Things to do today ...

A friend of mine posted this picture and it resonated with me. Also made me realize that I hadn't kept up with my blog ... again. I guess it hasn't made my survival checklist but it sure does help to vent and brag on my girls. I am now 32 weeks pregnant with number four and my days of being in denial are numbered. People ask me all the time, "how are you going to do it?". I just laugh it off because as all mommies, especially my twin mommy friends know, you just do. This is the hand God dealt you and you don't have an option. So, my answer is usually, "One day at a time". Hence, the to do list. It spoke to me.

Let me start with a vent. Being so obviously pregnant, I get congratulations almost everywhere I go. Then I get the usual, "is it a boy or a girl?". I tell them it's a boy and then I get the usual "now, you're done". And, in my constant hormonal state, I think back to a computer animated video where a twin mom tells the nosy mom she is conversing with "I am so glad you made that decision for me". Or something along those lines. For those who haven't seen this video, here is a link. 
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=video+twin+mom+converstation&mid=080B4604496F44CFD086080B4604496F44CFD086&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1

Can you see my belly?

This just opens up a huge can of worms of the thoughtless things people say to people who are not only pregnant but also to those who are trying to get pregnant. Can't they just stop at "congratulations" or "how nice"?  Instead of that or the other doozie "I bet your husband is happy". Yes, only he is. Again, constant hormonal state. People are extremely lucky that I haven't given in to those hormones and actually say what I am thinking.

 

Yes, that's my wallet.

Homemade ticker tape parade

I have also found myself more than once, staring enviously at moms who only have one kid. Thinking things like "How nice it must be to have just one. Just one kid to pack up, just one kid's worth of stuff to get in the diaper bag. I bet it didn't take her 20 minutes to load up the car." Then, I quickly get back to reality. Looks can be deceiving. I would never give up my 3 girls or my boy on the way. We are really getting to the good stuff. Yes, it's hard work. Oh yeah, there are bad days, where I don't recognize myself. But I wouldn't give it up.


The twins are talking to each other. I mean really conversing, not the twin talk from their infant days. They talk to their little sister. She eats up every single syllable. Sabrina is trying to repeat what they say and sometimes she is actually successful. Having more than one right off the bat, I didn't have to arrange a play date to give my kids someone to play with ... or fight with. It is the best when the fighting is over who gets to play with Sabrina or make her laugh or get her out of bed.

The best thing I heard all week was Mia say to Livvy "You are my best friend". And she meant it, it was so sincere. You just can't make this stuff up! And it's these little morsels that help me survive the day. A day filled with tantrums, fighting, mocking, and refusing to sleep and/or eat. The we go to sleep... eventually. The slate is wiped clean. We start all over again.

Sabrina's Baptism

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And the Regression Has Started

We are getting closer and closer to the new baby arrival, which means that we are getting more and more "I can't do it", "Mommy do it", and yes, even the classic "carry me".  It's also setting in how much we need to do.  Got stuff for the nursery, bedding, crib, accessories but still have to make time for the disassembling and relocation of the guest bed and the time consuming painting. I recently red this quote: "If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?"  ~  Milton Berle.

I am really getting to understand the genius of this statement. This morning, again, thank goodness for fellow moms who just get it. I was trying to hold Sabrina while getting Livvy and Mia out of the car. Sure enough, Livvy started the tantrum and lost all ability to walk. Begged and begged to be carried. Then, held on to my leg. Luckily, a former class mate wanted to wait for them to come in the building. He and mommy walked out to the car and Noah took the girls hands, while being encouraged to run by mommy. I don't think we would have made it into the building under 15 minutes without Noah's encouragement and distraction. Thank you, Noah. Thank you, Aimee!

Notice the pensive pose.

Can you see the smile that is starting?

In other news, look who has discovered the comedic power of sticking out her tongue! She knows with just a small appearance, she can have an entire room in stitches. Sabrina's personality is coming out and she is quickly becoming the ham that reminds me so much of Livvy. Let's hope that she doesn't inherit Livvy's tendency for tantrums too. Among her tricks, Sabrina can repeat just about anything you say, instigates peek-a-boo like a champ, and is walking like she has been doing it since the day she was born! She follows her sisters everywhere, especially the bathroom. So in case you were wondering, girls going to the bathroom in groups, it's an ingrained habit, no need to teach it.

