An Answer for Everything

January 23, 2016Amber 4 Comments

@FourtoAdore.com

I am constantly impressed with Rylin’s quick responses to life’s little conundrums. For three years old her insight is impeccable though sometimes a tad sassy.

When we entered the playgroup with our local school district, the teacher greeted the girls.

Teacher: “Rylin & Sydney you look so pretty in your purple clothes, and your nails are painted to match!”

Rylin: “Actually, my nails are fuchsia.” (and of course she was correct!)

Teacher: “I think she’s mastered colors.”

When Grandaddy and Aunt Carol were babysitting, Grandaddy was going to the grocery store. Harper begged to go too.

Grandaddy: “Harper, you can’t go because I don’t have a car seat for you.”

Rylin: “Next time, you could ask my mom and dad to leave a car seat so he can go.”

At birthday party another child spilled a cup full of water, which spread all over the table.

Rylin: “Little kids probably shouldn’t have open cups.”

Oh how this little lady is keeping us on our toes. She’s attentive to everything around her and is listening even when you think she’s not…

hugs!

Amber

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The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #29

August 22, 2013Amber 4 Comments

Thursday has rolled around once again. It’s time for us to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays. Each Thursday, we take time to reflect upon some of the little things that brightened our week.

1. Laughter is good for the soul, and the babies gift us plenty of laughter to fill our days. Sydney’s hair is getting longer by the day so I’ve begun pulling it into a side swept ponytail. We could not contain the laughter a few days ago when her hair stood straight up after the ponytail holder was removed. She seemed to think it was entertaining as well.

I think Sydney could star as "Cindy Lou Who" in the next Dr. Seuss flick.

I think Sydney could star as “Sydney Lou Who” in the next Dr. Seuss flick.

2. Keeping up with family tradition, my grandmother (GiGi to the babies) hosted a family birthday party honoring the babies. GiGi whipped up a family meal chock full of the babies favorite dishes (macaroni and cheese, steamed carrots, roast, and rolls). For dessert, Cici made scrumptious funfetti cupcakes. Now experienced with cake smashing, the babies demolished these cupcakes.

They each received a brightly wrapped package containing a tiny backpack filled with books. Reading is a beloved pastime in our family so I hope to instill a love of books in the babies now. Of their new reads, they especially enjoy the book, “Thank you, God for Puppies” by Tommy Nelson. They literally squeal when they spy it.

Grandma decorated each baby's gift with a picture from their first birthday party.

GiGi decorated each baby’s gift with a picture from their first birthday party.

Keeping up with tradition, each of the babies approached the cupcake in a unique way. Sydney entertained the entire family when she grabbed her cupcake and went after it like an apple. She did not let go until it was completely devoured. Mason ate none of the cupcake and only licked the frosting off the top.

As always, each of the babies approached the cupcake in a unique way. Sydney entertained the entire family when she grabbed her cupcake and went after it like an apple. She did not let go until it was completely devoured. Mason ate none of the cupcake and only licked the frosting off the top.

3. We’ve been working on learning environmental sounds and Rylin is all about it. She produces a moo and ba sound upon request. She and Mason scrunch their noses and snort if you ask them what a pig says. However, my favorite sound of all is Rylin’s smacking to call the dogs. Apparently George and I smack our lips to call the dogs A LOT because Rylin’s been imitating this all week. She also makes the sound if she sees a picture of a dog. It’s precious.

4. Today, Granny, (my uncle Clarke’s mother) celebrated her 90th birthday, and she met the babies for the first time. Granny is 90, but she’s spry and didn’t miss a beat with the babies. She was determined to learn each baby’s name and got a snuggle with each of them. Happy birthday, Granny!

Sydney gravitated to Granny and cuddled with her for a long time.

Even at 90, Granny helped Mason take steps. The picture quality is poor…I snapped it while wrangling another baby so the hand was not steady. Still, it is really sweet.

Poppy informed me that he celebrated his 92nd birthday last month and that he and Granny recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. What a wonderful example of commitment and honor.

Granny and Poppy’s son, Jack, was visiting from Washington in honor of the momentous occasion and brought them to the house.

What brought joy to your heart this week?

hugs,

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #25

July 25, 2013Amber 16 Comments

I think I’m finally recovered from planning and executing the quadruplets four ring party. WHEW! Now it’s time to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays!

