies usually wear Baby Legs or leggings.  However, we have all of these precious jeans we never seem to wear.  I broke them out for Aunt Cici’s visit on Sunday.

Everyone wore Baby Gap jeans for the first time.

Everyone wore Baby Gap jeans for the first time.

5. Mason has always been a social bug who loves to chat up everyone from visitors to siblings.  Today, he rolled over and discovered it’s just as fun to chatter with himself!

Mason discovered he's a dapper little fella!

Mason discovered he’s a dapper little fella!

6. Now that I am home with the babies most days, I spend A LOT of time in the den and so do the babies.  I realized that we’ve been living in a sea of brown.  We have a brown sofa, brown chairs, a brown coffee table, and of course brown hardwood floors.  For evenings after work it’s one thing, but ALL day in the brown was just too much.  This week I took charge of the brown.  I grabbed some paint and did a few DIY color splashes to brighten things up a bit.  I bought sea shells at Hobby Lobby and painted them chrome to fill a hurricane jar.  Then I took a beat up looking end table that was of course, brown and distressed it with a cheery aqua.  I also found a nice cream lamp from Home Goods for that table.  And, finally I spray painted a the brown picture frame above our mantle white.  I just love using paint for quick changes!

Here are the results.

Here are the results.

What little things did you do this week?  Don’t forget to drop by A Beautiful Ruckus to see what little things happened across the blogosphere.

hugs!

Amber