What a perfect week in NY! Fair warning… I took a million pictures and put about 100 of them in this week’s blog. The blog is as much for Future Steven, Sammy and Amaya as it is for anyone today (maybe more so), so it means a lot for me to capture pictures of these special trips to NY.

On Monday morning we all walked over to the playground and Cornwell Ave elementary school, where Sara and I attended! It was a great place to play because it was spring break and totally deserted. SSA get nervous when there are a lot of other kids on play equipment and they’re still getting comfortable with slides so this was perfect. It was also really cool for me to get to visit my old school with my kids.

Steven brought his “hammer stick” with him and spent a good amount of time cleaning the playground, lol.

The baseball field meant batting practice for Chase and Sammy and lots of space for everyone to run around.

#sistercousins

Steven was “writing letters” with his hammer stick.

In the afternoon, Nana hosted the first Seder with our family, Uncle Dave’s parents Allen and Syvia and our friends the Honigs. Even though the kids have had Seders before, this was their first in NY and that made it extra special.

Steven, reading the Haggadah

Amaya, eating her parsley.

She was perfectly fine. Just resistant to selfies with Mommy.

Steven was holding one of the plush plagues. This is his “don’t take my plague!” face.

The cousins got in some cuddle time after dinner before Chase and Charlie had to head home for the night.

Tuesday morning was gorgeous. The kids had some new bubbles to play with and it was a perfect morning for bubble blowing. Sammy and Amaya really have it down. Steven still struggles a bit. He puts his top lip out over his bottom lip so the air all blows down instead of out. We’re working on it.

Uncle Austin was able to spend a nice amount of time with Steven, Sammy and Amaya before everyone else arrived at the house.

Savta showed everyone the berries on one of the bushes and poking them with sticks became a favorite activity.

Off on a walk, Steven was collecting things in his basket (leaves, sticks, flowers). Here, he’s showing Amaya his collection. I love seeing the kids interact with each other like this. They’re actually having conversations with each other now.

Cutest. <3

While we were playing, Sammy told me he wanted to go for a walk to the “playground with the yellow swing”. There were a ton of adults back at the house so I decided it was a nice chance for some Mommy/Sammy time and we walked to the park together. He is such a sweet little boy.

When I got back I was happy to see that no one missed us a bit! Steven and Amaya were busy blowing bubbles with Chase. “Chasey!”

We went for many, many walks this week. I don’t know what it is about my mom & Gene’s neighborhood that makes it feel so conducive to walking but it really is. In the photo below, Steven was playing a “Stop!” game where he’d put his hand up and yell “stop!” and we all had to freeze. The cutest part was that he did a great job freezing in place however he was walking at the time he yelled “Stop!” On this trip it became very obvious to me how big my kids are getting.

All of the cousins were over for the 2nd night of Passover. Here, the gang has stopped to look at a colony of thousands and thousands of ants. It was really something. Savta was totally in her element.

Amaya was smitten with Dod Shuki.

Chase got out his catcher’s gear and he and Sammy got back to playing baseball together.

We wrapped up the evening with a photo of Savta, her daughters and her nine great grandchildren. <3

Tuesday night was sleepover night for Chase & Charlie. Before bed, the boys needed to wrestle out some of their energy.

Chase read the bedtime story and Charlie sang their bedtime song.

Wednesday was a cuddle fest in bed with Nana and Papa, with the exception of Steven who was too busy doing so many other very busy things.

One of the promises I made to the kids was that we’d go to carousel while we were in NY. Wednesday was the day! Steven and Sammy were excited to ride and Amaya was excited to “watch and wave”.

The afternoon was gorgeous so Auntie met up with us and we all went to Aunt Sara & Uncle Dave’s house.

Steven looooooooves the tire swing!

Out for dinner, Chase was a big helper. As always.

Sammy got some great one on one time with Aunt Sara. She even let him try a bit e of cotton candy.

On Thursday we all went to Savta’s house for lunch. Look around at the stuff on display. It’s a miracle that nothing broke! Steven walked into this room and said, “Oh, my goodness!” In fact, he came home from NY and told Daddy that when he got to Savta’s house he looked around and said, “Oh, my goodness!!” lol

I remember playing with this Noah’s Ark when I was a kid right in that same room.

In the afternoon we took another trip back to Aunt Sara & Uncle Dave’s house for bubble time and dinner.

Can you tell how excited Amaya was to push Sammy down the coaster?

Friday morning the plan was to go back to Aunt Sara’s house but we were delayed a bit when I got locked in the bathroom. See Amaya’s little face peeking through?

