parenting

Daddy’s Weekend

Amber 2 Comments

Before I headed off to Gruene to meet up my quad mama friends, George had a trial run of being in charge. It went surprisingly well, which was a good thing because it made me feel confident leaving him for a whole weekend. While I knew he could handle the fort and he told me repeatedly he could do it alone, I rallied the troops.  Nisey came Thursday evening to spend the night just like she does every week.  On Friday, Nisey and her sidekick, Terri, cared for the quads while George worked.  Nisey and Terri sent me these precious snapshots from their day together.

20140505-221756.jpg

 

I haven’t the foggiest idea how she managed it, but Nisey put Rylin’s hair in legit pigtails.  I’ve since attempted to replicate this hairstyle and failed several times.

20140505-221809.jpg

 

 

I can’t be certain what happened the rest of the time I was away, but I found miscellaneous videos and pictures waiting for me on the camera….

IMG_9265

I can only assume there was a great toddler flick showing.  Elmo, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Baby Einstein or Bubble Guppies perhaps.  Nothing else could convince these three to sit perfectly still long enough for a snapshot.

IMG_9266

 

Sydney typically sings all day long until someone pushes “record” on a device, in which case all singing ceases.   George was able to ambush her before dinner and captured her ellusive version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and the Alphabet Song.  My favorite part is when she catches him recording and instructs him to turn it “off”.  He also managed to record a few other tricks courtesy of the quads.

 

Friday night, Nisey helped George get the quads to bed and then he was left to his own devices on Saturday morning.  Aunt CiCi and Matt came later in the afternoon as fresh troops. Again, George had assistance with bedtime, but managed the night and Sunday morning solo.  Early Sunday morning I received a panicked text from George because his morning help had to cancel.  He muddled just fine, but I think appreciated all the helpers I sequestered after all.  By lunchtime Sunday, George had fresh help and was able to run a few errands.  I believe he now understands why cherish running errands run alone and count them as “me time”.   Although these pictures show kiddos donning jammies, George texted me a few of the quads in coordinated outfits throughout the weekend.  I’m not posting them because they are so blurry the babies are almost unidentifiable.  Apparently no one was willing to strike a pose for Daddy.

IMG_9270

IMG_9271

 

Before returning home, I wanted to offer George a small token of my gratitude.  When Amber B. and I stopped at a favorite roadside stop, Buc-ee’s, I immediately cruised the candy aisle in search of George’s beloved sour belts.  When I found a bag of “Sour Power Quattro” I knew it was meant to be!

IMG_9279

 

While I had a spectacular time in Gruene, I was ready to return home to George and my littles.  I was gone just long enough to really miss them.  When I opened the door, the dogs excitedly greeted me with wagging tails and excited yelps.  Rylin rushed to the gate exclaiming, “Mommy!  Mommy!  Mommy!”, but I’m not sure the other three noticed my return at all.  Apparently Elmo was far more exciting than Mommy.  I was slightly disappointed that the welcoming committee’s lackadaisical attitude, but I know George was more than ready for my return.

 

hugs!

 

Amber

Toddler Tips #701: Civilized Dining (sort of)

Amber 1 Comment
With each passing day, I find myself trying to solve some new challenge with raising four toddlers, aka “quaddlers”. They are a cunning lot who inspires a little ingenuity on my part (and George’s) just to manage day to day life. While my ideas are born from being surrounded by four toddlers, I think many of them could be helpful to any parents of little ones so I'm sharing.

With each passing day, I find myself trying to solve some new challenge with raising four toddlers, aka “quaddlers”. They are a cunning lot who inspires a little ingenuity on my part (and George’s) just to manage day to day life. While my ideas are born from being surrounded by four toddlers, I think many of them could be helpful to any parents of little ones so I’m sharing.

