January has been fairly quiet compared to the usual chaos of December. We've started back into some of our normal routines. Every week we actually go to a "Terrific Twos" class at our local library. (On a side note, our library is fantastic! It is huge and full of resources for kids which is a life saver during a long winter!!) Last year the kids attended the "Wonderful Ones" class and absolutely loved it. So now they've "graduated" to the twos class. It is simply a couple of stories and songs, but I really love their new teacher. I swear she was a pre-school teacher before. She has a theme every week and engages with all the kids so well. It is definitely one of the highlights of our week.
With the colder weather, I'm also starting to plot trips with all 3. Yesterday, I actually took all 3 out grocery shopping by myself. One of my favorite grocery stores upgraded their carts so I am now able to fit all 3 in one cart! It was truly liberating to be able to take my kids out on my own and just have some time with them. I found that bringing snacks along was a strategy I'll have to keep though. It definitely helped to keep them occupied. So another little milestone met, wow my "babies" are getting big!
One of the most challenging things lately is actually trying to cook. My little helpers love to push the kitchen chairs up to the counter and play with anything they can get their hands on. I always have aspirations of actually letting them help, but in no time, there is pushing and shoving, light switches flickering and food on the floor at which time "helping" is over. I've had to come up with creative ways to keep them out of the way which has included letting them play with dry pasta on the floor or emptying the entire contents of my pantry. It literally often looks like a bomb hit the kitchen, but is essential to me actually getting dinner on the table!
Another first around here is that we have all started eating dinner at the table together. While this comes quickly for many parents once their kids start eating solids, we have always put it off since feeding 3 can be quite a production. But since last week, I've been lowering their high chairs and pulling them up to the table so they can eat with mommy and daddy. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's really been wonderful! It is so refreshing to all sit down together as a family and eat dinner. I was beaming through the first meal together and kept asking Rich, "Isn't this crazy? We're all eating together!" I love these little moments. :)
Well, those are my random thoughts at the beginning of 2012. I hope to keep everyone better informed about life with 3 two year olds! Until next time...which should be soon.
And of course I can't not include a few cute pics. :)