Steven saw Nana working with tools to get me out. When she went to call a locksmith, he got a hanger to help. “Ooooh! I will get a tool to help you. This hanger will help you get out, Mommy”. <3

Free!! Everyone was fascinated with the doorknob replacement.

Made it to Aunt Sara’s in time for play doh!

On Friday afternoon, I was lucky to have a visit from college roomie Rachel. Always the best! We had some alone time for lunch out and also got to spend a nice amount of time with Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

After lunch Savta’s sister, Aunt Edith, came to visit us which was a wonderful treat! She brought some outside toys that the kids loved. Sammy is really taken with baseball and makes contact with the ball with surprising frequency.

It was such a nice afternoon that we decided to talk a group walk to Carvel for some ice cream. This trip had particular significance because I distinctly remember walking to this Carvel with my dad. It’s crazy to me that I can do the exact same thing with my own kids so many years later.

Amaya ordered chocolate ice cream with “brown” sprinkles.

Sammy ordered chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

Steven didn’t want ice cream but was excited to have a pear when we got back home.

My Amaya. Happy, happy, happy with her ice cream. And then I told her she ate enough and couldn’t also have a pear before dinner.

Lololololol My girl.

After Nana let me sleep in a bit, I woke on Saturday to news that April, the giraffe, was in active labor. SSA had a great time watching April and then her new baby calf.

On our final day, we took one last walk to Halls Pond Park. Steven traded in his hammer stick for a walking stick.

There was a birthday celebration. (Mine!)

And some last family photos before everyone disbanded for the night at the end of an amazing week in NY!

Today we were up bright and early for our 9am flight back to Detroit. Amaya was the volunteer willing to ride in the taxi with me, while the boys rode with Nana and Papa. She got car sick earlier in the trip and is still nervous about that but promising to keep the windows open did the trick. And off we went!

It’s definitely nice to have an extra set of hands. Once again, Amaya was nervous about the security process and flopped down on the floor. Holding her while we walked through the metal detector ultimately did the trick.

I was getting the grown-ups some omelettes for the flight and suddenly pre-boarding was announced at the gate. We weren’t ready! It was definitely my most harried boarding process to date. We had so much stuff everywhere! We got down the jet bridge and tried to board but Sammy and Steven lost their minds. Sammy started crying as soon as he got on the plane and walked off. Steven flopped down and refused to get on the airplane unless I carried him. Eventually I ended up walking on the plane with both boys in my arms. We calmed down until we got to our seats when everyone decided they wanted to sit next to me and next to a window. Uhhhhhhhhh. After a lot of crying and crying and crying, we got ourselves settled in the same seating arrangement we had on the way to NY, this time with the benefit of three tablets so everyone could watch Wonder Pets and Daniel Tiger. Thank goodness!

Made it home!! Sammy, Amaya and I walked through the airport while Steven and Papa rode the train together.

Back to the Land of Cheltenham!! Yay!! The boys were very excited to see the new decor in their room. Daddy took care of it while we were away.

And that’s it! A fantastic vacation and a happy reunion with Daddy.

The plan for the week was very straight forward. I was traveling to NY with Steven, Sammy and Amaya on Saturday morning and Aunt Sara was flying to Detroit on Friday night to help me with my travels. The craziness with Delta resulted in a nearly last minute flight cancellation for Sara with no hope of getting her to Detroit in time for our flight the next morning. I wasn’t planning to fly alone with the kids until they were at least 4 years old but I suppose necessity isn’t just the mother of invention, it’s the mother of doing things like flying alone with three 3 year olds. More on that later, though.

This week we finally got SSA’s school photos back! I love them! Look at these little personalities. And the kids look so BIG.

This photo below was just 6 months ago! Such a huge change!

Steven was a total ham. I’m told that he took direction phenomenally well and cheesed it up for the camera. My little Bobes.

Brothers! <3

Sammy cried and cried leading up to the photos so I’m happy we got some happy pictures of this bright eyed guy.

Little Miss Sass. Such a big girl!

She was very excited to wear her “jean jacket” in the pictures.

Rosie had the great idea to make a fort behind our living room sofa. The kids love it! I think Steven would move in if he could.

On Thursday morning I ducked out of work for an early lunch to attend a Family Seder at the JCC. I love being able to see the kids during the day, especially for such special events. The program primarily consisted of Passover-friendly snacks and a song on stage from each class.

I do not have joiners so I wasn’t surprised when Amaya and Sammy absolutely refused to go on stage with their class but I was thrilled that Steven gave it a shot! Rather than sing, he spent the time talking about the hats (my Steven <3) but he did it ! And without his brother and sister. The best part is that they were singing a Passover song I remember from my own childhood.