 

We are far from a perfect mealtime at our house, but we are diligently working on it.  At around 15 months we began serving the babies meals on plates (we ordered the Boon Saucer Edgelesss Stayput Divider Plate, Multi
as seen on Texas Tales), and we gave them toddler utensils.  At that age, they refused to let us spoon feed them, and attempted to self feed by grabbing our spoons.  They didn’t yet have the dexterity to feed themselves with utensils and instead relied upon finger feeding.  Dinner finally became family mealtime where all six of us ate at the quad table, which allowed us to model utensil use for the quads.  It wasn’t long before they made crude attempts at spearing and scooping food.  Despite their interest level and best efforts, the process was frustrating to say the least.  They’d chase their food and poke, but rarely got food onto their forks.   I bought metal toddler forks, but they are so dull even I struggled to stab food.  Sydney’s Occupational Therapist suggested using cocktail forks instead of toddler forks.   The next time I was out shopping, I scoured Home Goods and found a four pack of cocktail forks that closely matched our flatware.  I couldn’t resist buying the matching cocktail spoons as well even though they probably weren’t necessary.

 

I scored these at TJ Maxx for $6.99. They are a close match to our flatware so I could probably use them as cocktail forks if we ever had a cocktail party.

Since these are a close match to our flatware so I could probably use them as cocktail forks if we ever had a cocktail party.  If that ever happens.

 

I excitedly presented the new forks at our next dinner.  The results were magical.  With small, yet sharp utensils, the quads easily speared food AND the food stayed on their forks.  They were so proud of their newly acquired skill that they beamed.  We’ve been using cocktail forks for a few months now, and for the most part the quads use their forks instead of fingers.  It’s still messy, but I attribute better success to our new forks.  I wouldn’t recommend offering cocktail forks to very young toddlers since they are a little sharp.  They are probably best for toddlers who have the concept of self feeding and won’t poke their hands or faces.  I might start with spoons and when the concept is mastered, offer cocktail forks.

They are messy, but really using their new forks!

They are messy, but successfully using their new forks!  In the picture, Rylin is using her right hand, but 95% of the time she uses her left and does a much better job when using the left.  I wonder if she’l be a lefty.

 

Are you left handed or right handed?

 

Hugs!

 

Amber

Pink-Blue-Purple-Green

Amber 15 Comments

At some point before the babies’ birth, they were assigned colors: pink, blue, purple, and green.  As we began receiving baby gifts they were often in pink, blue, purple, green so I naturally assigned colors.  It helps us keep track of what paraphernalia belongs to each little person: cups, toothbrushes, or whatever.  Anything that comes in those four colors will be assigned.  We’ve done so much color assigning, the babies know their own colors, and the colors of their siblings.  At one point, I noticed that Mason developed an affinity for orange so I tried to assign him a new color.  It did not go over well.  When I gave him an orange straw cup, he handed it back to me saying, “No. No. No.”  When I switched it for his green one, he grinned then gulped his milk as usual.  I find myself choosing things for the babies based upon whether or not they come in the four assigned colors.  Easter baskets were no different.  Since the quaddlers are old enough to participle in an egg hunt, I wanted to buy them sturdy baskets that would last for a few years.

One afternoon, Nisey and I took the quads on a field trip to Hobby Lobby to choose Easter baskets.  There, we found an aisle almost solely devoted to Easter baskets.  I glazed over at the selection of baskets spanning from floor to ceiling.  White baskets with gingham liners immediately grabbed my attention.  They were adorable!  Except one thing.  They came in pink, purple, and blue.  No green.  There was no way I was buying both Mason and Harper blue baskets so I searched for more.  I feasted my eyes on yet another style, oval baskets in cheery pastels.  Yellow. Pink. Purple.  Aqua.  Arghhhh.  Nisey and I talked about buying spray paint to get all four colors, and then I spotted “the ones”.  Sturdy willow baskets in each of the assigned colors.  Hallelujah!  I snatched them up as fast as I could because they had exactly one of each color.  There was no way I was letting another Hobby Lobby shopper snatch one of my baskets.  Over the next few weeks, the babies took turns joining me on various shopping trips.  They are at the right age where they helped select Easter basket fillings, but didn’t get too attached or remember they picked out their own gifts.  The evening before Easter, I stuffed each basket and lined them up on our hearth.

