Its the Little Things...

Since I returned to blogging last summer, I realized that I don't always share the little things about life with five kids.  Some good, some bad, some indifferent.  I was thinking earlier today that I needed to post these things, not only for some of you to laugh or to smile, but also so that I could keep track of them myself.  Its also kind of an "update" on where we are today with each child.  With so much going on daily, its easy to not stop and recognize all the little things...

Here it goes:
Its really rewarding to see any of my kids achieve something for the first time.  Ally recently mastered putting a piece of "mail" in the little people mail truck and makes it play a song.  All 3 stop and dance to the song when she gets it to play, so very cute.  Any new skill acquired, big or small, makes a parent smile. 


The triplets love to pull hair.  Just ask any of us, including Joel and Seth.  And it hurts.  And they laugh as they walk away.  So not cool.


Izzy refuses to eat in a high chair if I am here.  They only way she eats is if I sit and put her in my lap.  I think its her way of telling me that I should take a break and eat with them. 


Leah and Seth love to put on plays (or "shows") for us.  Not only is it so very entertaining to watch them sing, dance and act, it gives me a good glimpse of where their imaginations go.  The other night, the performance was "The Knight and The Dragon".  Seth, the knight, fought off bad people.  When that didn't work, he called in the dragon, played by Leah.  In the middle of the play, they did a little song and dance.  Very creative.  And just think, they do this almost every day with a different story line.  I am so not that imaginative anymore.


Yes, the triplets all cry at the same time.  When Emmy freaks out, she has this high pitch scream that hurts every one's ears.  So when she does this, Izzy screams.  Once both of them are crying, Ally runs over to see what the fuss is, and always seems to choose that moment to fall and hurt herself.  This is a daily occurrence.  So when you see me, and they are all quietly sucking their pacis, just know it isn't always that peaceful.


Its really neat to watch the triplets really start to interact.  They are chasing each other, high fiving each other, and talking in their baby talk making each other laugh.  They give eachother kisses.  Its amazing to have this to watch every day.


Ally is the "getter."  She does really well finding every one's drinks, blankets and paci's when they need them.  She also loves to carry diapers to the trash can :)  Its nice to have a little helper!  She walks, runs and loves to chase Seth.  The two of them together are trouble!  He calls her the Ally Monster and she runs after him with her arms out in front.  Adorable that they love each other so much. 


Emmy is laid back.  At the pool, she will just sit and splash on the top stair.  The other two, think they are 5 and can already swim.  Its great that Emmy would rather just sit and observe before making up her mind to do something.  Emmy is just now walking.  She has great words, both signing and verbally.  She is patient.  Now, she steals a paci faster than any of the others, so don't let her fool you!


Izzy is my over attached, mommy must always be holding me, and I am going to test her every second just to be sure she's watching child.  She LOVES to dance and listen to music.  Her way of getting what she wants is to scream.  And loud.  She walks most of the time, unless she is clinging on to my leg.  She watches the other 4 and notices every move they make.  If they are trying something, she wants to be apart of the action.  Just be sure mommy is right there watching.  Now, if I am not here, she doesn't cry for her caretaker.  As soon as I walk in, she is at my feet demanding to be picked up. 


Seth is really funny.  Sometimes you wonder where he gets things. He has been asking a million questions lately about everything.  He also has had more energy than the rest of us combined.  No matter what, at the end of the day, as he settles into bed, he says, "mommy, can I have one more hug and kiss?"  And then tops it off with, "I love you mommy."  Not much can beat those words coming from your child.


Leah is very analytical.  She thinks things through.  If it doesn't make sense, she asks questions until it does make sense.  She loves to write.  She writes book after book.  Some simple with drawings so the babies can learn new vocabulary.  Some for Seth about cars or dinosaurs.  And then there are the books she writes with real story lines and a plot.  Her creative juices must flow all the time.  Her teacher this year sent me a note stating that he thinks she will be published someday.  She is becoming such a smart, talented, and thoughtful young lady.  We have really noticed her maturity over the last 6 months.  Her smile can make us all smile. 


Although some days I am so happy that I will never have to repeat, usually because of all the crying, whining, climbing, and just plain unhappy children, I stop and remind myself that I am so fortunate that these children are healthy enough to cry.  They are healthy enough to climb.  They are healthy enough to know how to express themselves.  And for that, I am grateful.  Still happy that the day is done, but grateful for health of all five. 