Don’t let this happy picture deceive you. Leaving the JCC was a nightmare. Amaya insisted on sitting to pee on the potty in the van twice and refused to get in her seat. Three year olds can be near impossible. Then they do something adorable and you almost forget the premature grays and bags under your eyes.

On Friday, after school, Megan took Sammy and Amaya out for lunch! Mac & cheese and salad. No surprise there!

Why wasn’t Steven with them? It’s because he was at the ball game with his Daddy!!! Steven and Jason went to Tigers Opening Day together. Sweetest thing ever. Steven was so excited. He even made a point to run to tell Miss Penny where he was going before he left school for the day.

By all accounts, they had a great time. Steven lasted until the 7th inning. He saw baseball players, helicopters, rode a ferris wheel (his first) and rode a carousel flanked by Tigers Girls.

Holding onto Daddy in line.

On the ferris wheel.

New hat for the Bobes! Jason said strangers were all commenting about how cute he was.

Steven and his entourage.

Steven and Daddy, taking it all in.

So, as I mentioned, Sara’s flight was canceled and I decided I’d fly with the kids on my own. (Because, really, there wasn’t another option.) There were no safety issues. An airport and an airplane are more controlled environments than a lot of places I take the kids on my own. But it’s definitely a chaotic environment.

Our fligt was at 8:30am so I set my alarm for 4:30am with a plan to leave for the airport by 5:45am. Jason would drive us and help me get the luggage checked. By chance, I woke up around 3am and happened to check my flight details. I didn’t know what was going on but I was no longer checked in for my 8:30am flight and we were booked on an 8PM flight. I immediately called Delta and got a message saying the wait time was 24- 30 HOURS to get someone on the phone. It was crazy. I spent the next 90 minutes on hold, stewing and stressing out because I didn’t know what was going on. I was convinced we weren’t going to be on the morning flight but, just to get another point of view, I woke up Jason at 4:45am and he suggested we go to the airport and find out what was happening. So we woke the kids at 5am and got the show on the road.

As we were getting ready to leave I did get connected with an agent who told me that my flight was canceled and, when the flight was reinstated, we’d already been rebooked on a different flight. But the 8:30am flight was back on and I wanted on that plane! We drove to the airport while I stayed on hold with the agent and, while Jason waited outside, I spent 45 minutes in line in the airport waiting to talk to someone while simultaneously staying on the phone with the phone agent who was still trying to help.

I don’t know how she did it but all 4 of us were rebooked on our original flight. And off we went! By then, it was 7am. I’d been up for 4 hrs and our day was just getting started. Don’t mind me while I share 8 million airport/airplane photos.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya did great. We were delayed 2.5 hrs but they stayed entertained and cooperative almost the whole time. I used some m&ms to reward good listening and that worked really, really well. Gotta break out the big guns in a situation like this. 😉

Eating breakfast and watching airplanes take off.

Amaya’s face when she realized she could pee in her pull-up, lol.

I thought we were going to miss our flight when Amaya decided she had to be the one to open this very heavy bathroom door. We waited a looooooong time for her to finally ask for help. Toddler madness.

Watching the terminal train go back and forth. Everyone wanted to ride the train but, once we got close, Sammy changed his mind. Steven and Amaya were great about the change in plans when I explained that Sammy was nervous and we needed to stick together.

I let everyone pick out an activity book in one of the airplane stores. They were excellent distractions.

Boarded! This was really stressful. I knew one of the kids would have to sit across an aisle from me and I had to play it carefully. Somehow I convinced Steven to sit across from me and bribed him with access to my iPad. He was great about it. Such a big kid. We didn’t know it at the time but it turned out there wasn’t even anyone sitting next to him on the flight! Plus we were in the last row which made me feel a little less obvious as I tried to corral the kids.

The flight attendant gave Steven a kaleidoscope to distract him during take-off. I don’t think he needed it, but it was still really sweet.

Enjoying the ride.

YES, PLEASE.

Sammy fell asleep about 20 minutes before we landed. He was so sweet.

Nana captured these pictures of us arriving at baggage claim. <3

Yay!! WE DID IT!!

Arriving at Nana & Papa’s house. Hi Chase!

It was a lovely, quiet afternoon. (Well, probably not all that quiet.)

^^I was sleeping while everyone was outside. BLISS.

Being with my children in my childhood bedroom will never, ever get old.

This morning, SSA got some great time with Uncle Austin before the madness started.

There was also time to bake with Nana while she prepped for Passover.

The main event of the morning was Chase’s championship deck hockey game. Such a nice thing for us all to go do together.

Watching their big cousin

The boys with the champion!