Not only do I assign colors, but I also still like to put things in birth order. I suppose it helps me keep things organized, and gives me the illusion of control.

Not only do I assign colors, but I also still like to put things in birth order. I suppose it helps me keep things organized, and gives me the illusion of control.

 

After breakfast, we opened the gate from the breakfast nook, allowing the quads to locate their own baskets.  They gleefully charged to the hearth where they zeroed in on their own basket, dumping contents everywhere.

The babies knew exactly whose basket was whose. They still checked out the contents of the other baskets, however.

The babies knew exactly whose basket was whose. They still checked out the contents of the other baskets, however.

While three babies entertained themselves with new toys, my little Houtdini opened every last egg to release the hidden jelly beans.

While three babies entertained themselves with new toys, my little Houdini Harper opened every last egg to release the hidden jelly beans and he ate 90% of them.  I put just one jelly bean in each egg, and only gave each baby five so it wasn’t too many, but still.

Easter 20141

 

Following festivities at home, we headed to Nisey and Grandpa’s house for a family lunch and egg hunt.  My cousins, Seth and Ryan, collaborated with the Easter Bunny to make sure the egg hung was at “beginner level”, meaning the eggs were all in plain sight.  Everyone grabbed their own basket and headed out for the hoopla.  Only some didn’t see reason to keep their basket, and instead darted around the yard snatching eggs.  This style posed a problem after there were more than two eggs though.

 

This little lady was on a mission to locate every last egg.

This little lady was on a mission to locate every last egg, and she dutifully toted her basket everywhere.

Harper was pretty good at finding eggs. He just didn't see any reason to bother carrying his basket.

Harper was pretty good at finding eggs. He just didn’t see any reason to bother carrying his basket.

It's a good thing, Dad didn't mind toting Harper's basket..

It’s a good thing, Dad didn’t mind toting Harper’s basket..

Sydney was content finding a single egg and carrying the contents around the yard. She could not have cared less about hunting eggs.

Sydney was content finding a single egg and carrying the contents around the yard. She could not have cared less about hunting eggs.

Mason wasn't going to let Rylin have all the eggs. He gave her a run for her money.

Mason wasn’t going to let Rylin have all the eggs. He gave her a run for her money as he filled his basket too.

IMG_9200

And....the final egg count.

And….the final egg count.

 

Last Easter, Nisey bought each of the quads a pair of bunny ears and we attempted a family picture with them.  It didn’t go as planned.  We attempted the same scene this year and the quads were highly disagreeable.  They insisted that Mommy and Daddy wear the ears instead.  We obliged, but no one sat still for even a quick snap.

IMG_9183

Bunny ears literally brought Sydney and Harper to tears!

Easter 2014

 

 

We enjoyed a lovely day with our family, especially given the gorgeous weather.  Despite the four ring circus, we didn’t forget the real occasion, Jesus’ Resurrection.   There is no better reason to celebrate than that!

 

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..

 

Happy Easter!

 

Amber

A Golden Hour

Amber 7 Comments

Just when I thought spring was here to stay, Mother Nature threw a curve ball.  Once again, the temperature dropped about 30 degrees with drizzle, successfully holding us as hostages indoors.  ARGH!!!  To top it off, Mason and I both have an irritating cough.  Consequently, he’s extremely clingy, needy, and whiny today.   If I could, I’d snuggle him up and read or watch movies all day long.  Yet, the other three babies crave enrichment and attention.  I’m sorry, Mason, unfortunately it’s not a snuggle all day sort of day.

