Xmas Part II

My parents usually have their yearly Xmas party, not this year. Since we have taken over their house, there really was just no room. So, we changed things up a bit this year. After our morning of opening presents, Aunt Caroline and Uncle Dave stopped by. Auntie always finds the coolest presents and this year she did not disappoint. The babies received really pretty eating bowls and lots and lots of cool toys. I also got some great stuff ;)

Then Grandma Mary came by. The babies once again were spoiled. We got some great toys and savings bonds. Here's a snapshot with Grandma.

Afterwards, we ate a yummy dinner of my fav: ham, sweet potato casserole and other yummy treats.

This time it was our turn to go. Off to the G's house we went! Our little buddy Dominic was there. He was born one day after the triplets. What a great little guy! We hope that our kiddos will be the bestest of friends.

Here's some pics including one of Uncle Bob who was later roped into a feeding. Ladies, we're hoping to teach him a thing or two, just in case ;)

Merry Christmas!

Well, it wasn't our typical Xmas morning, aside from the fact that we now have triplets, we are still at my parents and waiting for our house to be done. There was still a tree full of presents to be opened. We waited to do the 9am feeding and then brought a blanket and Boppies to the tree. The babies were elated! Not really, mostly they were enjoying their full bellies and all the pretty lights.

The babies received some great toys and beautiful outfits. Here are just some of the many pics we took.

Our family

My beautiful girl

Guess who's crying?

Look what Santa left us!

Grandma & Gramps with the babies

Over the river and through the woods...

to Great Grandmother's house we go! Our 1st Christmas Eve! Of course there was more snow and cold, cold temperatures. That didn't dampen our spirits. We got the kiddos dressed, into the car, and arrived around 5:30pm. Grandma Cleys' house was beautiful! The tree was enormous and just filled with presents (it ended up that most of them were for the babies!) The fire was going and once I sat down, I almost fell asleep.

The babies were very good, for the most part. We had some major spit-up issues, but that didn't stop the family from holding them. Even Uncle Jeff had his turn. This was the first time many of the family has seen the kids, so everyone was super excited. Abby was so calm and wide-eyed. The boys needed their paci's. Grandma loved the book that we made her.

The babies received SO many great gifts including: pool inflatables, slide, picnic table, savings bond, stroller toys, outfits, teddy bears, etc. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the family.

Thanks everyone!

Great Grandma with Josh

All the grandchildren and the babies

Our traditional Jack crying pose

4 Month Check-Up

Well, can you believe that it's been 4 months since these wonderful babies entered our world? Everyday brings new discoveries for babies and us. We absolutely love seeing them grow and watching them smile.

Their personalities are definitely coming out!

Even the snow couldn't stop us from our visit. We were greeted at the pediatrician's office with our usual admiring gazes. Many triplet moms don't like the attention; I love it! The staff at the office is amazing. They are so kind and genuinely interested in the babies.

First up on the scale was our big boy Josh. He didn't disappoint. He came in at a whopping 15 lbs. 3 oz.!!! Next up was Abs, she weighs 14 lbs. 2 oz. and guess what? The exact same weight for Jack. Will they ever catch up to their brother?

They are all on the growth charts with the percentages and doing great. All are around 24 inches long.

Next came the dreaded shots. They were receiving an RSV (Synagis) shot and another. The RSV is almost like a flu shot. It's highly recommended for preemies. They also got a Rotovirus drink that protects against stomach viruses. Wow, last couple of times there was a bit of a scream after the injection and then they were quiet. Not this time! They were wailing. I felt SO bad for them. Soon, they finally calmed down and were examined. By the time we were making our next appt., they were passed out in their car seats. Another patient was astounded that they were all sleeping at the same time. That happens often.

Back for more shots next month. We also got some free samples of formula. We're trying a new soy formula because of their reflux and gas. Wish us luck!

Go, Josh, Go!

Woo hoo! My little Joshie Bear achieved another milestone 3 days ago. He rolled from his stomach onto his back! My dad and I were just about to start the 5 pm feeding when I put him on his belly. He then did this funny kick thing and rolled over. I was stunned! I put him on his belly and he did it again. Not a fluke! Just then Chris came home and saw it before he left for his trip.

I tried again 2 days ago for my mom, but he just cried. We tried again yesterday and sure enough, he was a rollin!

The other two don't have the strength just yet. Abs is pretty close. Jack just enjoys the view from his belly.

I will try to post a video as soon as I learn how to.

Zzzzzzz's

Well, we reached a milestone last night. Josh and Abby made it from the 9pm feeding to the 5am feeding! It was not without a struggle. Here's how our night went: The babies all ate around 4-5 oz. at the 9pm feeding, and we went to bed without our usual setting of the alarm clock for 1am.

Abby was a bit fussy, so it was off to the good old swing for her. I love that thing! Can't they make one for adults? And I'm not talking a hammock where I have to push myself. I want an all out fully padded, fully functional swing complete with music and some kind of adornment to look at.

Anyway, Jack woke us up around 2am. Now, we figured this would happen. We think he is somewhere around 1lb. smaller than the other 2 (we go in next week to find out). As soon as he started fussing, we whisked him out of that room for fear of waking up the other 2. The only sound you heard was Jack sucking away at his bottle. When he was finished we quietly put him in the crib.

Throughout the night, Abby was a bit fussy here and there, but she made it! We were so excited when we were awakened by Josh at 5am. I don't think he realized that he even missed a feeding. We let Jack sleep and fed him another bottle around 7am while the others slept. Confused yet??? We were!