This afternoon we all went to Halls Pond park. How crazy to be in this park with my kids. I couldn’t even being to count the amount of time I spent at Halls Pond growing up. Hell, my mom & dad even had their wedding photos taken there! Little things like that feel pretty special.

Now we have the good fortune of a whole week here in NY. <3 <3 <3

Have a great week, and much love to everyone who made it through all of that. 🙂

On Monday morning, Steven, Sammy and Amaya decided they wanted to go to the mall to play so off they went. Apparently Amaya went up to every little girl there and to ask, “How are you?” Love it!

Afternoon sibling cuddles.

With Amaya picking out her clothing, it’s not unusual to see a Hanukkah shirt in March or pants under her skirt.

I realize we’ve had these bee PJs for well over a year. I think we have one or two bees who are almost ready to size up in these babies. Can’t imagine bedtime without them in the mix, though! I love my little baby bees.

Speaking of bees, I was buying diapers online and saw these bee wings and antenna for $3 and I couldn’t resist. I was not at all surprised to see Steven most drawn to them. After all, he is the kid who took his two year old “school” photo in his bee PJs. Here he’s helping direct Amaya while she gets dressed, lol.

Bedtime is often a drawn out affair these days. Some nights I’m exhausted and I just want the kids in bed so I can sit down and relax. Other days, the time together at bedtime helps me wind down from my day. I used to think that it was better to settle down before putting the kids in their cribs but I recently read an article saying that laughing before bed actually helps kids fall asleep more easily so I’ve changed my mindset and fully embraced bedtime chaos.

▼ Bedtime Chaos

SSA also started a “ready, steady, go!” game where they take a running start and fly onto their bean bags. Ready! Steady! GO!

Amaya has fully transitioned to dressing herself in the morning. All in, start to finish. It’s pretty amazing to me to see because her brothers are firmly planted in “mommy do it” land. She’s so stinking independent.

Eventually a spring dress ended up on top of the rest of the outfit. So that made a shirt, leggings, a skirt and a dress. (She’s crying here because she wanted to go back upstairs for a drink of water. Which we did.)

Steven picked out this skirt to wear over his pants. “Ooooooh. It’s fancy.”

This is the usual sight when I get home from work. The sweetest.

I found these great, inexpensive superhero shirts for the boys. So much fun with the capes! I’ll have to keep my eyes out for Wonder Woman. Though it’s currently doubtful that Amaya will wear anything that’s not pink.

Amaya is helping Steven make sure that everything is just so.

BatSam!

Story time! <3

Magnatiles are still a favorite and Steven, Sammy and Amaya are getting increasingly creative with them.

A rocket ship. I don’t think that’s what he set out to put together but it was clear what he’d created once it was done.

Yesterday, Team Cline went out for early breakfast out. It’s rare we’re all out of the house at 8am. I liked it!

SSA helped their daddy fix a window screen.

I know the kids are learning about Passover at school but, with the holiday coming, I thought it would be fun to do a Passover craft at home. I found a print out for a seder plate. They colored all of the parts, then we cut out the seder plate items and the glued them on. Fun and easy!

Steven colors very precisely when he puts his mind to it.

The finished product!

Steven and Amaya reading with Daddy

Boys and Daddy

It’s spring! And we’re outside! I’m really looking forward to this summer outside.

Sammy batted about .500 today with me pitching. He’s so proud of himself when he makes contact.

Bubbles are soooooo much better now that I don’t have to blow them.

One photo of Steven this week. This trick to let them pour their own milk in their cereal has worked so well!

Sammy – Making sure everything is working how it should.

Jason got the kids these toys that they can put together and take apart with screws. Amaya was so focused!

Asking Daddy about her ball cards. <3

That’s all of for this week. Next Saturday the kids and I are off to NY!

Monday’s always feel like a lifetime ago when writing about them on a Sunday. It feels especially so when it was a Monday where Nana and Savta were still here.

With a 1:1 ratio, it was a perfect day to take Steven, Sammy and Amaya to the hands-on museum. (On the way in, Steven saw a jeep with a colorful tire cover and said to Megan, “Look at that fancy jeep!”)

Sammy said his favorite part of the museum day were the screws.

Steven and Sammy playing with an air blower. Love these!

The kids had fun with big bubbles.

On Monday afternoon, Baby Taco came by with Mike to see my mom and grandmother. Steven read her a book. Amaya told Megan, “Her does love me.” <3

We had a sleepy evening together before I headed to the airport for a late night flight to Oklahoma City. Quick trip, but it’s always hard to leave!  Steven had a fever, too, which made it a bit more difficult that usual. Poor Bobo.