Its the little things that get me through...the glance from Leah letting me know she's happy to be helping...the laugh from Seth when something doesn't go right which makes me laugh instead of cry...the babies playing peek a boo with each other...the sound of baby feet chasing me in the kitchen while I scurry to fix lunch.  I don't want to forget how amazing the day can be when the moment is so hard. 

We move to PA on Saturday.  I'm in the final stages of getting things ready.  The movers are packing us, so I am just organizing.  I will try to write once we are settled in a bit.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as we go forward with this next phase in our journey as the party of seven. 

Never Say Never...

We will never have more than three kids.
We will never have multiples.
Joel will never work in an office job.
We will never move from Charlotte.


You would think we would know by now how saying never must make it true for us.  We have 5 kids.  We have a set of triplets.  Joel has accepted an office job...and its in Pennsylvania.


Yes, we are moving...are we crazy?  Maybe.  Packing up 5 kids and 2 dogs and moving to place where we don't know anyone sounds like we've lost our minds.  But we have our reasons...and the number one reason is to do what is in the best interest of our family.  Joel has been offered a great opportunity to advance his career, with long term potential and stability.  We just have to move.  We have looked at this every way you can, and although leaving the security of my home town is maybe the hardest thing I will have done to date, the reward outweighs the risk.  And yes, I do think this will be much harder than having triplets!


I have already started to pack up and organize...a move like this with 5 kids can't happen overnight.  Joel and I went to visit our new "home" and have secured a place to rent that will take us all, even our dogs!  The initial move will be a down size until we figure out what to do with our house here.  Renting will give us a chance to get to know the area and figure out where we need to be in the long run. 


All of us will be making some sort of sacrifice in this move.  Leah and Seth will be sharing a room.  My kitchen will be half the size of the one I am in now.  The babies will need to learn to be flexible with their awesome schedule.  And Joel, will have to work in an office.  These are minor inconveniences.  The most important thing for us as a family, is to be together. 


Again, without risk, there is no reward.  Without sacrifice, there is no long term gain.  Above all, our happiness, individually and as a family, come before everything. 

The "big" move happens in about 6 weeks.  We are able to stay and finish out the school year for both Leah and Seth.  Then have a couple weeks to enjoy the summer here.  Then we will be off on our new adventure.  I will do my best to blog along the way, however, I haven't had much time to blog over the past months as this all came about.  But like I said, never say never!

Just Give Me My Minute

I have been on a consignment spree...selling off baby clothes, swings, bottles...if it has an association with a baby under 12 months, its gone.  Great, right?

Well, give me a minute. 

When you are a little girl, you dream of your wedding day.  Maybe you dream of a wedding on the beach, or on a hillside with just you and your husband to be.  Maybe you dream of a church filled of people.  You think about the dress...ballroom gown...mermaid gown...hair up?  Hair down?  I remember wanting everyone to have a good time and being surrounded by those who cared most for me.  I had that day.  It was the perfect celebration for us.

When you are a little girl, if you want to be a mom, you start dreaming of having children.  You play silly games to see how many kids you will have and if it will be boys or girls.  What will it be like...what will they look like...and what you will name them?  Of course you have a boy's name and a girl's name.  And of course the boy will come first and the girl will come second.  No one tells you the hardships of conceptation, or the pain of child birth (thank goodness!) and you are able to create a "perfect" family in your imagination.  Then, you have a child...and all you want is for the baby to be healthy.  Who cares if its a boy or girl?  Who cares if everyone approves of the name?  You are a mother.  You now have that dream fulfilled.  Well, kind of.  Many women go on to have one more, some two more and me, well, we all know by now I have five total.  My dream of having children has been accomplished five times over...I AM a mom, a caregiver, a cook, a maid, a teacher, a referee, a scheduler, a coach, a cheerleader, an advocate.  

I am cleaning up and packing up baby toys, accessories, and clothes.  Should I hold on to this because it was Leah's favorite rattle?  Those first pair of Robeez shoes, keep or sell?  Their first birthday outfits...fold them up and put them in a box to keep.  That toy that randomly goes off in the night, its time to pass that on to someone else!  That receiving blanket sure got a lot of use...I will pack it away and pass it on to one of the kids for their baby.  Hold on, WHAT?  Their kids?  Really?  Is that the next step?  I know we have preschool, tee ball games and middle school dances, high school drama, learning to drive and with any luck, 5 college tuition's in between...but I am packing these baby things up for their kids?  How did I get here?  Where did the time go?  Am I really done with babies in the house?