Let's see how tonight goes. I know it will take some getting used to. I'm hoping Jack will catch up to his brother and sister eventually. I'm also hoping that, slowly, Josh and Abby will up their volume at 9pm. We wouldn't want our chunkers to lose any weight!

Santa Visit and Cookie Exchange

Yesterday was quite the busy day. We started off with bath time and dressed them in their Xmas-esque clothing. Without Chris here, it was all up to me. I put them into their car seats WITH bibs on. Of course, bib or no bib, the clothes were spit up on. My mother-in law and mom were in tow. With 3 car seats in our 4Runner, one of them had to sit in the wayyyy back. Imagine the looks we got when I opened up the hatch and out pops a grandma!

Our destination was the park district where a multiples Xmas party was being held (I'm part of a multiples mom's group). We were the first to arrive (for once) and had to wait. Sure there were crafts and such, but not much you can do with 3 1/2 month olds. Being that this was a multiples party with identically clad twin toddlers as far as the eye could see, I was still being bombarded with questions. I felt like I was on some kind of quiz show. I think I'll just make a shirt with these facts:

• their birth weights were 3.3, 3.4, and 3.9 lbs.
  
• we spent just over 30 days in the NICU
  
• they are 3 1/2 months old
  
• their current weights are somewhere in the range of 12, 12, and 13 lbs.
  
• and don't be fooled, mommy uses a lot of hair dye to cover those grays
  
  
  Just in the nick of time (get it, Nick!) the big guy entered the room. Oh, the looks on the kids faces! Not mine of course, they were totally passed out. I was expecting some kids to run to their parents and cry. Even if mine were awake, throw old Santa some bottles and they'd be B.F.F.'s. The hosts were gracious enough to allow my babies to be the first up for pics. Here's our big moment. Can you feel the excitement???

You gotta think that Santa's lovin this!

In case you couldn't tell, the babies are fast asleep. Hey, at least they didn't snore.

Worthy of mention, Josh did make his presence known. As my mom was lifting him from Santa's lap, big boy decided to grab on to Santa's beard! We were that close to single-handedly exposing the guy! Could you imagine the chaos that would break out?! Notice how in Abby's pic, Santa is being extremely careful with his beard.

After one short hour we were off. Our next destination, Angie's house (next door to mine) for the Mother Daughter Cookie Exchange. The mom's dropped Abby and me of for this and took the boys home. I was so excited to be starting this tradition with Ab. Last year I went to the cookie exchange, but alas, I was on my own :(

We were an hour late, but Angie was kind enough to wait for the cookie exchange till we arrived. Our good friend Anola and her daughter Maddy were there. Abby was actually awake. Time absolutely flew by. I got my yummy cookies, chatted a bit, snapped some pics, and we had to go in time for the 5pm feeding.

Our hostesses

Abby and Anola

Mommy and Abs

All in all, it was a great day. Here's what I learned:

1. Don't put Josh in the middle seat (I had to bring in the base to get him out!)


2. A new outfit WILL get spit up on despite every effort I make.


3. Know your babies stats; you will be tested.


4. My sweet tooth is back with a vengeance after a short pregnancy hiatus.


5. No matter where I hide the cookies, Chris will find them!

Photo Shoot

Last night I was on my usual quest for that "perfect picture". It all started with baths (we only got peed on once), warming the kiddos up, and putting on their costumes, which I purchased for next to nothing. As if that doesn't sound difficult enough, here's a glimpse into our crazy photo shoot. Mind you, we try to take pics at least an hour before feeding so that they are up. We also have our typical "photo shoot room".

Here's how it started. You be the judge. See any frame worthy, serene, perfect pics?

Notice how Jack is EATING his pea pod?!

Okay, here's a couple more that we snapped. How's it looking?

Abby and Josh wailing.

Now Abby turns to Josh and wonders why he's crying.

What's that hand doing there? Look at Jack's hat!

Where is Jack's pea pod? Did he eat it?!

This is getting ugly!

I GIVE UP!!!!

What I've learned:

• Babies DO NOT LIKE HATS!!! At least not funny looking ones that slide down easily.
• No matter what time it is, they are not ready for pictures.
• There is no such thing as the perfect picture in my household.
  

What I've learned...so far

I was just reminiscing about these past couple of months. Chris and I have come SO far in our parenting skills. We've definitely had more good times than bad, and many memorable events. Here's just a few things that I have learned.

1. Sitting in a milk stained shirt and pants really has no effect on me.
2. Who knew a little butt could emit SO much gas!
3. Ahhh...the scent of a poopy diaper as opposed to just gas.
4. I have memorized pretty much every commercial out there!
5. I actually like the challenge of cleaning a poopy diaper to try and see how little wipes I could use (my record is 4).
6. Holding 2 babies at once isn't so bad.
7. I FINALLY learned that darn character's name on the diaper (Elmo's friend: Zoe).
8. Josh LOVES to pee in the bath tub.
9. Jack LOVES to pee in the bath tub.
10. Abby SOMETIMES pees in the bath tub.
11. When hysterically laughing at an outing to Jewel, I realized I really do get NO sleep.
12. Seeing my babies smile is the BEST feeling in the world!

Welcome!

I'm finally giving in and making a blog. Sure, I have wanted to do this for a long time, but I never thought I could pull it off. First of all, I'm not all that great at computers. Secondly, I'm not the best writer. That being said, I want to remind you that I am doing this strictly for telling our stories, posting pics, and jotting down important milestones that might otherwise be forgotten. So as I sit here in my milk stained clothing I want to start this blog with the past. We had a long run at the ISCU and I want to share pics and stories from that time. I hope you enjoy my blog. Let me know if I can improve on anything, lord knows I can.