first Shabbat; the stroller saga continues

This Friday saw yet another important first for the boys - the first time they were at a proper Shabbat dinner, even if their contribution consisted of sleeping and not making too much of a fuss.  The house was chosen very wisely - our friends R and J are not only observant, but also the proud parents of four wonderful kids, three of whom arrived on one day.  We figured - there is hardly a more multiple-friendly house than theirs.  The food was delicious as always, the company great.  Several hours later we left, well-fed, embraced, calmed, and bearing gifts and sage advice on not only dealing with multiples, but doing so with style and humor.

As another gift on the same night, we were visited by Y and J, another pair of friends, who just got into town.  They came over pretty much straight from the airport.  Their concern about needing a shower was alleviated immediately - there is hardly a more non-shower tolerant house in Portland than ours right now.  These days, if either of us can say with confidence that they showered in last 48 hours - that is a good thing!  Worry not, we do try to time those for the maximum benefit of those we visit or those who visit us.  Unannounced visits, however, carry an inherent olfactory danger.  You have been warned!  J and Y caught the tail end of a feeding, which they cheerfully observed.  They also got to see me clean up a famous Benjamin flood.  I hope that did not discourage them from procreating forever.  Just like in the old days, we drank wine till 4am, catching up and comparing notes.  After 4 Y and J went on to catch some sleep and plan their busy stay.  Alla and I figured on a short nap before the next feeding, but Zev decided otherwise and, not too sleepy yet, we faced the beginning of a new day.

The following ten hours, comprising the majority of the said day, were spent trying to catch up on some sleep, much with the help of Alla's mom who came over and helped.  By roughly 6pm we felt human enough to actually socialize, and went over to Victoria's.  We were greeted by many friends and for a time enjoyed star-status, as did the boys (who, pretty much, slept through it).

In other news, we now know what is up with the stroller and the various miss-matched pieces.  Turns out, we were sent a "plus" model of a stroller, pretty much unavailable in the US.  Which, of course, explains why none of the spare parts fit.  We are now in the process of talking to the seller, finding out what our options are, and answering the general question of "What the f@ck?!"