Short answer, yes.  I will not be having any more babies.  That's realistic.  But I do want to reserve the right to be sad about it sometimes.  Although I had complications with my pregnancies, and being pregnant wasn't always fun, I look in the eyes of my five and know that every second was worth it and having them has completed me in so many ways that I never knew.  And to know that I won't be giving life to another being again, well, it makes me sad. I know other moms who say they are glad to be on this side of having children, but I will miss the excitement and overwhelming joy you have the first time you hold your baby.  It doesn't matter if its your first baby, or your fifth baby, the first time you hold that life in your arms your heart finds more love than you ever thought possible.

I'm keeping a box of things...OK, I have 2 boxes, that I can not let go of.  Too many memories.  I will find my way through this transition...no longer having children...becoming the mom who's "done"...but I am not going to lie, I am not sure I had prepared myself to be "that mom".  And I think its taken since the triplets birth to realize it.  I smile and nod when people say, "you must be done having kids," responding only with a look.  Its reality. We are "done".  Just give me my minute.

The five outside on a warm winter's day

Some people just have to say something...

Through this experience I have learned that many people don't think before they speak, and if they do and still say it, then they must be miserable people to be around.  Others, find just the right way of phrasing their thoughts.  Its all about how you approach us...and really, if you feel the need to say "bless your heart" or think for a second I need your pity, please please refrain yourself. 

I have talked with many other mom's who have multiples and we all feel the same way.  We all feel blessed to have our children, no matter how many we have, we are grateful for our families.  All of us have experienced many people who don't get "it" and feel like they need to pray for us or just shake their heads in a state that makes us know that they are overwhelmed by watching us.  Yes, there are days when all five kids are a mess.  There are days when everyone needs a nap.  And other days that are peaceful with true harmony in our house.  We all have good days and bad days, and should be entitled to them.  But as an outsider watching me with my children, please only say things that are helpful and keep your opinions to yourself.  We all are different (thank goodness) and have a different outlook on life and family.  Just because watching me with my children scares you, doesn't mean you need to assume I am scared or overwhelmed.  Sometimes, I just really want to scream and tell the world "I AM HAPPY AND YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME!"  Well, ok, that doesn't sound happy, but  really, we have things under control.  Parenthood is journey.  Ups and downs.  Curves and straight lines.  We get it.  Its not always easy.  Its not always fun.  But we are HAPPY and don't try to tell me otherwise.  Your unhappiness with your life should not be projected onto my happy life.

I really can't stress enough how for me to take out all five kids, I have to prepare myself mentally to deal with with others comments.  When you have one or two kids, you fear the "looks" you will get when your child screams in the store or runs the opposite direction.  When you have 5 kids, you start not to fear the looks, but the fact that people now approach you and tell you what they think of your family.  I am pretty good at taking what people say with a grain of salt.  But its when the 31st person stops to say, "bless you, dear" that always puts me over the edge.  I only respond with a smile and a nod, moving on quickly.  The worst is when Leah hears the comments that are borderline insulting.  Because then, I have to explain to her why "that lady felt the need to tell me how crazy I must be to have all these kids."  Leah will also say, "what are fertility drugs?"  Good times, I tell 'ya. 

I often walk away and tell myself that what that person said, is only a reflection of who they are, not who I am.  I am strong.  I am smart.  I am capable of managing my life.  So the people who choose to pity me, I in turn pity you.  I have said this in previous blogs, but I could not imagine my life without my five children.  Each of them bring a different attribute to this family and without it, we would not be whole. 

I wanted to share some of the comments we have had while out with the children...sometimes, when we are out with just he babies, I get these comments.  I can't imagine what they would have said if all five kids were with me.

Here are a few statements that did not make me smile- with my response in my head in italics:

• "I would have shot myself if I learned that I was having triplets" my response should have been "that's a horrible thing to say, and if I said the same to you about having your life, how would you feel?"
• "You have your hands full" I don't need that pointed out and things are in control, so what's the point in saying it?
• "You poor thing"  not really, I feel fortunate to have 5 healthy happy children!
• "They would have had to peel me off the ceiling if they told me I was having triplets, what a nightmare!"  it might be your nightmare, but its not mine
• "You should have known this would happen when you take those fertilization drugs..."  Um, are you kidding?  Not that its your business, but no one thinks that this will happen, drugs or no drugs!