A few weeks ago, I stocked up on Target One Spot items, some for the quad’s Easter baskets, and some for rainy days like today.    After that particular haul, I attempted to execute a craft that I saw on Texas Tales that involved gluing pom poms onto Easter themed die cuts.  Similar aged quads managed it, I expected similar results.  It didn’t go as planned.  At all.  I dotted glue on the shapes and directed the babies to stick their pom poms.  They dutifully stuck their pom poms onto the glue.  It started out well.  Then they proceeded to remove the pom poms and smear the glue everywhere.  Or, in Harper’s case to attempts at eating the pom poms.  Feeling deflated, I scooped up all components of this activity and stuffed them into our craft box for another day.

Today it was time to revisit the pom poms, but not as the original craft.   Instead, I pulled out our old baby food making ice trays.   I gave each of the babies a tray and a handful of pom poms, directing them to put the pom poms into the squares.  For a good five to ten minutes, they stayed in their toddler chairs as they stuffed pom poms into the trays, emptied them and refilled them.  I was delighted at that and really didn’t expect it to last beyond that.

This is how our activity began, at the coffee table with toddler chairs.

This is how our activity began, at the coffee table with toddler chairs.

Look closely and you'll see how each of the quads approached this task in their own way. Some put one pom pom in each cube while others stuffed several into the same cube.

Look closely and you’ll see how each of the quads approached this task in their own way. Some put one pom pom in each cube while others stuffed several into the same cube.

Amazingly, these pom poms continued to entertain the quads for a full HOUR!  Say what?  Naturally, they didn’t sit at the table for an hour, but they found an array of ways to play with the pom poms and enjoyed every minute of it.  I actually think they would have happily played longer, but nap time was fast approaching.  The $2 I spent on pom poms was by far the best investment I’ve made in a while.  They created a golden hour for us on an otherwise dreary day.

 

After they had enough table time, the quads found new ways to play with their pom poms. Harper stacked them onto a chair.

After they had enough table time, the quads found new ways to play with their pom poms. Harper stacked them onto a chair.

Sydney piled them on her feet and kicked in delight.

Sydney piled them on her feet and kicked in delight.

Rylin stuffed a baggie with them.

Rylin stuffed a baggie with them.

Meanwhile, Mason filled an empty wipe box.

Meanwhile, Mason filled an empty wipe box.

 

 

What’s your favorite One Spot find?

hugs!

 

Amber

 

P. S. Pom poms are obviously choking hazards so this required some diligence on my part.  Surprisingly, Harper only tried to consume one pom pom and no one else even considered snacking on them.  A win in my book!

Snaggle Tooth

Amber 6 Comments

Our pediatrician recommends seeing the dentist between 18 months and age two.  I’ve been planning to take everyone for their first dental exam this summer, around their second birthday.  Plans changed last week.

Monday evening as George dressed Sydney in her pajamas, he gasped as he exclaimed, “What happened to Sydney’s tooth???”  My response, “I don’t know?  Is something wrong?”  Apparently the little monkey chipped a good portion of her front left tooth, but neither of us could recall when it happened.  Sydney isn’t the most graceful child, but neither of us knew of bump that would cause a chip of this size.  She was fussy that evening, but didn’t seem terribly bothered so I wasn’t panicked, but worried about it still.  The next day, I made an appointment with the pediatric dentist in our neighborhood to get it examined.  Nisey babysat the trio while I took Sydney to see the dentist.

Sydney rarely smiles, revealing her teeth. I snapped this on her 18 month birthday.

Sydney rarely smiles, revealing her teeth. I snapped this on her 18 month birthday.

IMG_9065

I tickled Sydney and got her to reveal her new and improved smile with the chip.

Sydney and I enjoyed a little individual time in the waiting room, but we weren’t there more than five minutes.  Dr. Roberts welcomed us and exuded a gentle demeanor well suited for little ones.   Despite Dr. Roberts’ friendly nature, Sydney does not appreciate anyone opening her mouth.  She protested with gusto squealing and thrashing angrily.  Nonetheless, Dr. Roberts got a good look at her teeth.  Thankfully, there was no nerve damage.  Sydney got a clean report plus a Cinderella toothbrush (coveted by Rylin) and pink dinosaur.  She will, however be a snaggle tooth until she loses that tooth and gets a permanent one in it’s place.    She’s  just as adorable as before the chip so I don’t foresee any problems for Sydney.