 I am so proud of my big girls, after our Spring Break potty training boot camp, they are still going strong. They even stop requesting candy or a treat after each bathroom visit. And, knock on wood, they are going without me!! They just get up from bed or from playing and go. Gone are the yelling announcements "Mommy, I have to go potty", "Mommy, I want to flush", "Mommy, I need to wash my hands"... you get the picture. Behold the sense of independence that comes with picking out their own panties, Minnie House and Princess are their favorites.

Dancing to "Just like a Rockstar"

Yes, they included Sabrina into their club.

Their memory is astounding me. Whenever we see a commercial clip of Fresh Beat, they announce that we are going to see them. Then, add "in one month". I have to start a days countdown. They have always sung along to songs as if they knew the words but now they really do. Below are some of my favorite moments caught on film. The song on the tv is "What are you feeling?", a Signing Time song. We don't watch this on a regular basis anymore, so I love that they remember the signs.

"Surprise!"

They hug when they finish a song!

Grumpy sign, she isn't making the face though.

Last but not least, the funny things that come out of their mouths..

...Still popular :"I'm not silly anymore"

...Asserting independence:  "My do it!"

...Reminding you it's her turn: "How about me?"

...Telling you how it's done: "Mommy, like this! Not that."
...Emphasizing seriousness "Mommy, don't laugh. Don't smile, mommy!" 

A Day in the Life of a SAHM

Look at those cute girls. Playing together so harmoniously. So peacefully.

See the curiosity on this face, as she masters using the camera phone?

 

Can't you just see the wheels turning in this head as she discovers how to correctly use these binoculars?

And in the blink of an eye, it all goes away. What a morning!! First fit came from Livvy. As often is the case, my big girls will spontaneously lose the ability to do anything for themselves. So, we go from huge accomplishments, like making it to the potty on time to "I can't do it" when it comes time to pull up their own panties. She dragged it on for 20 minutes, making us late for MOPS. She actually stood in the garage interior doorway, with her panties around her ankles, watching me pretend drive away before we made any headway. 

Then we get to the car ride, where she cries the whole way to MOPS about wanting mommy's phone. The. Whole. Way. We get to MOPS where in the parking lot, Livvy tries to get mommy to carry her bag, same battle, different situation. We make it in, Livvy with her tear stained face and all. Everything goes fine for them in their class. Whew.

Until Mommy shows up that is. Then it's "no, I don't want to sit on the potty" and "Mommy carry the bag". Luckily, the teacher asked to put Livvy's bag on her back and she pleasantly complies. As long as it's not Mommy making the request. There is so much more of this to come in my future, I know.

Then comes another car ride. First it's "I can't climb in my seat". Then, we return to the ole "I want Mommy's phone". Finally, it's the music that is making her unhappy. She doesn't want Fresh Beat and says so every 5 seconds. Until now, Mia is the "good" one but don't mess with her music. She wants Fresh Beat and counters every objection with her request to keep Fresh Beat. Longest 7 minute car ride ever. Well, since the morning ride anyway. Add to that the attempt to call Aunt La to wish her a Happy Birthday. Instead of sweet 3 yr old voices singing to her, she gets an earful of a tantrum. Sorry, Aunt La. Somehow, Sabrina sleeps through all of this.

Peacefully sitting at the table.

Finally, make it home. Livvy cries in the car a while refusing to get out. Fine. Typical. I manage to get lunch on the table while she gets it out of her system. I get Sabrina in her bed. Big girls have a successful potty break. They earn their m&m's for going in the potty. We sit at the table and actually eat lunch ... for a while. Then Mia drops an m&m. This is, of course, a traumatic event and she can't pick it up herself. Livvy jumps in and picks it up for her. This enrages Mia to the point of screaming at her sister. Mommy is reminding her to say thank you to Livvy for doing something nice for her. She yells some more, throws the m&m back on the floor, so that she can pick it up herself.

But wait, there's more. Livvy further enrages her sister, like only siblings can do, and says "Thank you. You're welcome." over and over. To which Mia yells "No thank you. No welcome!" over and over. This goes on while I finish my lunch because I have no more fight in me. Just as quick as it starts, one of them starts to sing/say "Ice, ice baby". Then, the other joins in. Next thing I know, they are sitting again, singing and eating. You just can't make this stuff up.

 

They are now in bed, not sleeping but not fighting. Sabrina, who slept through all that, is now awake. And this mommy is tired. I can't help but think of my husband who just doesn't understand how tired staying at home with 3 kids (not to mention while 22 weeks pregnant) makes me on a daily basis. Two nights ago, I went to bed at 7:30, right after we got the girls down. He came into the bedroom to ask me what was wrong. He seemed perplexed by my answer "I am tired".