On the other hand, here are a few that made me smile:

• "What a true blessing"
• "Your days must be filled with happiness as you take care of those darling babies"
• "God must have thought you all were amazing parents to give you such a gift"
• "That is the most amazing thing I have ever seen"
• "You all are going to be so wealthy with love"
• "I bet the joy in your house is overwhelming"
• "Wow, you all must be an amazing family to be blessed with so many beautiful happy children."

Go Out There and Make It A Great Day

How come when you have just one baby, it is easy to figure some things out?  You just know when its time to drop a bottle.  You just know when it is time to go to one nap.  As a mom, you should just know it.  I am in the process of figuring out what these babies need now...but its hard when two are ready for something and the third is not.  Or when one likes to eat anything, one only wants the same thing and the other will only eat new things if I am holding her.  When they said, "there are three" and I had my moment (OK, 30 minutes) of sheer panic on the day of my ultrasound, these were the things I jumped too in my head.  How do you care and keep 3 babies happy, on the same schedule and stay sane???  I have had moments where I just think to myself, "just go back to the basics."  Go throught the checklist...are they teething?  Are they overwhelmed with too many choices?  Are they needing a change in environment?  Do they need their sippy's?  What about a diaper change?  Is it time for a little snack?  Simple questions that sometimes seem to disappear from my mind when they are fussing.  Basics.  Usually one of the answers does the trick.

Today, I am trying a one nap schedule.  I am a firm believer in the best way to change up a schedule is to distract.  We woke up a little late today, scurried to get Leah to school and the babies fed, and Seth, well, he had to be a big boy and dress himself.  Once everyone was where they needed to be, I took the babies to Target instead of a nap.  They did amazingly well, considering all the carts that would hold 3 babies were in use by moms who only had on child, not strapped in and some who appeared to be at least 8 years old.  So I went through Target, two babies sitting in the big part of the cart, one in the seat, putting groceries under and some one top of the babies.  It went smooth, no screaming or crying...and it seemed to work as my distraction.  We came home, played a bit, had lunch, a bottle and down to nap at 12.  So I am thinking that if they sleep 2+ hours, this will be the change they need. 

But what shall I do tomorrow to distract?  I can't go to Target everyday (although it is tempting) and its not always nice enough to go do something outside.  See, when you have one baby and a change is in need, you can hold them and give them your undivided attention.  When you have three, there must be a plan.  And if there is no plan, then you are out numbered by unhappy babies.  But I am one who used to think that plans were over rated and you should just go with "it."  There must be a balance.

I think back to when Leah was a baby and how much one on one mommy time she had.  We would go for walks, to the park, out to lunch with friends, to mommy and me classes...and I laugh that I thought it was hard.  Then Seth came along, and we had some one on one, but not as much as I did with Leah.  But I was able to do some of the same activities.  And now, when I think of the best way to distract and change their schedule it isn't as common sense.  What works for one baby, doesn't always work for three. 

I am sure I will figure it out without too much worry, I will take it as it comes and do the best with what I have to offer. Each new stage for the girls brings new challenges.  But it also brings new adventures.  The girls need to be exposed to the outside world.  They get so tired of the same toys, the same rooms, and even the same people.  So 2012 starts off with the promise of a routine switch up and fun filled play days with the girls...and I will do what I do best...go with my gut and be flexible with the daily challenges...

A friend of mine posted a quote on facebook recently on attitude.  It read something like "10% of life is what happens to you and the other 90% is how you respond".  So I am responding to this new challenge with "bring it on, girls!  I've got this!"  Each day is a different day, and I am the only one who can choose to make it a great day.  It may not be the day I anticipated, or the day I had planned, but I will make the best of it and try to teach my children that we may not be able to change what people say, do or react, but we can have control over our attitude.  Take on your challenges with a smile, go back to the basics to figure things out and, as my dad always said me growing up, "go out there and make it a great day!"

It's 2012?



Wow, 2012...its already the middle of January and I have neglected to write!  Let's catch everyone up to the latest since my last post....

