Nana is visiting so, in preparation for Purim, we had a fun Sunday morning and made hamentashen. Steven, Sammy and Amaya made pizza during a play date with Ben & Sam but this was my first chance to really cook with them. They’re so fascinated by every last detail.
We mixed!
We patted!
We cut our circles!
And we rolled!
They came out great, too! Strawberry and black raspberry. Sammy had a meltdown when I would only let him eat one with lunch.
Yesterday everyone headed to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for lunch. It’s a great spot. The food is delicious, they take reservations, the tables are big and the service is phenomenal. These kids ate and ate and ATE. Mac & cheese, chicken fingers, fruit, sweet potato fries. I can’t believe how much they can put back when they put their minds to it.
Sammy was sad he couldn’t see the food in Daddy’s mouth.
Daddy fixed it!
Steven and Daddy holdings hands.
The ladies! (That’s no lady, that’s Nana!)
We also opened the last of our birthday presents! I think doling them out slowly has worked well for the kids. They’ve had a chance to enjoy each gift they received. From the Kotres, we got new building blocks and new musical instruments!
Amaya’s hair is finally long enough to wear a pony on the back of her head instead of the top of her head. I’ve been waiting a long time to really start to have fun with her hair.
Of course sometimes the boys want to join their sister in the ponytail fun. Sam-urai is back!
Even Steven, who usually isn’t interested, wanted in.
I have two year olds. Three of them. I am at their mercy. Seriously at their mercy. Right now, it’s a fine line between holding my ground and giving in to whatever will keep them happy. So when Steven wants me to lie with my head on the wood floor and Amaya wants to lie on my back, it’s a no-brainer.
Aside from the pony, there are a couple of things going on here. First, this kid loves his pockets and he knows how to wear them. Second, you’ll notice Sammy is missing a sock. He loooooooooves these pink socks and they’re starting to wear out. I’m going to need to find alternatives stat. (See note above about picking my battles.)
Amaya, inspired by Sammy’s pockets.
We had music this week. Amaya is fairly independent these days. She’s comfortable roaming around and playing without having a familiar adult by her side.
“Bubba can do it.” That’s what Sammy told me when I tried to help him climb down from this slide. He was right! Bubba can do it!
Steven went down the coaster over and over and over again. As they weigh more, they’re starting to get more distance, too. I wish they made one of these in my size.
Each of the kids took a turn on Miss Marie’s lap for a song. That’s particularly helpful without a 1:1 adult/SSA ratio. “Rie! Rie!”
My kitchen helpers are still at it. Steven and Amaya barely let me in at the sink. When they’re teenagers can someone please remind them of this willingness to help?
Steven can run the dishwasher for me with an oven mitt and a lawnmower.
More random fun from the week…
A Steven/Amaya pile-on. Steven was a great sport.
The kids tested out of early intervention services in our home but they were invited to continue to attend the weekly group to help with socialization. Sammy and Steven both took turns climbing stairs by themselves. They’re slightly shorter steps and perfect for a learning toddler.
Amaya and Sammy are huge fans of the ball pit.
One of the sensory activities involved shaving cream, which Steven called “snow”. He did a great job driving his cars through the snow. Sammy found his own way to have fun without having to touch the shaving cream. He picked it up with one bowl and carefully transferred it to another. It’s so interesting to see how they all play differently with the same activity set-up.
Our good friend Grace had surgery this week to replace her chemo port so Steven, Sammy and Amaya wanted to wear their Team Grace shirts to support her.
Smile!
I play a game on my phone and, when the kids catch me, the love to watch. Sammy will ask for “dots”, too.
Climbing the stairs for nap time.
Amaya!
Snuggling with Daddy after naps.
So far, my time out strategy is not a winner. Mostly because Amaya wants time outs. I told her she’d get a time out if she hit Sammy again so she grabbed a toy truck, hit her brother, and marched over to the time out chair. She did apologize, but I’m not really sure she knows what that means. We’ll keep working on it.
Amaya has officially mastered the use of spoon. For soup, no less!
Mommy & Amaya
Steven!
Sammy!
Sammy cries at the drop of a hat these days. It’s incredible. He’s such a typical toddler. Crying because he can’t see the food in daddy’s mouth. Crying because he wiped off the jelly and wants the jelly back. Crying because he asked me to eat food and I ate it. Crying because I came into the room. Crying because I left the room. Crying because he’s not done pooping. (He’s done pooping.) He’s always been sensitive and he also has always had a hard time getting himself out of it once it starts. I wish I could help him but I know I probably just need to wait it out. We’ll keep working on this, too.
But when Sammy is happy, his smile is incredible.
Mohawk!
Sammy dragged the bean bag chair into the kitchen so he could relax where I was working. Once again, his daddy’s son.
And, finally, for the week…
Nana and SSA looking at a photo of Chase & Charlie
Sunday morning fun on Fudgie
And last, but not least, a screenshot of my play list from the other night. 40 minutes of The Muffin Man. Over and over and over again. This is how much your mommy loves you, kiddos!
Have a great week!