My Morning with Three Children....

Most of you know that I have the privilege of watching some friends of ours' two children a morning each week....That will also go to two mornings/week very soon.

I will admit that, at first, it was a bit of a challenge having three children under the age of 3 at my home. But, as time has progressed and I have gotten to know these two other children better, it's gotten easier and much smoother. Also, at first, Luke didn't fully appreciate his mommy's attention diverted elsewhere. But now, he does just fine with two other children here.

This past Wednesday was nice and relaxing actually....Luke slept in until 9:20. Since Oliver and Lily get here at 8:00, things were really smooth for a bit -- only 2 kids.

Oliver and I played with Play-Doh. We made many letters and numbers. Oliver's VERY interested in letters and numbers right now -- and I knew that thanks to his mom making a blog post about that :)



Oliver also wanted to draw some letters. So, I would draw them first, and then, with help, he would make them.

On the right side of this yellow paper, you'll notice Oliver's "Z" and "F."



During this time, Lily very contentedly wandered around, finding toys to carry around and play with -- all from Luke's collection (which so far, he doesn't seem to mind other children playing with).



Around that time, Luke woke up. After getting Luke up and dressed, Lily was put down for her morning nap. So, I still only had two kids to watch at a time :)

Oliver always comes over having already eaten breakfast. But somehow, he got into this "ritual" (and I don't mean to use that word negatively) of bringing over oatmeal to eat. And, he has to bring over the oatmeal in a butter tub with a cottage cheese lid (and he explains to me each time that they can't find the appropriate butter lid).

So, after Luke got up, Oliver ate his oatmeal while Luke ate his breakfast. Oliver likes to have one of Luke's spoons to eat his oatmeal. This particular day, he chose the yellow spoon.



Here's Luke -- just to the right of Oliver.



After a bit, Luke had a piece of cheese. Of course then, Oliver wanted a piece of cheese. I figured -- cheese is O.K. Why not? Luke then started playing with his cheese wrapper. Oliver followed that activity. I think the two boys enjoyed making interesting sounds with the wrappers. I don't know -- I don't remember being a toddler :)



After Luke's breakfast and Oliver's snack, Oliver asked to make cookies. I have made some cookies with him several times before, and he does fairly well. So, I decided to do it again that day.

**I haven't yet told Oliver that once his sister stops taking a morning nap, the cookie thing won't be happening anymore. I just don't see myself making cookies with three small children. At this point, when Lily is sleeping, I can keep Luke content with some toys....

Oliver likes to help mix the dough, but once they're in the oven, his interest wanes (that is, until he gets to eat them). But, I couldn't resist this photo -- Oliver carefully watching the cookies in the oven. Oh -- how long do they take?

Oh -- and our wonderful oven does NOT get hot on the outside. So, he wasn't anywhere near getting burned.



Of course, when I do bake cookies with Oliver, Marc doesn't mind. This is the photo I sent to him at work that day -- that way, he knew something would be waiting when he got home. In case you don't know Marc, he likes to eat.



While the cookies were finishing baking and cooling, Oliver and Luke played a little game. Oliver hid and then, jumped out and made Luke laugh. This activity actually went on for a bit. It's fun to see Oliver and Luke start to play together -- a little. They're 16 months apart, and it definitely is obvious at times.

Notice PBS Kids in the background? That's how I somewhat keep Luke busy when cookies are being baked with Oliver. Keep in mind Luke's only 18 months. He doesn't get that interested in TV (I know, I know -- it'll happen someday). But, he does sometimes watch a few little "cartoony" type things. I guess I should ultimately be thankful that he's not that interested in TV yet. Someday, I'll probably have to "pry" him away from it -- with his protest, of course.



After the cookies were cooled, Oliver, of course, had to taste test. "That's it for the snacks, Oliver."

"O.K., Sarah." (But, five minutes later, he wanted another snack, and I had to tell him "No").



After awhile, Lily got up from her nap. She's always so content to just wander around and find things to do -- pretty easy-going, at least for me.

Luke, I think, does have a secret little crush on her. He likes to go up to her and smile and touch her face. This is the best photo I could get -- I couldn't get them both to look at me.



Really -- it was a good morning. They kept me on my toes. I certainly was not bored, and I'm generally tired when the two extra kids leave and my child goes down for a nap.

Half-way through the morning, though, this is what I treat myself to....



For those of you who know me well, you know I really enjoy a good Diet Pepsi. I'm not addicted, but I think I could become addicted. I've recently started limiting myself to only 5 cans/week. But, that's for another blog post someday :)

One other thing...

Oliver's really into asking questions right now. He's quite curious, and while his questions are sometimes actually difficult to answer at his level, I admire his willingness to learn. But, I have to admit that sometimes, my head is spinning from the questions.

Here are some examples from this week...

1) Sarah, what kind of soap does Marc use?

2) Sarah, does Lukey like strawberry yogurt?

3) Sarah, Where's Marc today?

4) Sarah, how old are you?

5) Sarah, what kind of juice do you have?

6) Sarah, does Lukey like to swim?

7) Sarah, what do you wash your clothes with? (he walks by our washer/dryer to go to the bathroom)

8) Sarah, do you like oatmeal with milk?

Etc. Etc. Etc....I guess Oliver's preparing me for Luke in the future :)

Thanks Joel and Kendall for letting me watch your kiddos...It's been a good experience for me. I hope they feel loved.