We’ve been doing our best to hang in there through this bitterly cold and snow-filled winter, although I admit many of my thoughts lately have been consumed dreaming of warmer days when we can resume our daily trips to the park. I vowed to Jake that he’ll likely find me and the kids having picnic lunches outside every single day. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?!
Until I can post those picturesque photos of green grass and the triple stroller in all its glory, I’ll catch you up with what’s been going on lately.
Baylen is learning how fun it is to have sisters. He loves making them laugh, and using their toys fully knowing he looks ridiculous in them. 
When he’s not chasing her around with his vacuum cleaner, Baylen loves cuddling up next to Minka. They’re best buds. 
Again, just loving the interaction between Bay and the girls. He loves imitating their army crawl and often stops to give them a hug. As always, when one sister gets a squeeze, so does the other. It’s pretty cute how he tries to keep things fair.
As much as he loves his sisters, there are times when a dude just needs his space. He’s discovered a safe place is on the stairs, where the babies can’t get him (yet). He’ll often bring his extra special toys to higher ground.
Another thing that’s reserved for when Emersyn and Mckinley aren’t around is painting. He loves it and it’s been our saving grace this winter!
There’s also been lots of singing going on. Baylen like to accompany with his guitar and his favorites are Wheels On The Bus and Itsy Bitsy Spider. (Don’t mind the laundry strewn all over the floor. Just keeping it real.)
When the temps are warm enough, our little man is sent out to release some energy whenever we get a chance! He LOVES helping Daddy shovel and make snowmans!
These girls may still look itty bitty, but don’t be fooled. They’re on the move, army crawling all over the place and starting to pull themselves up. It’s crazy to think they’re almost done with bottles and will be a year old next week!
They love the dishwasher. I certainly don’t want to rush anything along, but I am looking forward to the days when they can help me load it!
Their days of bathing in the sink are numbered, but after super messy meals we still sneak them in sometimes!
Emmy girl loves to stand. It won’t be long until she’s chasing big brother up the stairs.
Mckinley Jo scoots anywhere and everywhere on her bottom. We’re talking one end of the house to the other…I really need to capture it on video before she outgrows it. She has no interest in standing whatsoever, for now you’ll find her “organizing” anything within a scoot’s reach. 
Mckinley cracks up whenever Minka comes close to her high chair. Such a sweetie.
I think we all probably had things we said we’d never do when we had kids. For me, one of them was never letting my living room be overtaken with plastic crap. Well, when these two started to move that was quickly thrown out the window. We welcomed this AMAZING playyard which has been my sanity. And, even though it does take up a good chunk of the room, the toys are actually more contained now. A Catch 22 I suppose.
It’s pretty adorable watching them play house together, until I hear a screech from the kitchen due to toy stealing…let the drama begin! 
Another big girl thing they’re doing these days is drinking out of sippy cups! Their little hands and arms were too small for the typical cups, so we opted for the Zoli Cups, which have straws and are spill proof. They caught onto them in a snap. I HIGHLY recommend them! You can find them on Amazon or Diapers.com. 
The last big change is Emersyn and Mckinley have switched to convertible car seats! This means we have a new look when we roll into Target. I actually have space to put groceries in the cart again!
Wherever you are, I hope you’re surviving winter as well! I hear there’s warmer temps on the horizon – just a little more persevering and those walks to the park will be here!
XOXO,
Amber
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
4 Comments
Love your sweet family and hearing about all the fun things keeping you entertained! 🙂 Hoping your snow goes away ASAP!
Oh my goodness–your family is so stinking cute! I couldn’t help but smile at laugh at all the photos! I have a 2-1/2 year old son and a 9-month old daughter so all of your comments about little man trying to find higher ground with his extra special toys, sending him outside to shovel with daddy, and having more room in the cart at Target all rang so true for me as well! Here’s hoping warmer weather is on the way! Stay warm!
We are dealing with snow days too. But we recently escaped to Florida for a bit. Love reading about your family adventures!
I am so with you on this awfully cold winter. We are so done with this cold, I need spring. I can’t wait to be able to walk to the playground again.
I love your target picture. I haven’t attempted Target alone with my girls yet, but soon. I am so ready. Target is a magical place. 🙂