Before Christmas break, Leah had a class party, Seth had a Christmas play, all the girls went to a tea party, there was a Panthers football game and of course, some last minute shopping! 

Then, Allyson, Elizabeth and Emerson turned ONE.  Holy cow, my babies are one!  We had a gathering, of about 40 to celebrate the occasion.  The girls wondered what the fuss was about, clinging on to me, Joel and my mom with all their might.  They did allow most of Leah and Seth's friends to hold them, but that was the extent of their willingness to be away from us.  We had fabulous cakes (which I couldn't cut into because they were too adorable, see picture below) and a toast to surviving the first year.  What a great time to be with family and friends and share our little joys with the group.

The too cute to cut cakes

Their first year was about survival.  Making sure everyone was fed, changed, clean and happy.  It was a tough year.  Any parent of triplet would agree that just making it through that year is a miracle.  Add two older children to the mix and you have, well, it could be called a little herd.  We have more grey hairs and had less sleep than most.  But we made it.  And with it we now have babbling, crawling, signing, laughing little wonders who make each hard moment of the past year disappear. 



Ally is ONE



Izzy is ONE



Emmy is ONE

Each day brings a new accomplishment.  All three can hold their own bottles (took a year to master, but hey, they got it!).  And soon those bottles will be a thing of the past.  All three pull up on furniture and cruise around a bit while holding on.  Ally is the only one who will just stand, not holding on to anything, and is days away from that much anticipated first step.  They each are getting a mouthful of teeth...requiring some extra holding on the days the teeth cut through.  There is less and less baby food, more grilled cheese and chicken by the day.  Although, little miss Izzy really must think she can grow and thrive on cheerios, puffs and maybe a little cheese when she's in the mood.  We take what we can get and are just happy to be where we are with our family.



Our Four girls



Oh yes, back to the final days of 2011...Christmas!  And Hanukkah!  Well, this year, it was one big event, so let's call it Christmukkah!  The big kids got most of their wish lists and the babies, well, they got little rockers from Santa...who shops at Ikea.  Joel and I got a gift too...we went away for about 36 hours to a little Inn and spa tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina.  We are so thankful for ALL that made our get away possible.  It was much needed and an awesome way to end 2011.

Christmas Day

So, here we are in 2012.  I think ahead to the summer...Seth will be 5, Leah will turn 8 and I will have 3 runners!  OK, so let's stay present...I am trying hard to take each day as it comes, focus on what really counts in life and be grateful for what I have.  And what I have is so much more than I could have dreamed.  So to all you out there who say, "how do you do it?" and "what's it really like, you can be honest..."  here is my answer: 

I just do it.  I look at my five kids and they are worth every second of every day and they deserve the best from me.  So I just do it.  Better yet, I live each minute with them, feeling their joys, crying their tears, and loving every laugh.  No one ever said that an amazingly wonderful life would be easy, but I can say that my amazingly wonderful life is worth living. 

Inside Fun

Outside Fun

Baking Christmas Cookies

Santa brought baby Caroline, the ONLY thing she HAD to have

Panther Pillow Pet, won't go to sleep without it!

Trying to get them all look is almost impossible!

Our Happy, Healthy Amazing Five

Things have been busy around here the past few months.  Three crawlers and two older kids with activities sure can make one tired!  I have had a lot to say, but no time to say it.  I thought today I would take a minute to reflect on the how grateful I am for all of my children.


Leah, our 7 year year old, never ceases to amaze me.  She is continuing her great school work, winning writing contests and reading with a frenzy.  One day, while she was reading one of her fairy books aloud, I was surprised at her ability to sound out words she didn't know and how quickly she could read a whole chapter.  Sometimes I think, we as parents, blink an eye and our children have grown and matured and we didn't recognize it.  I am so proud of the way she takes on new academic challenges.  Leah has been swimming since she was 4.  We knew she needed swim lessons because of her lack of fear of water and it scared me as a mom.  She would just walk into a pool and not think twice.  So, we turned that lack of fear into lessons on swim safety.  I had no idea that just three short years later, she would be such a talented swimmer.  This past summer, we enrolled her in one of Charlotte's best swim clubs.  She was not able to be a part of the fall swim team, but she soon mastered the breast stroke, which gives her the 3 strokes required to be on the upcoming spring team.  She is proud of herself and so excited to start on the journey of swim competition. Joel and I are enjoying watching her athleticism grow and become involved in such a great lifetime sport.  Leah is also so sweet with her sisters, loving on them as if they were her own.  She has such a big heart and it makes us so proud. 

