It’s hard to believe that it was only a week ago that Sammy and I flew back from New York. How does so much happen in a week for toddlers? Or for me, for that matter, when my simple life is mostly work and family time?

We had a relatively uneventful trip back. Sammy was exited because our gate gave him a vantage point to a runway where he could see plane after plane after plane taking off.

It’s hard to tell here but he’s holding a Delta captain’s hat kindly lent to him by a pilot sitting hear us.

On the plane I finally, for the first time thought to bring headphones so he could watch some Daniel Tiger and Wonder Pets on the airplane. It was awesome! Coupled with a chocolate coated Kind bar, this kid was in heaven. He watched his shows for about half the flight and then went back to flipping through pictures in my camera roll.

Back at home, Amaya and Steven were helping prep ingredients for Monday Muffins – a Rosie tradition – by mashing bananas in a bag.

Steven has ice on his head because Amaya hit him.

Sammy and I were home in time for lunch and I headed into the office for a 1/2 day. It was a big afternoon for Sammy because, after nap, we made the transition to regular underwear! He’s doing AMAZING. It’s been almost a week now with no accidents to speak of. He’s tried so hard! Sammy is so proud of himself and so are we.

Showing me his underwear when I got home from work.

Unrelated to anything but the topic of Sammy, this kid can give a thumbs up with his toes! WTF??? My toes do not operate independently like that!

We were glad to be home but reentry was tough, especially at bedtime. I think it’s hard for whoever is returning home to remember how to share everything and the other two want to crawl back into my womb after my time away. I think there were tears for all 3 kids and mommy at bedtime. Thank goodness Jason was there to see the desperation and move us all through the process and on to tomorrow.

My Tuesday morning, everything was back to normal in the Land of Cheltenham. 😉

The JCC is collecting a dollar from every child to help plant trees in Israel. A donation earns you a leaf to put on the big tree in the child development center reception area. Steven, Sammy and Amaya got to pick out their leaves and Rosie helped them write their names.

Wednesday morning was a rough one because Sammy didn’t want to get out of his PJs. Ordinarily, with nowhere to go, it wouldn’t be a big deal but Sammy woke up soaked which meant there was no choice for my Bubba. He kept crying “I’m not ready! I’m not ready!” Our eventual compromise was that I was taking off his wet pajamas but he could put on clothing whenever he decided. Well, the kid made it all the way through nap in nothing but his underwear.

Lately, the kids have been sharing a lot of family meals at their table.

What finally got Sammy into clothing was seeing Steven take these selfies with Rosie. Rosie was wearing her Captain America shirt so Steven put his on in the morning. Once he saw the photos, Sammy needed in on the photo fun.

Plus, some fun with Snapchat. (Which I finally downloaded after insistent requests from the kids to “be a puppy”. So stupid, and so much fun.

Rosie is working with Steven, Sammy and Amaya on identifying their own “peaceful places” where they can go if they’re sad, angry or frustrated. This is Sammy’s spot.

You can see below that Steven is lining up his food along the edge of the carpet. That was a traffic light for his “dull dozer.” I don’t know. His mind is wild.

Steven, admiring his “traffic light”. Yes, he’s wearing a bib. Months ago, I lost one of our red bibs. That left us with 3 blue bibs and 2 red bibs. I finally had enough of the fighting over the red bibs and got another one to round out the set. Now they fight over the “new” one which, for the record, is 100% indistinguishable from the other 2.

Cool Cat Dino-Amaya watching Daniel.

Daddy snuggles.

Completely engrossed in his tv show.

On Friday, Nana came to visit! I told my mom that she should always try to plan her visits the weekend after I come to NY. It makes leaving her house so much easier. As always, Steven, Sammy and Amaya were thrilled to see her.

On Saturday, Nana and I packed up the kids for a visit to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. It’s so much fun to see the kids develop and grow in this space.

(Side story. In the morning, Amaya put on a shirt, a skirt, two pair of pants and a princess dress. It was one hell of a negotiation to get her down to just a shirt, skirt and single pair of pants.)

Ready for an adventure!

I was going to have no luck keeping the kids from the water table area so I just rolled with it.

For the first time, we spent a while outside of the preschool play area and explored more of the museum. They’re ready!

We all went out for lunch after the museum. It was my first trip out with 2 potty trained kids and they did GREAT. I couldn’t have asked for more. It’s a lot of trips to the bathroom but at least Amaya and Sammy will be in great shape by the time we’re doing this with three.

Everyone spent time coloring while we waited for our food and I noticed how much Steven’s coloring has developed. He holds his crayon so well and he’s actually coloring in discreet objects now.

The weather was incredible this weekend so we made sure to get some time outside. What an amazing February treat! It made me itchy for spring!

Here I’m showing the kids a dead mouse that I needed to collect and toss in the trash.

Family cuddles during Wonder Pets and Daniel Tiger.

We had a quiet morning at home, which I think we all needed.

Even an old shoe rack is something to get creative with (and fight over).

Nana worked on crafts while I made lunch.

Favorite weekend activity – helping Daddy unload groceries!

Strong guy!

After nap we piled in the car and went to watch our friends’ daughter KK play in her basketball game. It was a neat thing to do and Jason and I loved the chance for Amaya to watch some “lady” athletes.

Afterward, we went out for a late dinner. The kids usually eat around 5:15pm and it was closer to 7pm when they got their food but they did so well. I was really impressed with how patient they were while they waited for their food and how they hung in there as the night got later. I was expecting fussing, whining and difficult toddler behavior but there was hardly any of that at all. A hearty game of “I spy with my little eye” must be the trick!

It was a great week and a wonderful weekend! I’ll end with two videos. Have a great one!