Noticing a bit of tooth shifting, Dr. Roberts inquired whether Sydney was thumb or pacifier sucker.  I admitted that Sydney still used her Wubbanub to help calm her sensory system.    I was prepared to use the justification our occupational therapist gave me, but it wasn’t necessary.  Without hesitation, Dr. Roberts warmly replied, “Let her have it!”  In fact, she said it’s preferable to allow a pacifier because parents can control their use.  Sydney may be Wubbanub dependent, but she’s only allowed to have it in bed, for sleeping or sensory breaks.  Her thumb goes with her everywhere, and I’m confident she’d pick up a serious thumb sucking habit if we took her Wubbanub now.

Sydney fell in love with her Wubbanub in the NICU, and continued to love it after she came home.

Sydney fell in love with her Wubbanub in the NICU, and continued to love it after she came home.

At 20 months, Sydney is still smitten with her Wubbanub. She now has a nice collection of hand me downs from her siblings.

At 20 months, Sydney is still smitten with her Wubbanub. She now has a nice collection of hand me downs from her siblings who are no longer interested.

Needing to go to the dentist for an “emergency” situation wasn’t ideal, but I enjoyed spending time with only Sydney.  Individual time is rare and always treasured.  After our visit, Sydney and I enjoyed a bit of retail therapy at Target.  I scored several items from the One Spot for the quad’s Easter baskets and a few household essentials.

20140407-214156.jpg

Sydney had fun trying this magenta feather boa on, and she wasn’t upset when we put it back on the rack. I would have loved to buy it for her, but this dress up accessory was $20! I think not.

20140407-214253.jpg

We captured a “selfie” before heading back home.

 

Have you ever experienced a dental “emergency”?

 

Hugs!

 

Amber

Pink Cake

Amber 6 Comments

The quads are beginning to make requests, some quite specific. All. The. Time.  While I love how their language is progressing, it also brings new challenges.  Often times, denials result in full throttle toddler tantrums with someone kicking and screaming for what seems like eternity.  Of course when one child is having tantrum, there are often bystanders who chime in.  Other times, there is no tantrum, but persistent requests that cannot be met.  I do relish when the request or the timing is humorous or downright adorable.

At 5:45 am, I heard Mason softly requested, “Drink, please.”  I wasn’t too keen on being up at 5:45 am, but I obliged this polite request.   Clearly, the kid knew he was parched and wanted his needs known.   When I presented him the desired drink, he replied, “Have it”, as he nodded in agreement.    Thankfully, he went right back to bed after hydrating.

After being in bed two hours, Sydney woke up saying , “Outside. Outside. Outside.” as she gleefully jumped in her crib.  Not the best time of day for playtime.  This time, we gently told her it was “night, night” and she settled.   Tantrum averted.

Harper’s new request, “Boogas”.  No, he doesn’t want boogers, he wants me to use his saline and nasal aspirator to remove his boogers, and he knows exactly what to do.

Harper insists on doing the saline on his own.

Harper insists on doing the saline on his own.

My favorite request to date, however, was Rylin’s for “Pink cake”.  A family friend gave her a Strawberry Shortcake magazine filled with pages of pink cakes adorned in strawberries and frosting.  This led Rylin to begin the request for “pink cake.”   Not white cake or yellow cake, this was for pink cake only.  She persisted for two days straight, and thankfully accepted many denials.  Finally, on day two, George caved and made his princess a pink cake from scratch.  This may be my favorite request to date because it was seriously tasty cake.  I’m secretly hoping she’ll request it again, I’d love another slice.