1. A few nights ago, the girls thought they’d remind us how much we appreciate ALL four babies sleeping ALL night. The dynamic duo took turns wailing intermittently for a solid two hours. About 90 minutes in we realized how they were taking turns and setting each other off so Sydney was relocated into the Pack ‘n’ Play. When we thought she was conked out for good, we decided it was time to return her to her crib. I lost at Rock, Paper, Scissors and had to do it. I found her sleeping with her face pressed up against the mesh with her legs pulled up in a frog position. The girls may have well driven me to gulping two glasses of wine, but finding this reminded me just how much I love them, even when they drive me insane.

2. I had a spectacular time at the quad’s birthday, but needless to say I was exhausted by the time the last guest parted. Our friends, Deven, Alan, and Jen stayed behind and made sure we didn’t have to contend with a mess ourselves. The three of them gathered all the remaining trash, swept, washed dishes, stored left over food, and made sure party evidence disappeared. Plus, Deven and Alan picked up barbeque for dinner so George and I didn’t have to eat more pimento cheese sandwiches. They were so thoughtful and selfless. Not to mention, we really enjoyed their company. It is a rare treat that we enjoy adult conversation without babies interfering.

I ambushed Alan and Deven as they scrubbed the remaining pile of dishes.

3. Yesterday I stumbled upon my father in law playing with the babies at the quad table and it certainly warmed my heart.

This photo really needs a caption so please submit your best one!

4. Just this morning, some special visitors stopped by bearing handmade gifts for the crew plus a huge box of diapers. George and I are eternally thankful to the generous people who have kept our babies diapered this year. We started with a nice stock pile collected at baby showers, but depleted most of them earlier in the year. Amazingly, as soon as we are down to a few diapers, someone mysteriously helps replenish them. My parent’s Bible study and Bunko group even ran a few diaper drives during the year, which carried us from month to month.

Eileen is holding Mason and Sydney while Marrianne has Harper and Rylin.

Marianne made each of the babies a towel with a hood personalized with their name. I can’t wait to use them tonight since it happens to be “bath night”. Eileen transferred classic Disney albums to CD’s for the babies. Disney classics bring back fond childhood memories so I can’t wait to share them with the babies.

What warmed your heart this week?

Hugs!

Amber

P.S. Eileen, the CD’s don’t work in our den CD player, but they DO work in the computer, which is conveniently located in the playroom. I should even be able to transfer them to our ipod.

One Year

July 20, 2013July 20, 2013Amber 11 Comments

Each morning as I wake to the chatter of four babies, I sometimes wonder if they are all ours. Now I am even more amazed that we made it through the first year. The past year has been perhaps the most challenging of our lives, yet also the most JOY filled to date. Caring for four infants and now pre-toddlers is no easy feat, but we manage. A friend once told George, “You were given the Grace for four. Someone else who was given the grace for one or even two would be overwhelmed in your world.” We go back to her comment often, remembering that God blessed us with these four precious babies for a reason. Despite the hours of sleep stolen from the night and many tears shed (usually the babies’ but sometimes mine too), we would not change a thing. When we’re out with the babies people often blurt out, “How DO you do it?” Almost always we reply, “By the Grace of God.” It is true. This amazing challenge would be impossible on our own and our faith carries us through.

Reflecting upon the past year is a fast flurry. Every new stage and milestone comes and passes in a whirlwind. All too soon we will miss having babies in the house. In the future, I believe we’ll enjoy going back to this blog to recall glimpses of time we’d otherwise lose in a fog. The day we discovered we were expecting quads, I recall George repeating “four” followed by something we’d have to buy (e.g. cribs, cars, college educations). While we don’t have four of everything, we’ve gone through more than the average household of most every baby item. Together, George and I calculated rough estimates of our consumption this year-

9,600 Diapers
36,000 fluid ounces of formula (just over a TON!)
730 baths
32 visits to the doctor (only two of which were “sick” visits and neither baby was actually sick!)
8,760 bottles prepared & served
43,800 bottle parts washed
182 loads of laundry

We’re afraid to calculate the cost of all these things so don’t expect dollar signs to follow! We’d like to thank each person who supported us along this journey from prayers said to diapers donated. Each of you are part of this journey too. Mascara alert: I compiled this video of our first year together.

hugs!

Amber

Rylin, Harper, Sydney, & Mason in their new chairs from Great Grandma McCaskill.

Rylin Skye

Harper Stone

Sydney Raine

Mason River

The Little Things Thursdays Installment #21

June 27, 2013Amber 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.