Seth, our 4 year old, is into everything baseball, football and soccer.  This past fall, he played soccer for the first time, scoring goal after goal once he learned the game.  He wasn't aggressive and was not sure about taking the ball from other kids, but he learned about being on a team and the fundamentals of the game.  He told us that he would like to play t-ball in the spring, because when he grows up in wants to be a Cubbie, meaning a Chicago Cubs player, Joel's favorite team.  We are looking forward to watching him learn that game and seeing him in action.  Last week, we went to his parent/teacher conference at pre-school.  It was such a pleasure to hear the wonderful things his teacher had to say about him.  Seth listens and pays attention.  He uses his imagination and plays well with others.  He is on track to knowing everything he should know to be on target when he enters into kindergarten next year.  I feel so blessed that he impresses his teachers with his soft gentle soul.   Seth is funny and caring.  He says some of the funniest things...just yesterday he was giving me a hard time about something and I said, "you know Seth, Santa can see you and he is not happy that you are being so grumpy."  He replied, "oh no he is not...I can't see his little eye so he can't be watching me."  Where kids get some of these things, I will never know.  It always a treat to see what funny thing he is going to say next.  He brings us so much joy.

Ally, the oldest triplet, reminds me of Leah as a baby.  She was the first to crawl and is the leader of the pack.  She pulls up on everything and is starting to cruise the furniture.  She babbles all the time, clearly having so much to say.  She isn't afraid to take a toy from her sisters and crawl away with it.  She will try any new food I give her and dances to all music.  She is one to keep an eye on as she has little fear (will turn over a laundry basket and climb on top in a heartbeat) and will attempt just about anything she sets her mind too.  She is the most demanding of the three, most strong willed of the three and seems to be one step ahead of Izzy and Emmy. 

Izzy, the middle triplet, is strong willed, but lacks some strength.  She'd love to keep up with Ally's ability to cruise and she watches her all the time.  She just needs a little more muscle...she is the smallest of the three, a whole pound behind Ally.  She loves being on my hip and seeing the world from above.  She is the pickiest eater, only wanting baby food, goldfish, puffs and cheerios.  She has this grin that would make anyone smile back and wiggle dance that is just hilarius.  When she is mad, she's mad and when she is happy, she is happy.  There is no in between.  She loves to show off and smile for a camera.

Emmy, the baby of the babies, acts like the baby of the family.  If someone takes a toy, she just sits there and cries. When she pulls up, she doesn't realize she can sit down, so she screams until you help her.  She is the most patient of the three, often waiting to be fed last because she can entertain herself until its her turn.  She will sit for an hour with her baby MP3 player and sings along to music.  She loves to wave hello and gives funny looks to you just to make you laugh.  She is the most easy going and will go with the flow.  She also smiles for a camera and sits still for a picture.  She will try new food, only when I am holding her, but she still tries.  Emmy also is our best cuddler of the three, she loves for Joel to hold her before bed and have some daddy time.

The three together are so fun to watch.  They crawl to each other, pat each other on the back, and wave hello to each other.  The switch paci's and sippy cups all the time and know they are doing it.  The seem to travel in a pack, if one heads for the kitchen, the other two are soon to follow.  They share toys fairly well for babies and seem to understand that they have to take turns.  Not that it makes them happy, but they seem to get it.  Their personalities are showing some individuality, but they also are similar in so many ways.  I am so lucky to spend so much time watching them develop into these amazing little people.  They still look very similar: same build, same eyes, same hair.  I can tell them apart easily and so can Joel, but strangers have a hard time seeing any difference. 

As we fast approach their 1st birthday, I look back and feel so fortunate that they are so healthy and overall, I could not have asked for things to be this wonderful.  I am thankful that Leah and Seth continue to be such fabulous siblings and both have the ability to adapt to all the change we've had in the past 18 months.  They both excel in school, are active in extracurriculars and play such an important role in our party of seven. 

I feel like every time I write, it turns into a novel, but I guess to give an update on 5 kids takes a lot of time.  I hope to post some pictures of their first birthday...only 2 weeks away...and blog again soon.  Wishing everyone a safe holiday season and I hope you all find the love and joy in your lives as we have found in ours.