Tuesday morning were school photos and Steven was able to join Sammy & Amaya for pictures but, afterward, he had to leave with Megan because of his fever the night before. Steven was very excited to tell me that he helped take Nana and Savta to the airport. Afterward, he had his first trip to heaven. I’m pretty sure Steven was in heaven.

“We’re eating pizza like the one I saw them make with May May!”

I was back bright and early on Wednesday with presents in hand. An airplane that makes noises for Steven. A captain’s hat for Sammy. A purse with a cat for Amaya. It’s getting a little harder to buy gifts because 3 of the same thing generally doesn’t make sense but 3 different things often creates jealousy and grabby hands. I’m a work-in-progress Mommy gift giver. (Also, I need to take a trip to Five Below and stock up on some inexpensive travel gifts. Those airport gift shops will drain the wallet fast!)

Grandma Sunshine came for a visit on Wednesday and SSA couldn’t wait for her to arrive!

She’s here!!

Such love on that face. <3

On Thursday everyone was fussy so Megan got the kids focused on cookie baking. Peanut butter cookies! I did a double take when I first saw this picture. I don’t think that looks like Amaya at all but I definitely see a strong, strong resemblance to her big cousin Nancy.

I was excited to have a chance to come home for lunch on Thursday. Steven, Sammy and Amaya said it was okay as long as I ate what they ate so it was chicken nuggets all around.

While the SSA were in school on Friday, Megan went to Baby Taco’s 4 month well-check. Afterward, she bought Taco to pick up the kids and spend the afternoon at our house.

In case anyone’s been wondering, this is what my van would look like if Jason and I had another baby. (We’re not. We’re not. I’m just saying this is what it would look like.)

These kids are SO gentle and tender with Taco. My heart is near to bursting every time I look at these photos. It’s so special that the have a little baby to love.

We had a quiet weekend at home. There were lots and lots of messy, messy crafts. So messy.

I slept in this morning after going to see RENT last night and Steven, Sammy and Amaya were excited to wake me up! It was nice for me, too. Both the sleeping in and these little people coming to bring me downstairs.

Steven this week!

Goofball. 🙂

My poor cat! Sally was hiding under the bed the entire time the kids were up there today. Steven and I caught her peeking out to check if the coast was clear.

“I have to make a diamond with my fingers.”

All Steven wanted for dinner were peas and carrots. That’s what he got, doused in olive oil.

Sammy this week!

He was excited to find an onion peel in that box.

Drawing a circle and lines.

Little stinker taunting me with feet on the table.

Amaya this week!

Amaya still has some accidents during nap time. On Saturday she helped me with her laundry.

Messy, messy, messy art!

Reading a book to Baby Jenna while Baby Jenna napped.

And that’s it for the week. Have a good one!

Last week I shared this photo of Steven, taken Sunday evening. It was at the end of a long weekend of potty training and he hadn’t eaten much all day. He just wasn’t himself. True to form, when he woke up on Monday morning he was super lethargic. That seems to happen whenever Steven goes to bed without a full stomach. At least I’ve learned a big cup of milk will get him over the hump.

Just after he woke up. My little, limp Bobo.

Lying on the floor outside my bathroom while I showered. Megan was downstairs getting his milk ready. Poor thing really does take a hit when his blood sugar is low.

Had some milk! All better!

Later that morning, Megan texted me this photo and said that Steven was having some of the same issues I saw over the weekend. He spent a lot of time on the couch & wasn’t using the potty even though, every 5 minutes, he said he had to pee. Megan, Jason and I made the decision that he probably isn’t ready for potty training yet. I called him and ask if he’d like to wear diapers again which got me an immediate “yes”. Once he was back in diapers, we had our happy Steven back again.

(As a side note, later that day Steven told Megan that “Daddy wanted me to be nakey.” Sweet boy. I never considered that the kids were old enough to not only internalize what we say but hold onto it that way. Obviously we assured him that Daddy just wants him to do what’s best for him and that diapers are great if that’s what’s best for him.)

Later in the day, brothers walking around the house holding hands. <3

Amaya has started completely dressing herself in the morning. She’s so focused and determined when it comes to doing things independently. Amaya knows that the characters should be on the front of her underwear and the tag on her pants is on her back. I’m proud of my girl.

This is my view when I’m I’m trying to get ready for work in the morning with 3 “helpers”.

The usual 6:30pm view. Kids and mommy on the couch watching Wonder Pets or Daniel Tiger.

Looking at their baby book. LOVE.

We had snow on Monday and the kids were so excited to watch daddy go outside to snow blow.

Steven and Amaya, busy readying.