20140326-231216.jpg

Our cake wasn’t quite as ornate as the ones pictured in Rylin’s magazine, but it was really good. I served Rylin’s in a pink bowl for good measure.

 

 

 

Pink cake, anyone?

 

hugs,

 

Amber

 

Toddler Tips: Let’s Have Tea

Amber 21 Comments
With each passing day, I find myself trying to solve some new challenge with raising four toddlers, aka “quaddlers”. They are a cunning lot who inspires a little ingenuity on my part (and George’s) just to manage day to day life. While my ideas are born from being surrounded by four toddlers, I think many of them could be helpful to any parents of little ones so I'm sharing.

With each passing day, I find myself trying to solve some new challenge with raising four toddlers, aka “quaddlers”. They are a cunning lot who inspires a little ingenuity on my part (and George’s) just to manage day to day life. While my ideas are born from being surrounded by four toddlers, I think many of them could be helpful to any parents of little ones so I’m sharing.

When  Sydney was initially evaluated by ECI for speech delays, the speech pathologist asked how she was doing with open cups at meals.  SAY WHAT????  Seriously, I didn’t realize that at 15 months they should be drinking from an open cup (or at least trying).  I’m not sure what parents of singletons do, but as a mom of quadruplets, I was not about to let four toddlers loose with open cups at the table.  At that age they were practically catapulting spill proof straw cups across the room. In fact, at that age I believe we were using sippy cup straps.  Even though the quads were apparently deprived of an opportunity, the speech pathologist understood my plight.  She suggested letting them practice in the bathtub with cups so I wouldn’t have to contend with spills.

I thought about that, I really did.  However, germaphobe me just could not get past the notion of encouraging the babies to drink bath water.  Even though I try extremely hard to avoid urine in the water, I know they still pee in the tub.  Plus, they are taking a bath because they are smelly, sticky, and downright gross!  I could not do it.  Several months passed and I still had not allowed the babies to experiment with open cups at the table, or the bathtub for that matter.

When Sydney’s re-evaluation for speech came up at 19 months, the speech pathologist inquired about how she managed open cups again.  UGH!  I had to admit she (and the others) still weren’t given an opportunity.  I volunteered that with the warmer weather approaching we could start using the water table outside and could try cups then.   They’d still have their icky hands in the water, but at least I’d be sure there was no pee pee in their beverages.  That wouldn’t do, she wanted Sydney and her posse trying open cups.

IMG_8827

Together we decided a bathtub tea party would work perfectly.  Instead of encouraging them to drink the bath water, I filled a tea-pot with fresh, cold water.  I told the babies it was “time for tea”, passed out cups and filled each cup with a little fresh water.   All four babies drank happily, spilling very little.  When someone attempted to refill their own cup with bath water, I redirected them saying, “No, no, Mommy has tea here”, and refilled the cup myself.  In time, they poured “tea” into the water and made multiple attempts to drink the bath water, but I stuck to the plan.

I used color tabs to make the bath water blue so it would look different from the tea. I don't think the babies cared about that, however.

I used color tabs to make the bath water blue so it would look different from the tea. I don’t think the babies cared about that, however.

Bottoms up, Harper!

Bottoms up, Harper!

Ryin is a girl after my own heart, I also like sipping tea with a spoon.

Ryin is a girl after my own heart, I also like sipping tea with a spoon.

Of course, a tea party also includes the finest of fruits and pastries.

Of course, a tea party also includes the finest of fruits and pastries.

IMG_8840

After a while, Rylin started feeding Harper some of her tea.

After a while, Rylin started feeding Harper some of her tea.

We will continue having the occasional bathtub tea party until I’m brave enough to serve open cups at the dinner table, or perhaps the outdoor picnic table.  I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m considering filling the tea-pot with something other than water (e.g. decaf tea or juice) to encourage them to drink it and not refill on their own).   Out of necessity, I’ve been hostessing these tea parties on my own with all four babies at once.  However, I think we’d make more progress on bath nights when I have help and can bathe just one or two babies at a time.