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.

This window is just Sydney’s size.

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.

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 Little Things Thursdays: Installment #20

June 20, 2013Amber 3 Comments

It’s time once again to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus and make note of some special little moments from the week. Without further a due, here we go!

1. When my cousin’s oldest daughter, Taylor, turned one George built her a puppet theater based on a Pottery Barn Kids version we saw in store. It was well crafted to resemble a castle. Recently, we noticed the babies, Sydney especially, giggle at the puppets on their DVDs. We searched for puppets online, but found them to be expensive. George eventually found a set on Craigslist that included a puppet theater. The theater was cute, but not nearly as magnificent as George’s version. He kept remarking that he wanted to build a new one like Taylor’s. I, however, was okay with the Craigslist find. Ironically, my cousin called a week after we bought the puppet theater asking if we wanted Taylor’s puppet theater. At the ripe old age of eight, Taylor outgrew it. George was ecstatic to say the least. This week, the babies enjoyed the theater’s inaugural show.

For a brief moment, everyone watched the puppet show.

Even Lily was interested.

2. With busybody babies, I’m always looking for fresh ways to entertain them. I purchased a bag of plastic balls at Walmart and tossed them into a Pack ‘n’ Play as a makeshift ball pit. I tried putting babies in there individually, but they seemed bored so I started adding babies. Eventually, all four were in there at once and tossing balls. It would probably be more like a play land ball pit if I added another bag of balls, but I really don’t want to store them.

Mason decided to visit his sibs in the ball pit.

And then all four ended up in the ball pit together.

3. This week has been dedicated to health and wellness for the whole family, fur babies included. Earlier in the week George took Sasha and Lily to the vet for their annual vaccines and exam. I intended to make dental and doctor appointments for myself on days when we have our usual babysitters. I procrastinated on appointment making and found desired times booked. My aunt, Terri, saved the day and agreed to babysit ALL four babies single handedly while I got my pearly whites cleaned. I never thought I would see a dental hygiene visit as “me time”, but it was. I was in a quiet place where I could watch an episode of Ellen mostly uninterrupted. The babies got a good report and I enjoyed some extra evening help after my appointment.

Few can manage the dual baby hold, but Terri mastered it!

Babies everywhere!

4. This is a typical scene around 6:30 pm when George arrives home from work. A picture is worth a thousand words-

Priceless!

What little things highlighted your week?

hugs!

Amber

You Win Some, You Lose Some

June 17, 2013June 17, 2013Amber 8 Comments

When our friends, Neha and Kristen came to help with the babies last week, I really wanted to do something that would be difficult without four adults. I spent a good portion of the day deciding what missions I wanted to tackle and came up with two: 1. Do a first birthday photo shoot 2. Take the babies out to dinner. You may remember, we took the babies out for dinner several months ago, but at the time they were tiny and not ready to enjoy the scenery. At 10 months old, they can sit in high chairs, eat finger foods, and soak in their new environment. Plus, they really need the occassional field trip.

The three of us attempted the photo shoot before George arrived home from work and it was dicey to say the least. Needless to say, mobile babies are not so easy to capture as infants who lay still. After squeezing four babies into beach wear, we spread a quilt outside in the shade and toted the babies outdoors. Neha and Kristen enthusiastically blew bubbles and tossed a beach ball in a futile attempt to engage the babies. As soon as we’d get all four situated, one or more would make a mad dash to the grass or would yank someone else’s hair. The babies were far more concerned about exploring the back yard, or in Sydney’s case snuggling up on the quilt for a nap. As the three of us furiously smoldered in the Texas heat, we gave up on an outdoor shoot and hauled the babies back indoors. They were just as active inside as out so we turned on a Baby Einstien DVD. My little trick kept the babies together, but they were hardly still and of course they craned their necks to see the television. All I can say is we tried. I showed George the “good one” and he made the mistake of saying, “But no one is smiling.” Getting them together was nearly impossible so smiles were low in the priority list.

Harper is darting out of the photo as the other three have other priorities as well.

I thought it would be cute to lay the babies on the quilt with their heads together. They disagreed.

And, this was a “good one”. All babies are together, but as you can see it was not the money shot.

