The Little Things Thursday

Since today is Thursday, it’s time to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for the Little Things Thursdays. Each week, we take time to reflect upon some of the small things that made the week special.

1. Today the babies and I took a field trip to visit my Grandma at her home. It was no easy feat getting the four of them and myself ready to leave the house, but it was totally worth it. We came to visit Grandma, but brightened the day of the other residents in the process. Mom and I strolled the babies through the dining room during lunch stopping just a minute to chat with each table. I don’t think the residents could have been more happy to see the babies. Mom told me they seemed much more spry and delighted than on a typical day. Hearing that made my day. I thought it was really cute how the residents asked appropriate questions such as the babies names, ages, and whether they could walk. Not one person asked if the babies were “natural”, that was refreshing.

The babies clearly enjoyed soaking up all the attention. Even the boys flashed toothy grins and waved Miss America fashion. One of the sweet ladies, honored us by giving a treasured Blessed Mary medallion to keep in the babies’ nurseries. She told me she kept it nearly 50 years and was waiting to find someone to bless with it, and she chose us. Very special indeed!

The parakeets were an entertaining amenity at Grandma’s place.

After our visit in the dining room, we let the babies loose in Grandmas room to burn off some energy. Oh how the babies LOVE seeing their reflection in a mirror. When they spotted Grandma’s mirror, they each darted to it.

Grandma kissed each baby on the forehead as we bid our farewells.

2. We’ve been working very hard on teaching the babies to make environmental and animal sounds. They don’t all have all the animal sounds, but they’ve each mastered a few. I compiled a short video of each baby demonstrating their favorite animal sound.

3. George and I took the babies to Costco last week and found our favorite Sherpa blanket on sale for $15. We bought one a few years ago that we LOVE, but it’s getting a bit tatty. We decided it was prudent to snag another. When I spread it out on the rug, the babies all snuggled up in it togehter. Even they knew it was far more plush than the old one.

4. What’s not to love about this picture???

George was sitting on the couch with Mason when Rylin signed, “please” to join them. Before we knew it all four wanted to be there with him.

5. My vintage Cabbage Patch dolls have been in the nurseries since my bed rest days. I thought they added a little charm to the nurseries. Recently, the babies learned to “feed” them bottles and play food. This week, Rylin started carrying this one around. Ironically it is a “preemie” Cabbage Patch Kid, and it’s dressed in the girls’ old clothes from the NICU. Since real men help take care of babies, Harper partook in Cabbage Patch feedings as well. There is video footage to prove it.

What bright spots made your week special?

Hugs!

Amber

Oh yes, it is Thursday again and time to recall the little things!

1. On Friday, Nisey and Terri cared for the babies as usual. However, my mom’s friend, Lilian also joined the troops. I was proud to find out that Rylin developed “stranger danger”. Apparently she sized up Lilian and pouted to the point of tears. I know it sounds nuts to want your baby to cry in the presence of a visitor, but it means she’s met a developmental milestone where she differentiates familiar and unfamiliar caregivers. I was also pleased to learn that when she realized Nisey approved of Lilian, Rylin was okay with her too. To top it off, Lilian brought the babies a huge box of Luvs! It’s amazing how just as our diaper reserves were almost depleted, she restored them a bit.

2. Mom and I had a fabulous time shopping at our local Just Between Friends consignment sale. They are held in our area twice a year and offer everything from clothes to playground equipment. The girls are outfitted up to about size 2T thanks to hand-me-downs from generous friends. The boy’s closet, on the other hand, is a bit more sparse. Mom and I headed to the sale on half price day and scored a bounty of spring and summer clothes for a fraction of the original price. I also found a few books and toys as well as two pairs of Lucky Brand flats for myself (a benefit of having miniature feet is I can wear kid’s shoes!) The girls got a few swimsuits and sunhats. I was really grateful that Mom as with me because it was relatively chaotic and the line to check out involved an hour wait! On the upside, the line wound through the goods so we stumbled across a few bargains while waiting.

Just Between Friends is a nationwide franchise so check http://www.jbfsale.com to see if you have one in your area. I’m planning to consign some of our big-ticket items at the next one!

3. I took Mason to the doctor by himself on Monday and decided it was a worthy occasion for shoes. He’s never worn shoes before since he doesn’t walk, but they are pretty cute. He was enamored with is kicks. If you look carefully you’ll notice they are sharks.

I also want to point out the fabulous seat he is using; I only wish I discovered it sooner. It is a Summer Infant Super Seat. It is similar to a Bumbo allowing a baby to sit upright on the floor before they can sit independently. However, it also converts into a booster seat that can attach to a dining chair for small infants or toddlers up to 40 lbs! The best part for us is that the activity tray is removable so they stack for storage and travel. We now have four of these seats.

The Super Seat doesn’t come in the same selection of colors as the Bumbo, but they do come in boy and girl color combinations at least.

4. My Dad brought GiGi and GG Paw up for a visit on Saturday. Sydney demonstrated a bit of stranger danger with GiGi, but soon realized she was okay and settled down. The babies enjoyed showing off some of their new tricks and snuggled with GiGi a bit.

5. This week is spring break so I’ve enjoyed having George at home with me. We took advantage of our usual babysitters Wednesday (and will again on Friday) to go out on a date and run errands sans babies. We started or morning of by getting our haircut and styled by our Mane Man, Matt. We were both in dire need of a fresh style. Afterwards we enjoyed some sushi before darting around town with our to-do list.

Zushi Sushi is one of my favorite spots because they have a huge variety of vegetarian sushi and offer soy paper rather than traditional nori. I enjoyed a Tropical Roll stuffed with asparagus, avocado, cream cheese, carrots, and sprouts topped with mango. George and I really want to expose the babies to sushi so they grow up appreciating different cultures and foods. I thought it was neat that my sushi contains three foods they already enjoy! I could almost puree the sushi I had for the babies.

What little things filled your week?

Hugs!

Amber