POTD: Proud Oliver Moment

We hit a big, surprising, milestone today --- Oliver is miraculously over his water hang up!!!! He was laying down in the tub tonight!  If you have ever heard him howl while we have tried to wash his hair, you  know what a major accomplishment this is.

I mentioned at his four-year doctor's appointment our concern that he had such trouble with baths, pools, and water in general. The pediatrician suggested using earplugs (the ones used as a sleep aid) to help, since Oliver said he didn't like getting water in his ears.  We have done this for the last few baths and were so happy that the tears and fights about hair washing were behind us.

Tonight he wanted the earplugs as soon as he got in the tub. Unprompted, he started trying to lay down and get his hair wet. I was so impressed when he got his head to touch the bottom of the tub. That was already a big step! Then, one of the earplugs fell out and he didn't even notice! I took the second one out and he was completely fine with it. It was so sweet seeing how proud he was to show Adam that he could put his head in the water! Fingers crossed we get him comfortable enough in/around water that he can really have fun with his cousins this summer at the pool.

POTD- Homework

Today has been brought to you by the Letter "D" and the Number "1".

At Beacon, Oliver's preschool, there are a few kids from the nearby elementary school that come to Beacon for after-care. Oliver is always telling us that he wants to do homework like the big kids, so we got him some Pre-K workbooks for letters, numbers, shapes, and scissor skills. On nights when bedtime is going smoothly, he sits and does a few pages while we cook our dinner after the lil ones have been put down. It's a nice way to get some extra time in with Oliver, and it's sweet to see how proud he is of being a Big Kid!

POTD: BJs outing

Last week, I got motivated to take the kids to BJs after work.  It was the first (and possibly last) time I took all three grocery shopping with me.  Want to know the best way to ensure that you don't spend too much time/money at BJs?  The secret is Lukas.  A howling kid will ensure that you get only the bare essentials! Though my cart looks incredibly full, it is all bulky stuff -- toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, and seltzer. Door to door the trip was accomplished in an hour and I spent the least amount I ever have in the store...  Can't say that I am itchin' to repeat the experience, but I'm taking a "glass is half full" perspective on this one.  

Before & After!

Spring is here!

We are all so happy to be able to get out of the house now that the weather has finally turned.  I'm so happy we are back to our usual "In-Philly" weekend routine.  On Saturday mornings, after Adam has let me sleep in, I schlepp the crew to the Farmers Market for fresh greens and some time at the park and/or playground while Adam catches up on some sleep.  The boys can play a bit more independently now, which is great.  

                                       

Oliver's Birthday Weekend

Oliver's birthday fell on a Sunday this year.  We have plans for a joint birthday party with the brothers this summer at the bungalow, so we kept it pretty low key. On Saturday, Grandma & Pop-pop came over for a celebration (photos pending)

After nap, we took the kids to Smith's Playground.  Unfortunately, it was super hot and crowded.  Poor lil' guys had a Mommy that had them dressed in long-sleeves and pants.  The highlight of the trip was sitting and having a snack on the way back to the car.  We found a ladybug and Lukas and Oliver had fun letting it walk on their arms - they were fascinated!

POTD: Sick Daysssss

You know how the only good thing about a stomach bug is that though it may be brutal it as at least short-lived? Not so, when you are a lil' munchkin.  Lukas got a bug that had him out of commission for almost TWO weeks, AND he took out the Nanny.  It was rough going around here - including a fun outing solo to the pediatrician with the two healthy kids in tow.  On one of the days that the Nanny was home sick, I impressed the kids by turning the couch into a bed (what skills this Mommy has!) and we spent the day watching more TV than they watch in a week!  I'm the only one that seemed to mind.  

Ocean City - Best. Daytrip. Ever!

Last Saturday, Oliver, Alex and I took a spontaneous daytrip to Ocean City, NJ with a new Junior League/mom friend of mine and her son (H), who is just a few weeks older than Alex/Lukas.  Everyone had an absolute blast!  The weather was perfect - low 60s and very sunny and the boardwalk was largely empty.  We brought Oliver's bike and he happily rode around. The boys all had fun in the sand while the mommies got to chat.  We also gorged ourselves on boardwalk treats -- pizza, funnel cakes, custard, and fudge - yum, yum!

I didn't grow up in a beach-family, so this was only the second time I have ever done an off-season beach outing.  Based on our fabulous day, I would definitely consider doing this more often - it's an easy 75min drive from Philly and the boardwalk/beach is SO nice when you aren't dealing with crowds of people.  Next time, I would bring the tricycle with two seats for Alex/Lukas.  

Opa & Mor-Mor Visit

In late March, my dad and Margit came down for a long overdue visit. We stayed close to home on Saturday afternoon/ evening, since the weather wasn't cooperative. Opa and Oliver had fun with Oliver's newest tinkering set - they made a Robot!  Well, Oliver watched Opa build it.  

Omi Fun!

While we are in between au pairs, we are trying to make the most of the extra bedroom, which means family from Jersey can more easily visit, since they can sleep over.  My mom came to visit in mid-March and we took the boys to the Camden Aquarium.

These kids are always happiest at snacktime!