Early in the week I told SSA that Nana and Savta were coming to visit on Friday. That set off days and days of questions about exactly when Nana and Savta would get there. On Thursday, we helped bridge the gap with FaceTime.

And then Nana and Savta were here!

Nana got this photo of the kids watching me get the mail when I got home from work on Friday evening.

On Saturday morning, Steven, Sammy and Amaya got lots of cuddle time with Nana including FaceTime time with Charlie.

I had plans to go out shopping with everyone on Saturday morning but never bothered to check the weather forecast so I was totally surprised to see it snowing! I was totally caught off guard but we made the most of it and, for the first time this year, all bundled up to go and play in our snow. It was perfect snow weather. I’m so glad to see I have three kiddos who love playing in the snow. (Though I hate being out in the cold so maybe they won’t like it too much.)

Snow angels!

Off she goes! We really need to get a sled of some sort for the backyard. Without one, Amaya just did barrel rolls down the hill. 🙂

Last weekend my triplet moms taught me that you can eat the skin of kiwis (and it’s full of fiber and vitamin c)! Decided to give it a try this week. Serving kiwis like apples is definitely easier than all of that peeling and slicing.

After naptime, the ladies and the kids we out to look at paint options for Amaya’s room and to Home Goods & Michael’s. We definitely kept them in carts in Home Goods. There’s waaaaaaay too much stuff at eye level for grabby toddler hands.

Amaya got this pillow and she’s obsessed.

The checkout at Michael’s is a parent’s nightmare. Which I’m sure they know and is exactly what they’re going for.

After shopping we went to Red Lobster for dinner. Steven, Sammy and Amaya did really well through a 45 minute wait.

Steven, giving hugs to Nana and Savta. It was so sweet.

Lobsters in the tank helped pass the time. Steven was the most adventurous. Amaya kept telling me she didn’t want to look at them. I think they were a little concerned that the lobsters would escape the tank.

Sammy eating a lime.

Steven showing off his salad.

Amaya and Steven ordered mac & cheese and chicken fingers, respectively, but Sammy insisted on ordering lobster. Our Bubba.

Today was a lazy day at home so we made our own adventures.

A parade with Savta!

Coloring Flat Stanley with Nana

Sand!

Glitter markers. (Glitter eeeeeverywhere.)

While Jason was out watching the Sparty’s, the rest of us enjoyed corned beef and cabbage. So yummy!

Amaya was sorry the Sparty’s lost.

Half of the weekend was spent walking around with these amazing, furry Wookie bags from our Aunt Edith. Loooooove them!

Steven this week!

He made a point to put his feet on me so he’d be touching all of us.

Sammy this week!

Selfies. 🙂

Puppy had some holes from all of the Sammy loving. I thought maybe an option would be offering him the back-up puppy I’ve been holding on to for a while now but it was a no-go. In the end, Puppy needed surgery.

Amaya this week!

New Star Wars dress! <3

And that’s it! Have a great week!

Monday started as you do. With underwear on our heads. Such wacky kids. They are everything you expect of three year olds.

As soon as Steven is in underwear I’m sure he’ll want them on his head, too.

Steven got the idea that they should “go to the place where we had our party”. Megan was on board so everyone headed over to Tiny Town after breakfast. It cracks me up that the kids are old enough to really set their own agendas like that.

Tuesday was a BIG day for the Sam Man – his first day of swim class! Go Sammy!!

School kicked off with Sammy and Amaya ready with their new backpacks.

Since it was his first week, Megan joined them at swim like Rosie did with Amaya. Megan reported back that Sammy was a little nervous for the first 2 minutes and then warmed right up. He had a great first day!! I’m such a proud mama.

Amaya, on the other hand, was refusing to go in the water. I suggested Megan leave the lesson and sure enough, once she left, Amaya was happy to get in the water and even go to the deep end with the instructor. That’s so Amaya.

I’m so excited that Sammy gets to join Amaya for swim and I will do a huge cheer when Steven is ready, too. <3

The JCC sent home a 3 ingredient cookie recipe (oats, bananas, raisins) so Megan and SSA made the cookies on Wednesday.

On Wednesday I had a long day of work meetings followed by a dinner and, unfortunately, Rosie texted around 9:30 am to say she was sick. Megan graciously said she could stay until Jason got home from work and Mike would pick Taco up from her mom’s house. Well you know how things go with perfectly laid back up plans. You end up needing back up back up plans. The weather was a mess and Mike’s hotel lost power  which meant he couldn’t leave on time. Megan’s mom kindly brought Taco to our instead, which turned out to be a ton of fun for Steven, Sammy and Amaya. They love time with Baby Taco!