Party of Five No More

Crazy that I am pregnant again. I am still wrapping my head around this fact. If anyone had told me that I would have 4, I would have laughed. If anyone had ever told me that I would be 40 and not just pregnant but with my 4th. I would have spit my drink out in your face, much like the segment on Jimmy Fallon. So, here we are.

I have literally 3 little ladies in my presence now. My baby is walking, trying to talk, she just won't be left behind by her 2 big sisters. She follows them. When they try to ignore her, she gets right in their face and smiles. Or if they try to leave her behind, she does something like takes their purse or snuggles with Elmo sure to get Mia's attention. I do not have to worry about this one, she can take care of herself for sure! Sabrina will not be ignored.

As usual, the funniest things are coming out of their mouths. Some their own creation, some imitation of what they hear around them.


Mia does a fabulous Sally Field with her commonly stated: "I did it, I really, really did it!"

Livvy imitates Mommy's directions, never mind following them : "No throwing." "That not safe."

They both do a great preteen boy, whenever they see my bra: "Mommy's boobies" ... in the lowest goofiest voice ever.

They are self aware: "Mommy, I am me."

They are informants: " Baby make a mess"; "Daddy stretched the socks", "Livvy is too close"

They suck up, very sweetly: "Mommy, I love you this much" classically holding out arms.

Most of all, they sing, everything from Cheap Trick, to Go-Gos, to Backyardigans and Fresh Beat. But making their Daddy most proud, is that they are retaining the lyrics to Xanadu and pretty accurately, I might add. They both bust out into song, randomly. It is quite entertaining.

Baby Imperial is entering a very busy household. Can't wait to see what baby brings to the mix.

Christmas is here!

I started this a couple months ago and never finished. This was right around the time that I suspected I was pregnant and definitely had my typical "all day" sickness.  I didn't want to leave any of these moments out of my blog, so now it is more of a collage. I will be working on a 2012 post while my girls nap ... I hope.





We have been celebrating big this Christmas season. Staring off with the Nutcracker Tea, I think my girls are hooked on ballet. They called every ballerina "a princess".  They had a great time and so did I!
 Can't wait until they are old enough for the full production!

Just being silly.

Can you hear me laughing?

Sabrina, you can't take a bite out of me!

Look at me pull up!

Breakfast with Santa party.

Fall Back

Well, thank goodness for the time change, I theoretically have an extra hour to play with tonight. Since, I missed my October post, I will use that extra hour to my advantage. The girls are still growing way too fast. Miss Sabrina is now 6 months old: babbling, rolling over, sitting up in a tripod, and now is a Gymboree baby! Mia and Livvy are just becoming little ladies before my eyes. 

Livvy is just the funniest little specimen. She has this sense of humor that is ingrained, you can't teach it. When you as her to bring you something, she asks "this?" with a gleam in her eye, knowing full well that is not what you're asking for. Sometimes she even pretends to pull nothing from behind her back.

Example conversation:
Mommy: "Can I have the remote?"
Livvy: "This?" (holding up a toy)
Mommy: "No"
Livvy: "This?" (holding a comb)
Mommy: "No"
Livvy: "OH! This?" Smile even bigger.


Mia on the other hand is all about what she wants.

Mommy: "Do you want apples?"
Mia: "Mmmm, how about strawberries?"
Mommy: "I need to buy some. Want grapes?"
Mia: "Mmmm, how abouuuuut .... ummm strawberries?!"
Mommy: "We don't have any."
Mia: "Mmm, okay, apples. Mommy buy strawberries."

They are loving gymnastics, or nastics, as they call it. Mia is definitely part monkey. Her ability to climb and swing on the rope astound me. She even pretends to be coach Kim at home. The other day, Mia put a clipboard on the floor. Walked across it, holding her arms out. Then turns to Livvy "Can you walk across the bridge?" Then, demonstrates again. "Like that, can you do that?"

And they are still quite the performers. They used to just think they knew the words to songs. Now they are singing along almost completely accurately. And of course, Sabrina thinks she is singing with them too. The big girls sing to her on a regular basis. They love their Baby Rina. Who, Mia occasionally calls, Sabrina now. ~Sigh~




New favorite words and phrases:
*That's silly
* How about ...
*Next song. I don't like this one.
* Bye-bye door
* Thank you much
* empty ... no more "all gone"