I’m writing this blog post on the tail end of the 7th annual weekend spent with some of the best women I know. I’m so grateful to have friends that would choose to spend a weekend loving up on my kids when it would have been totally understandable to choose a totally kid free weekend adventure.

Erica loving on Steven. (And vice versa.)

Deena cracking Amaya’s defenses.

Ames holding down the fort.

Erin getting in some Sammy time.

Erica discovered that Steven is totally entranced by his reflection (and the toys on the mirror).

Erica also discovered that it’s a lot of work to hold up a toy mirror for minutes on end.

So she called in reinforcements.

Ames hung out with an alert Sammy.

And a sleepy Sammy.

And also had a bit of fun with Amaya.

Steven flirted with the ladies.

And everyone gave me breaks!

If Steven’s smile for Erin means anything, I don’t think the babies minded one bit! 🙂

We even tested out our awesome new bath seats. I’m so excited about these! Steven, Sammy and Amaya really seemed to like them vs. the infant bath tub and it’s definitely more relaxing for me vs. trying to rotate them through one by one. We’ll see if I have what it takes to do this on my own. Our first attempt included support from Deena, Ames and Jason.

My friends were so helpful all weekend long. At one point last night, when I was stressed because Amaya was crying and wouldn’t eat, Deena said to me, “how about it we just take care of bedtime for you tonight.” Truer friends you’ll never find. LNVE to all you ladies. <3

Oh, and a mommy bonus, I saw a movie for the first time since June 2013!! Many thanks to Megan for working on Saturday and Grandma Sunshine for coming over on Sunday so that I could get out and about with my friends.

(Jason is conspicuously absent from these photos but he was around, too. See…)

Oh! And Jason’s surgery went really well on Monday. He’s on the mend! Thanks to everyone who sent love and good wishes.

We’re still working on solid food. Some days are better than others. I think it depends on their moods, the food and any distractions. (Sally is quite the distraction for Steven when she sits at the backdoor while he eats. Apparently she’s more interesting than steamed apples.) I’m also still figuring out what foods work well for them. Amaya devoured a banana but I had to help her hold it. Peaches are great if they’re ripe. They’re getting the hang of carrots.

Steven’s fine motor skill still give him an edge.

Sammy remains unsure about the whole thing.

And Amaya is as determined as ever!

Here are some apples I steamed yesterday. I can’t get them quite right. They’re still too hard and break off in big pieces when the kids bite them. Maybe Megan will have a suggestion.

I’ll be honest. I never envisioned making food for my babies. When they got older, sure, but not this. I barely prepare food for myself! I’m not sure I enjoy the food prep but I do like that they’re learning to eat real food, themselves, and there’s definitely a level of satisfaction in preparing it for them. Some of that might be because, most days, I’m not there to feed it to them. Hopefully they’ll get the hang of it soon!

Here are some other pictures from the week that I love.

Sassy Amaya

Sitting! She’s getting there!

A fancy dress from Daddy. Very Jackie O, if you ask me.

A spring dress, before it gets too cold.

Cool kicks!

Sweetness

Sammy! We turned our head for 1 second. He’s taking after his sister with his houdini act. I’m really, really not ready for mobile babies. Fortunately, Jason went to Babies R Us this weekend to stock up on baby proofing supplies.

His new favorite face!

Another independent sitter! They’re not doing it regularly but it’s just a matter of time. Days, maybe.

Contemplating – but not drinking – his bottle.

Steven, rocking his Alfalfa hair!

Sweet, sweet boy.

A selfie with Mommy. He insisted and I can’t say no.

Steven, Amaya and Sammy – Tic, Tac & Toe!

Feet, from my vantage point.

And my favorites.

Amaya, hard at work with her mommy.

Last but not least – a pile on! I think these are the first pictures I’ve taken with all 3 kiddos since Mother’s Day.<3 <3 <3

I’ve spent an incredible amount of time with Steven, Sammy and Amaya over the past 2 1/2 weeks. I’m going to miss them tremendously when I get back into the regular routine this week!