I’ve watched this video at least 30 times. Turn the volume up. Steven is the sweetest, sweetest Bobesies. So gentle and tender with Taco.

On Thursday, Megan took the kids to the play space at the mall and then Chinese food in the food court. (Cute little story. At bedtime the boys always try to stall with questions for us. “Wait! Wait! I have a question for you.” On Thursday night Steven’s question was an inquiry into what I wanted to eat. I said “chinese food” because Jason and I were having some for dinner. Steven said, “You can’t have Chinese food. I didn’t bring any home from the mall for you.”)

Friday was very special. The JCC had a Purim party for the kids and family members were invited to attend. I am so lucky that I have the opportunity to duck out of work for events like this. When I arrived, the kids were all entering the JCC lobby area. Steven was already seated and Sammy and Amaya were still walking up to their seats. They knew I was coming to their school that day but the looks on their faces when they saw me were priceless. The program consisted of about 30 minutes of Shabbat and Purim songs, a parade through the JCC where the kids collected tchotchke toys and then we went back to their classroom for hamentashen. (Side story – that morning Jason asked SSA if they were going to have hamentashen at school and they said no, they already made hamentashen with nana. 🙂 ) Lots of kids were dressed up, which I hadn’t thought to do! Next year for sure! Though Megan told me the teachers offered to let the kids wear dress-up costumes from the classroom and they declined.

It was such a nice event and I loved getting to share it with my little loves.

Steven kept looking at me with this little light in his eyes.

Sammy was camped on Miss Lena’s lap. He adores her and it’s precious.

When I first arrived Amaya was so happy to see me but it was as if, all of a sudden, she realized that she was too cool to be there with her mom and spent 1/2 the program pretending I wasn’t there, lol. Until I offered up my lap. My feet fell asleep with the weight of all three kids on my legs but there was no way I was going to change a thing.

That said, Amaya didn’t want to sit by me in the classroom while the boys had me sit right between them.

Steven saw that my hamentashen wasn’t on the pink table cloth and that just wouldn’t do.

Lucky, lucky mom. <3

Apparently the Purim party wore these kids out! Steven, Sammy and Amaya were not at all interested in waking up from their naps on Friday afternoon.

Saturdays are wonderful. The start of a family weekend at home and it begins with Playroom Pancakes. This week it also began with mustache whistles, compliments of the Purim party parade.

Jason had to run to the post office and the boys wanted to go so off they all went!

This morning, I woke (early!) to 3 happy kids who were totally unfazed by daylight savings time. We’ve come a long way from the days we moved their schedule in 15 minute increments over the course of a week.

Steven is working so hard to go potty. Jason convinced him to spend the weekend without pants & underwear (but in Jason’s big shirt). On Saturday afternoon he had one success and one accident. Poor guy was totally freaked out in the moment. Today he had two success and no accidents. He was a bit of a mess all day, though. He went long periods at a time when he’d say he had to go potty every 5 minutes but the minute he sat down, he’d say he couldn’t go. It was rough. I’m hoping every day gets a little easier for him.

Someone stole Sammy’s shoes.

Sammy figured out how to play piano when there was no immediate seat waiting for him.

Everyone else followed suit.

Super Sammy!!

This is what morning looks like when the kids wake up to new ball cards from Daddy.

This girl still loves her play doh.

It’s Grandpa Homey’s birthday and Jason made sure everyone had a chance to send our love and birthday wishes via FaceTime!

It was a peaceful weekend, but I hope this guy is in better shape soon. He’s getting it. He’s ready. We all just need to work the process with him.

Steven this week!

So proud of peeing on the potty. I sent him a video back in return. He told Megan, “That was great!” My Bobes.

Brothers!

Sammy this week!

This kid.

Jason left some ball cards out at night. When Jason came down to go to work Sammy couldn’t wait to run to Jason and find out who it was on the card. Sweetest.

He loves taking selfies.

He also loves taking pictures of me. I have 5 or 6 more from this week. “Mommy! I want to take a picture of you!”

Smiling selfie! (I took this one.)

You can tell I took that one ^^ because most of Sammy’s look like this. “I was looking down.”

Amaya this week!

Little fashionista.

Finally, happy morning kiddos.s

Have a great week!

Welcome back, May May! Steven, Sammy and Amaya were very excited to welcome Megan back from maternity leave. Sammy was practically jumping out of his skin. It was really cute. And, so quickly, they’ve adapted and understand that Megan comes in the morning and Rosie comes in the afternoon.

Megan dove right in. SSA spent time tracing their names, playing alphabet bingo and working on correlating numbers and quantities. I love it!

Happy kids!