Thankfully, the second mission was far better than the first. Although it was witching hour, I thought dinner out might be refreshing for the babies. I didn’t think Jason’s Deli would be bustling on a Tuesday at 5:30 pm either. After we fed the babies dinner, we loaded them into the van armed with an arsenal of baby supplies. Once at Jason’s Deli I scooted in first with Super Seats as the other adults unloaded the babies. I scouted out a long table where adults could sit in the middle and anchor the corners with babies. After attaching each Super Seat, we adorned each baby’s spot with adhesive place mats and littered them with Cheerios. As soon as we knew the babies were content, the adults took turns ordering. There was just enough time for us to enjoy dinner while the babies entertained themselves with Cheerios and making observations.

Can you spot all four babies?

Mason was enamored with the little girls seated behind us and spent most of the time craning his neck to see them. At just 10 months old, he is already proving himself to be flirtatious. Meanwhile, Sydney found the ceiling fans to be fascinating. We were able to enjoy our meal and some conversation while the babies simply enjoyed the new scene. Breakdown was a breeze; I pulled up place mats and wadded them into the trash, stacked Super Seats and loaded car seats. We arrived home just in time for pajamas and the last call bottle.

Sydney looked so tiny sitting at the table. She had to stretch her arms and fingers out just to reach the Cheerios.

I brought Sippy cups and then left them in the van. We improvised with cups and straws.

The babies each got their first sample of ice cream. I wanted to make sure they were okay before their birthday.

Each adult was assigned a baby Kristen: Rylin, Me: Harper, George: Sydney, and Neha: Mason.

hugs!

Amber

The Quadfather

June 16, 2013August 16, 2015Amber 12 Comments

Dear George,

Last year you made it clear that you did not want to be honored on Father’s Day because you weren’t yet a father. Watching you prepare for our babies, I vehemently disagreed, but also understood your perspective. I’ve heard men don’t feel truly bonded to their babies until they hold them for the first time because that is when it becomes real. Unlike typical parents who hold their babies immediately after delivery, we had to wait nearly a week. Instead, we were only able to gaze at them through isolettes and touch them through port holes. Even though you couldn’t hold the babies immediately, you sprung into action and became “The Quadfather” the moment the babies were delivered. Without hesitation, you rushed to the NICU to be with them and advocate for their best interests. You were forced to make decisions for the babies on your own as I recovered. In fact, you had the task of matching our chosen names to the babies by checking their weights. I never once worried about your abilities because I knew you were fully capable.

These shirts were a surprise from me to you for D-Day. I love how you still wear it with pride.

These shirts were a surprise from me to you on D-Day. I love how you still wear it with pride. You joined the ranks of a few lucky enough to be called “Quadfathers”.

It was excruciating seeing the babies only through isolesttes in the early days, but they were worth the wait. Our first snuggles were momentous.

We’ve been on quite a journey together, but there’s no one I’d rather have by my side than you. Each day I wake up to four tiny people jabbering or fussing, I am grateful that you are right beside me. Few fathers can spoon feed four babies simultaneously, build a quad table and diaper chute, or make formula by the gallon. You can, because we are a team. Happy 1st Father’s Day!

Rylin was the first born and first baby you laid eyes upon.

When you held Harper for the first time I could see the love in your eyes. If you didn’t feel bonded on delivery day, you certainly were by this very moment.

I was terrified to hold our two pound Sydney for the first time, but you didn’t hesitate to wrap her in your arms.

Mason was the first baby we were able to hold. He opened his eyes and looked deeply into yours.

Whether you know it or not, you are the babies’ hero already. When you arrive home from work, they race to the gates to see you. Whenever possible they follow you and watch your every move. They know you are their Daddy.

xoxo,

Amber

Quatriplets

May 7, 2013May 7, 2013Amber 6 Comments

Back in our NICU days, a set of triplets was born just five days after the quads. For some reason, triplet suite is on another floor from the quad suite so we never saw them. However, one night the babies’ nurse impassibly mentioned that she knew the family with triplets and went to church with them. I really wanted to meet the parents as a way to normalize the whole multiples in the NICU experience, ect. Of course due to HIPPA, the nurse could share no information about the triplets or their parents. I cajoled this poor nurse a bit trying to get her to tell the triplets mom to Google and maybe search for our blog and leave a comment. She agreed to none of that. Finally someone suggested we both go to the parent lounge at the same time one particular day. I awkwardly brought my lunch to the lounge at the specified time and waited for someone to enter who might possibly be the triplets’ mom. I think the triplets’ mom, Tiffany, did the same thing. At some point we finally introduced ourselves. The two of us sat together commiserating and story swapping until it was time for “the feed”. We exchanged phone numbers and have kept in contact since, texting often. I think we’ve got the quads and triplets practically on the same schedule.