Where’s your favorite spot to enjoy a cup of tea?

hugs!

Amber

A Day of Beauty

Amber 13 Comments

Several weeks, possibly months have passed since I realized the boys needed their first haircuts.  George willingly would have taken the task on himself, but I wasn’t about to let him chop at their baby locks.   Last spring, I allowed him to snip the girls bangs and it was slightly disastrous.  His handiwork ended up as super short, blunt bangs that took months to grow out.  I cannot cut along a straight line on paper so I wasn’t going to attempt any scissor work.    This was clearly a job for professionals.

Mason's hair had a disheveled appearance most of the time prior to his cut.

Mason’s hair had a disheveled appearance most of the time prior to his cut.

I knew of three children’s salons in our area and began a little recon.  Do you have any idea what they charge for toddler cuts????  Both boys together would cost more than I pay for a cut and style with my stylist.  The bad news, these three salons were in cahoots.  The prices were exactly the same!  I did, however, find that Sweet & Sassy offers a discount on “Toddler Tuesday.”  Score!  Except I had one problem, I wasn’t about to take four toddlers to a salon on my own.  Reinforcements were needed.

Yet, most everyone we know is at work on a Tuesday.  I racked my brain trying to figure out who might be available.  Then, BAM!  My long time friend, and college room-mate, Kristen sent me a text.  She wanted to let me know that she and our other room-mate, Neha, wanted to spend Tuesday with the quads and me.  Sometimes things just work out.  I was totally stoked that my two buddies would be present for the boys’ first hair cuts, and I would have two extra sets of hands.  When the big day arrived, we all met up at the salon and maneuvered two double strollers through the glitzy salon.  The entire store front was jam-packed with sparkly fashions, accessories, and make up.  Clearly this joint is suited for the girliest of girls, but thankfully they offer boy hair cuts too. IMG_8889

We checked in and found that each of the boys had his own stylist.  Harper is generally the most content of the babies so I plopped him in the chair first.  Maria fitted him with a cape and the tantrum ensued.  Harper squealed as if his skin were being scalded with napalm.  It was horrific.  Meanwhile, our resident “Drama King”, Mason, happily sat in his chair as Morgan snipped and shaped his strawberry brown mop.  I expected that someone may be unhappy so I came armed with a variety of toys and Annie’s cheddar bunnies.  Harper was having none of it.  He continued wailing and sobbing with increasing intensity. It wasn’t long before Maria suggested I give him a lollipop.  It sounded like a good distraction, only I didn’t bring lollipops.  Maria pointed to a gorgeous display of gourmet flavored lollipops molded into a variety of shapes.  I cautiously selected one in the lightest shade, bracing myself for the potential price tag on said lollipop.  Considering I was purchasing sale hair cuts, I hated the idea of paying a hefty penny for a piece of candy.  However, we desperately needed something to help calm Harper.  I happily presented the lollipop to Harper and he refused.  Instead, Mason enjoyed every last lick.

Even though Harper was in hysterics the entire twenty minutes of his hair cut, Maria worked without missing a beat.  In fact, it was proof that there’s a reason toddler cuts don’t come cheap, these dear people are worth every penny. Once Harper’s cut was done, we unfastened his cape and the tears magically stopped flowing.  The next time we go in, we may nix the cape if that means we’ll have a happy child.  Both boys looked quite handsome in the end.  As soon as we loaded everyone back into the strollers, the girls were each offered a lollipop, and I realized they were complimentary.  Whew!

first hair cuts first hair cuts1

Don't they look dapper?

Don’t they look dapper?

After his torture treatment was complete, Harper appreciated his lollipop much more.

After his torture treatment was complete, Harper appreciated his lollipop much more.

The girls waited patiently the entire time and therefore earned their lollipops too.

The girls waited patiently the entire time and therefore earned their lollipops too.

