January is coming to a close and, still, the $50 million dollar Lotto Max prize has eluded us...sigh. Apparently, if we ever want to win, we'll have to move to Ontario (and buy tickets of course).
It's been a busy month of Christmas holiday recovery and return to the hectic schedule(s) of getting these girls (4) to various appointments. February is looking fairly calm; however, this is good as we are all preparing (psychologically) for Jeremy to return to work. It's been an interesting time trying to decide how we're going to manage for the foreseeable future...me at home with the girls, and Jeremy being back at work. We've tossed around the idea of a live-in-nanny; a logical choice, however, the notion of having someone in our home to live (although would be wonderfully helpful) is not the ideal for us right now. We've gone as far as looking for someone but so far none of the local nannies are interested in supporting our endeavours. Because of this, and our desire to protect our personal space (as it is quite small), we've opted to forestall the nanny for now and consider other options.
So...we'll likely enrol Jennifer in a part-time day-care. We've found something just down the road which is bright, clean, active and has a really neat program. She and Jer will go together in the morning and, weather permitting, I'll pick her up with the 3 girls at the end of the day. It will certainly be a time of trials and re-organizing. I think, though, that Jennifer will enjoy the break from being home all of the time and benefit from the extra stimulation. She is a lovely, bright and compassionate girl and I think this program will support all of these qualities in her.
So, busy weeks...We've had the girls to see their doctor and are happy to report that they are all growing so well. Emily continues to lead the pack at 17lbs 10oz. She has really extended her lead on her sisters with Heather coming in next at 16 lbs 14 oz, followed by petite little Caitlyn weighing in at 16lbs 4 oz. They all had decent weight gains and, once again, Jer and I breathed a sigh of relief. They've all been up and down with respect to their intake that we're never quite sure how the weight gain will evolve. Physiotherapy continues for Heather and Emily: both are improving (torticollis and strengthening neck muscles), and only Emily will need to return in a few weeks time. Feeding clinic commenced for Emily: she still refuses to take a spoon from me; however, the Occupational therapist gave her a wonderful "floppy" spoon that Emily is quite happy to manage on her own. Feeding Emily is an event: she requires a full hosing down after each meal. Quite fun I must say!
All the babies are really progressing with respect to their motor skills. Heather is the champion of sitting solo, followed closely by Emily. They both still need a monitor there to support them in case they lean back too far; however, overall, they are doing great! Caitlyn is working also hard to master this new skill. She needs a bit more work leaning forward, as she prefers the "lounge" position against her Mama's tummy. Jer and I are getting a wee glimpse of what it will be like when all the babies are crawling. No sooner do we put the babies down on their backs in one position than they are on their tummies in a completely different position. What fun to see them explore their worlds one roll at a time! We've seen great advancements from Emily in the past 2 weeks: she has gone from being stationary on her tummy, crying for someone to help her out, to figuring out that she can propel herself by rolling and making some attempts to get up onto her knees! Great work! We believe that Caitlyn will be the first to crawl. For weeks now, she has been supporting her upper body on her arms and trying hard to tuck her knees up under her....Of all the girls, she is our greatest locomotor. We're never quite sure where she'll end up once she's on the floor! Heather has really figured out the benefit of rolling to attain a toy that she wants -- usually the one that her sister has (of course)... She can roll in and roll out faster than you can say boo! We have to watch her, though, as she finds the most interesting places to roll to and often gets herself stuck!
I think one of the most fun changes that we've seen is the babies' interaction with each other. They look at each other and chat or giggle. Heather and Caitlyn were seen wresting the other day and Caitlyn was making Emily giggle hysterically by just touching her face. Of course, Jennifer is not to be left out, and showers each of her sisters with gigantic hugs, kisses, and giggles! What a treat to see them all interact and love each other so much!
So....apologies for the photos...they aren't great. As the girls get bigger and more mobile, our days get busier and busier, so our tendency to grab the camera is less and less....but enjoy the few that we did grab!
A rare moment of Emily and Caitlyn on the couch together. We can't put them on the couch any more as they are far too strong and far too mobile -- they quickly launch themselves OFF!
Happy days - Emily, Caitlyn, Heather!
Emily and Caitlyn...huh...they're still on the couch!
Jennifer loves to cuddle her sisters (and secretly pretend they are her dolls that she can put to bed)
Morning wake up call! (I think we're going to need a KING size bed soon!)
Good friend Scott dropped in to see us while in Calgary on business!
Emily, Heather and Caitlyn!
Jennifer favourite things.....reading and her sisters. Even better when they are combined!
Eliciting the belly laugh from Emily!
Hangin' out at the dinner table with the Heather and Cailtyn...
...and Emily!
Sisterly bonding....Emily and Heather.
Gearing up to make her move....Caitlyn on the go!
Caitlyn, Heather and Emily enjoying some towel time!
Heather eyeing the giraffe toy that she would like for herself....
Mutual admiration society...Emily CEO...
Caityn getting ready to devour her book!
Cherished moments with Papa and Emily....
Heather enjoying some yummy puree....mmmmm
Caitlyn enjoying her favourite strap from the chair....mmmmm!
Caitlyn anticipates Heather's right hook and skilfully slides the prize out of her sister's reach! Ding...round 2.
Caitlyn showing her prowess and strength skillfully manages to manipulate the star away from the grasp of Heather and rightfully returns the star to her possession! -- End of Match DING!! Stay tuned for the sequel!
We were also told to start Emily on a "Farley" biscuit....basically a teething biscuit...but OH MY...what a mess it makes -- again, she's HAPPY!!
Caitlyn enjoying her favourite dinner... Sweet Potatoe Pie!!
Caitlyn -- Heather (top) and Emily...
Emily and her new spoon...she's really taking to it...I'm not sure how many peas and sweet potatoe she's actually taking however she's HAPPY!!
Our beautiful babies...seeing them all still stops me at times...I still can't believe they are all mine....how lucky are we!
Heather's favourite "hiding" spot...she migrates there every day!
So that's all for now folks....hope this has enriched your day by giving you a smile, a laugh, a warm "fuzzy" !
Until next time....
Jan
Such a lovely family - we think of you all often!
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