With lock down a thing of the past, Tiffany brought the triplets (Landry, Haylie, and Luke) over for our very first play date. We affectionately called it “The Quatriplet Playdate”. I borrowed that term from a few passersby who apparently lack multiples terminology and call the quads, “Quatriplets”. Both Tiffany and I anxiously awaited the moment when all of the babies would get an opportunity to see and interact with non-sibling babies. All of them are around other babies 24/7, but rarely see another baby. To our surprise, the babies didn’t seem particularly interested in one another. For the most part, the triplets congregated near each other and the quads did their normal stuff too. Mason is the only one who crawls so he sort of made rounds, visiting everyone and then went off on his own. On the upside, everyone was completely content and no one fussed. In my book that is a successful play date! It will get more interesting when everyone is truly mobile.

I thought the “Quad Squad” onsies were appropriate for our Quatriplet play date. You know, just in case you can’t figure out who is a quad and who is a triplet. I am aware that Mason and Sydney’s are still swallowing them. But, Harper won’t be able to wear his much longer and it’s sort of a set so I’m trying to get some wear out of them while we can.

Here’s what it looks like when you put seven babies together for blanket time. I guess this is what septuplets look like. Honestly, it wasn’t half as chaotic as I anticipated.

Mason had to investigate the flower on Haylie’s outfit.

Just like Mason’s siblings do, Landry wanted to investigate his band.

Sly guy, Mason is the only one who crawls so he visited the trips then went exploring on his own.

As we’ve kept contact, I’ve always thought there was a “match” between each of the triplets to one of the quads. Of course, Haylie sort of goes with both of our girls well, because she’s a girl. Like our girls, she’s also seemingly strong-willed and sassy to boot. Like Mason, Luke sounds like the easy-going guy who giggles often and “goes with the flow”. Just like Harper, Landry is the big brother who enjoys being the casual observer most of the time. For fun, I made sure everyone met their match and snapped pictures of them together.

Luke & Mason

Sydney and Haylie

Landry & Harper

Haylie & Rylin

And this is what happens at the end of a Quatriplet play date! Night, night, Sydney!

To check out the triplets’ story, please visit their blog at http://teamtriplets.wordpress.com/

Hugs!

Amber

P. S. We are down to the last few days for voting in the Circle of Moms Top 25 blog contest. If you’ve got time for two clicks, please vote for us. We were holding a strong second place, but have since dropped down to 5th. Thank you for supporting us!

Namaste!

May 5, 2013May 5, 2013Amber 6 Comments

During my senior year of college, my roommate, Neha, and I discovered the wonderful world of yoga. For a mere $30/ semester we could take unlimited fitness classes in the student activities building. We dabbled in different activities including Pilates and Nia, but I fell in love with yoga. Our instructor was from India and spoke with a delightful British accent, which was probably enough to warrant attendance. Prior to class he gave brief talks about the benefits of yoga such as what poses helped cure headaches or digestive problems. While we really enjoyed practicing yoga, the best part were the benefits seen after class. I always left yoga feeling both relaxed and energized. Upon graduation, I wanted to continue practicing yoga, but yoga studios are rather expensive (oh about $15-20 per class!) I went without yoga for a few years until I discovered that 24 Hour Fitness offers yoga classes with excellent instructors. I was hesitant to go there expecting sub par instruction, but was pleasantly surprised. The two years prior to my pregnancy with the quads, I enjoyed yoga 3-4 times per week. It made me feel healthy and also confident when I accomplished new poses such as side crow and headstands. My yoga practice came to a screeching halt after my first appointment with the perinatologist and the bed rest soon followed. Since delivery, I’ve continued to battle my Diastasis Recti (split abdominal muscles) and cannot practice yoga the way I used to (not that going to class is logistically possible now anyways). The majority of yoga relies on core muscles which I lack so I’m pretty limited as to what I can do right now. I am, however, working on rehabilitation exercises and wearing a splint (when I can tolerate it) to correct my problem. Until then, I’ve got to take it easy. Even though I can’t practice yoga regularly, I’ve noticed the babies seem to! George and I often label their poses as we catch them in action. I’m loving that! In case you’d like to take up yoga yourself, the babies demonstrated some of their favorite poses-