counting blessings

On Monday, Nana had the fun idea of making hamentashen in preparation for Purim. Rosie, Nana and the kids went out early for ingredients and made some dough to chill. I was able to come home at lunch for a bit to help finish the baking!

First, everyone took part spreading the flour around the wax paper.

Next, Steven, Sammy and Amaya all took turns rolling dough. They were so patient waiting for their turns.

(Notice Steven wearing my work badge? Not to self: No one wears mommy’s work badge when “flour” is on the agenda.)

Next, raspberry jam was added and the dough was folded up into triangles.

Steven was covered in flour.

Enjoying the product of their work!

It was a full baking day. After nap, the kids helped Rosie make Monday Muffins for the next morning’s breakfast.

SSA are good about us leaving for the workplace but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun with us, trying to keep us at home. On Wednesday morning, no one wanted Daddy to leave!!

The gorgeous weather from last weekend continued into the week which meant Rosie was able to take Steven, Sammy and Amaya for walks in the neighborhood. Such big kids!

Grandma Sunshine came to visit on Wednesday so we finally put together the amazing dollhouse she got the kids for their birthday. It’s amazing!

Jason worked hard for a few hours before bed and then Rosie finished the rest while Grandma Sunshine played with the kids.

Check it out!! I think this will last the kids for a long, long time.

Making dinner for his friends.

Thursday was still warm enough for a walk in the sunshine with Grandma.

With the warm weather, Steven, Sammy and Amaya have been reminded how much they like sunglasses!

I can’t believe it but this was the last week of Megan’s maternity leave. It’s almost impossible to believe that it was 13 1/2 weeks ago that I got the call that Megan’s water broke at 33 weeks pregnant. At the same time, it feels like Rosie has been with us for so much longer. We’re all so lucky that Rosie will be able to stay with us in the afternoons, splitting the day with Megan.

It was a nice weekend home together as a family. Jason was up early and SSA got right to playing with their K’Nex “blocks”. Amaya was so proud of her creation. It’s a dog named Elsie.

Never too busy for some Saturday flying with Daddy!

Now that Amaya is settled in her own room, it’s time to think about decorating. Jason and I decided to split up the kids’ rooms – he’ll get the boys’ room and I’ll get Amaya’s. Only rule – no politics, no pin-ups. Jason was ready to start shopping so, late morning, he headed out with the boys to look for decor. Meanwhile, Amaya and I out to “slide and climb”. It was really neat to be able to devote 100% of my attention to her adventure. She started off cautious but after a few rides down the slide and a few circuits around the place, she loosened up and took charge.

Amaya loved this thing. When we got to it at one point, there were two older boys playing with it. She waited somewhat impatiently until they were done and, the minute the were distracted, grabbed hold and did. not. let. go. Even when the boys were trying to wrestle it away, Amaya held tight. My girl.

After climbing and sliding, we went out for some good ol’ fashioned mac & cheese!

Daddy, Steven and Sammy had the same idea!

It was a really nice morning out. One on one time is so special.

Afternoon was time for a slightly overdue haircut for Steven. He did better than ever. Access to my iPad is a powerful motivator.

Sammy is obsessed with water. He loves to wash his hands after going potty and now has turned his attention on washing dishes. Honestly, my 3 year olds washed almost every dish last night. I’m not going to turn down that kind of help!

Steven still says he’s not ready to go potty but we’re going to try to acclimate him by asking him to sit on the potty twice/day. (I use the word “ask” generously.) Hopefully this is the start of his comfort with the potty. I’d love for him to be potty trained by late June so he can join his brother and sister in the pool at camp.

Before bed was chaos. Playing together also means roughhousing. I’m trying to learn balance between letting them find their way and my maternal instincts to make it stop.

Amaya woke me up around 3:45am on Saturday night and was fast asleep when I went to get the boys. I let her sleep in and Steven, Sammy and I had some mommy/son time for the first hour of the day. Aunt Sara & Uncle Dave got them these bean bags for their 1st birthday and they’re really loving them now. What a great gift that’s finding new use as they get older! They’re so cute when they lounge.

Jason was doing some spring cleaning which resulted in bundled up kids. They’re so funny.

Doing dishes.

Story time with Daddy.

Jason and I are off to a Pistons game tonight and Steffie is coming to watch Steven, Sammy and Amaya. They’ll end their day with one sister and wake up in the morning to another, with Megan’s return.

Steven this week!