The weather was stunning so our little quadventure continued.  Neha, Kristen, and I let the quads romp around the town square fountain.  They had a blast running freely, however redirecting them from the street was no cake walk.  We then enjoyed a little time in Earthbound Trading Co. where there were plenty of toys to explore.  Following our time exploring, we hit up Cristina’s Tex Mex because kids eat free on Tuesday!  It turned out to be a lovely day with some special friends.

Neha was impressed to find the babies can label most any animal, including iguana and produce the corresponding sound. Mason was impressed with this owl puppet, which boasted moving eyes and beak.

Neha was impressed to find the babies can label most any animal, including iguana and produce the corresponding sound. Mason was impressed with this owl puppet, which boasted moving eyes and beak.

IMG_8934

 

What service do you appreciate even if the price seems a bit hefty?

 

hugs! Amber

Southern Hospitality

Amber 1 Comment

This week the quads welcomed our friend, Sara’s new baby into our home.  To date, they’ve had a few opportunities to play with other babies younger than themselves, but Emma was by far our youngest visitor.  The quads enjoy admiring babies in public, reading about them in books, and caring for dolls, but I wasn’t sure how well they’d actually interact with an infant.  From the moment they laid eyes on Emma, they were enamored.  At first, they curiously peered at her through our baby gate.  Then, they crept up close as I held Emma.  In typical toddler fashion, they mercilessly fought among each other over coveted toys.  Thankfully, they behaved differently with Emma.  Each of the quads took turns generously presenting Emma with plastic food and sips of tea.  It was quite the display of southern hospitality.  Initially, they were a bit too loud and rowdy for an infant, but with reminders, they tamed things down and proved themselves capable of being gentle with a wee one.

IMG_8871

20140312-164653.jpg

Each of the quads spent time getting a closer look at Emma, but Rylin insisted on sitting right next to her. She was surprisingly obedient about only touching Emma’s feet.

Sydney also thought looking at pictures of Emma was fascinating.

Sydney also thought looking at pictures of Emma was fascinating.

I snapped at lightning speed to capture this one. Mason bolted shortly after.

I snapped at lightning speed to capture this one. Mason bolted shortly after.

 

In the next year or so, I think Emma will be a great play mate for the quads!

 

hugs,

 

Amber

A Few Good Toddler Reads

Amber 4 Comments

A few months back, I loyal reader informed me that Twiniversity, an online resource for parents of multiples, was seeking parents of quadruplets to contribute for them.  Being unfamiliar with Twiniversity, I curiously perused the site.  There, I found a wealth of information and tips for everyone to expectant parents to school aged children.  After learning what Twiniversity is about, I found myself submitting some of my favorite posts and pitching ideas to them.  To my delight, they thought I’d be a good fit for them.  With that I present my first piece for Twiniversity, Reading to Toddlers: Tips for Boosting Language.  I hope you’ll pop by Twiniversity to read my tips for yourself!

There's no better way to wind down for the day than with a bedtime story. The quads love to pile onto my lap together, and I'm enjoying it before they get too big.

There’s no better way to wind down for the day than with a bedtime story. The quads love to pile onto my lap together, and I’m enjoying it before they get too big.

Thinking about this post, I asked you to name your favorite children’s books. Many of your favorites, were also beloved in our home. You named several that were my childhood favorites that are not currently in our library, and I’m adding those to our wishlist.   On the top of the list, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!  I fondly recall the illustrator of that book coming to my elementary school and have loved that book since.  Here are our top 10 quaddler-approved books (in no particular order).

                                                             

                                                

 

                                                                                                                          

Do you have any of these books in your personal library?  What books would you add to this list of favorite books for toddlers?

happy reading!

Amber

Disclaimer: Four to Adore participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program, meaning that if you choose to purchase a product linked to Amazon, Four to Adore receives a small commission from the sale.   The proceeds of any sales are intended to help contribute to an educational fund for the quadruplets.