Monday was Steven’s first day using the potty at least twice/day and he had success! He finished and ran to Sammy and Amaya to tell them that he peed on the potty! He could hear the pee go in the toilet! 🙂 So stinking cute. We’re so proud of him.

(I can’t believe how much Steven looks like Sammy in this picture. I think it’s because of the angle of his face. It looks more narrow than usual. But every time I see this photo I do a quick double take.)

Back in January, we told the kids we’d get them a globe for their birthday. It never happened but Steven saw the image of the globe in his dollhouse and said, “We were going to get one of these for our party!” It just so happened someone at work was getting rid of a globe and gave it to me. What a hit! The kids love seeing where they live and looking for where Nana and Papa live. (All over the world, is their answer.) Sammy is insistent he wants to live in China “next time”.

As you can see, it’s still business as usual with Rosie and three 3 year olds!

Rosie also taught the kids an amazing new trick this week. The preschool flip!

SSA are getting more and more interested in helping and in doing things themselves. This week on the list was buttering the bread for their grilled cheese sandwiches. I’m also working on letting them get themselves dressed. That one is hard for me if they’re not pushing for it because it takes so much loooooonger. But I know it’s worth it in the long run.

On Thursday, Megan took Steven, Sammy and Amaya to “Cookies with a Cop” at the Novi library. The police officer read a story book and then the got to eat cookies and meet him in person. So much fun! Another friend was there with her 3 year old triplets and mentioned to me how well behaved SSA were. That was really nice to hear!

Sammy cried when it came time to meet the police officer but Steven and Amaya jumped in for their photo op.

Everyone got new backpacks for school because, starting Tuesday, Sammy is joining Amaya at SWIM LESSONS and it will make it easier to take towels and bathing suits with them. Everyone got to pick out their own.

Sammy specifically requested a cow backpack. He’s a happy Bubba.

He also asked for a cow towel but they were all for infants so he went for his 2nd choice – Mickey Mouse – and it’s adorable.

Saturday afternoon, Jason’s friend came over with his 2 year old daughter for a play date. Such a nice afternoon!

Saturday night, around 3am, I woke up to Steven in hysterics. He thought his crib was covered in “mocos” (snot) but it was blood from a bloody nose. It was all over his stuff and he was inconsolable so I took him to bed with me. It’s so, so rare that we sleep with the kids. I can count on one hand the # of times it’s happened and it’s always been when there was a stomach bug. Steven was so sweet cuddled up with me in bed. He held my hand and played with my fingers and we cuddled all night. It was worth every lost minute of sleep. <3 <3 <3

In the morning I realized I probably should have cleaned his face a little better before bed.

Today Sammy and I went to the JCC’s Mom2Mom sale together. 2nd year running and a lot easier this year! We saw the school director there and he burst into tears when he saw her. 🙁 He was totally caught off guard and afraid I was leaving him. Poor Bubba. He rebounded quickly, though!

New hat for summer!

Showing his apple.

Making faces. 🙂

Potty selfie! He went in the car before we left and, sure enough, on the ride home he said he had to go again. He’s so new at all of this that I pulled over in a parking lot for another potty break. Diapers were so much easier.

Brothers! These two. The other night Steven was upset at bedtime and Sammy said, “Don’t worry, Steven. I’m here.”

They’re also getting physical! Tonight was wresting and laughing and wresting and laughing (until Sammy his head on the crib and then it was all over). Brothers. <3

Steven this week!

He’s an astronaut!

Still an astronaut!

Still an astronaut!

Be prepared for a lot of Steven potty selfies. I really can’t help myself.  He’s trying so hard, sitting on the potty every day, and still working on making the magic happen regularly.

Sammy this week!

“Daddy! I’m stuck!”

Amaya this week!

A french braid. Love.

Bed head.

Surly astronaut.

Amaya was so excited to be an astronaut-ballerina-dinosaur. You can tell, since she smiled for photos.

I want what I can’t have and I’m miserable about it!

I’ll end this week with mommy cuddles. I love cuddles.

Have a great week!

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!

Sammy this week!

Mad Sammy

Sad Sammy

Happy Sammy

Love those lashes!

Air time!

Amaya this week!

Mad Amaya

Sad Amaya

Happy Amaya

Underwear Head Amaya!

And that’s it for this week! Have a good one!

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!

This year we had two photo shoots. Jason was sick the first weekend so we kept our first scheduled shoot and added a 2nd.

I’ve thought about doing photos like these, with Steven, Sammy & Amaya’s NICU photos since they were born. They’ve come SO far. <3 <3 <3

Classic Amaya “I don’t want to do this” face.

Smile for photos – get M&Ms!

Round two! All of the Clines!