Week 27 and FOOD!

When last we spoke, the babies had been to the doctor and received a whole host of vaccinations.  In previous visits, the vaccinations have not been too traumatic, but this time there were some after-effects.  No fever or real sickness, but Miss Caroline was not enjoying life on Tuesday.  It was wall-to-wall screaming with red eyes overflowing with tears.  And the saddest part was the absence of that trademark Caroline smile.  When she wasn't crying, she had a vacant, faraway stare in her eyes.  (To be fair, the stare came after we remembered she might be in pain and we should give her a little Tylenol, so maybe that was a side effect of the drugs).  

Wednesday was slightly better, which was good because we had a big day planned.  In addition to the normal excitement of diaper changes and feedings, all the babies got baths as soon as Mommy got home! (Yes, I admit, the babies often go a full week between baths.  This is not to say that they don't get frequent wipedowns, but the whole tub/towel thing is a little much to manage on a daily basis, and the hours after I get home are often filled.)  After baths, they got dressed in "outdoor clothes" to go to their first interview.

That's right, an interview.  As six month olds.  I should've had Caroline wear her little suit from Cousin Paula ... next time.

Enough people told us that we ought to sign the babies up with a talent agency that we though, what the heck? we'll give it a try.  What could it hurt, right?  Well, the first agency we submitted pictures to called us back within a week and a half of getting the babies' pictures and scheduled an "interview".  This consisted of taking some "test" pictures of all three babies to see how they deal with a photos-by-a-stranger environment.  The agent/photographer wants us to come back in a few weeks with the boys dressed identically, as that is apparently likely to get them a little more work.  Caroline perked up with that big smile and the agent got some cute pictures of her.  

And that's that - the Salvateenies have been offered representation contracts.  Let's hope Joe doesn't become a stage father! I wonder if we can put anything they might actually earn in a tax-deferred college fund account.  Any financial experts out there who can advise us?

When we got home, we took advantage of their good moods and nice clothes for their Week 27 pictures.

Caroline wants you to notice how much longer her legs are now than Myrtle's

There's that smile we were missing!

Caroline pushed Myrtle out of the way

But Max saved her

And provided a little TLC

Three smiling babies (I'm sure Myrtle is smiling too)

Caroline's on-and-off behavior continued all week.  She woke up screaming a few mornings, and wouldn't quiet down until she was held and cuddled - not convenient when it's time to feed one of the other babies.  To be fair, the boys were amazingly good natured about putting up with her meltdowns and waiting while Daddy attended to her.  Today she hung out in the Jumperoo for a few HOURS - not taking any chances once she found something she liked!

Speaking of the Jumperoo - Daniel is really the master of it - his are the feet that actually touch the bottom.

(See that phone book behind him?  That's what we use when Caroline's in the Jumperoo)

 Friday afternoon it was finally time to start feeding "solid" foods.  We were instructed to start with rice cereal, which is not really what I would classify as "solid" - 1 part cereal flakes to 3 parts formula makes for thicker formula, delivered on a spoon.

Max was having a bad patch, yelling, but we persevered.

Daniel did slightly better:

Though from these pictures it does kind of look like he's not sure about what we're doing to him.

Caroline didn't seem to take to it too well at first, but after a while she got the hang of it and even seemed to like it a little:

(and in case you're wondering, I fed them during the video portion of the evening!)